Contraception
There are mechanical, chemical, surgical and natural contraceptive methods used to prevent a pregnancy.
Mechanical
| Example | Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Male condom | A barrier that prevents sperm entering the vagina. | Easily obtained. Protects against STIs (e.g. HIV). | Unreliable if not used properly. |
| Female condom | A barrier that prevents sperm passing up the female reproductive system. | Easily obtained. Protects against STIs (e.g. HIV). | Unreliable if not used properly. |
| Example | Male condom |
|---|---|
| Method | A barrier that prevents sperm entering the vagina. |
| Advantage | Easily obtained. Protects against STIs (e.g. HIV). |
| Disadvantage | Unreliable if not used properly. |
| Example | Female condom |
|---|---|
| Method | A barrier that prevents sperm passing up the female reproductive system. |
| Advantage | Easily obtained. Protects against STIs (e.g. HIV). |
| Disadvantage | Unreliable if not used properly. |
Chemical
| Example | Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Contraceptive pill | Taken regularly by the female. Prevents ovulation by changing hormone levels. | Very reliable. | Female needs to remember to take the pill. Side effects include weight gain, mood swings or an increased risk of blood clots. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Contraceptive implant | A small tube placed under the skin of the upper arm. Releases hormones slowly over a long period of time. Prevents ovulation. | Very reliable. Can work for up to 3 years. | Does not protect against STIs. Can prevent menstruation. |
| Example | Contraceptive pill |
|---|---|
| Method | Taken regularly by the female. Prevents ovulation by changing hormone levels. |
| Advantage | Very reliable. |
| Disadvantage | Female needs to remember to take the pill. Side effects include weight gain, mood swings or an increased risk of blood clots. Does not protect against STIs. |
| Example | Contraceptive implant |
|---|---|
| Method | A small tube placed under the skin of the upper arm. Releases hormones slowly over a long period of time. Prevents ovulation. |
| Advantage | Very reliable. Can work for up to 3 years. |
| Disadvantage | Does not protect against STIs. Can prevent menstruation. |
Surgical
| Example | Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Vasectomy | Sperm tubes are cut preventing sperm entering the penis. | Virtually 100% reliable. | Difficult or impossible to reverse. |
| Female sterilisation | Oviducts are cut preventing fertilisation. | Virtually 100% reliable. | Difficult or impossible to reverse. |
| Example | Vasectomy |
|---|---|
| Method | Sperm tubes are cut preventing sperm entering the penis. |
| Advantage | Virtually 100% reliable. |
| Disadvantage | Difficult or impossible to reverse. |
| Example | Female sterilisation |
|---|---|
| Method | Oviducts are cut preventing fertilisation. |
| Advantage | Virtually 100% reliable. |
| Disadvantage | Difficult or impossible to reverse. |
Natural
| Example | Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Rhythm method | Sexual intercourse is avoided around the time of ovulation. | No chemicals are used. | Not as reliable as other methods, especially if the menstrual cycle is irregular. |
| Example | Rhythm method |
|---|---|
| Method | Sexual intercourse is avoided around the time of ovulation. |
| Advantage | No chemicals are used. |
| Disadvantage | Not as reliable as other methods, especially if the menstrual cycle is irregular. |
The natural method is chosen by some groups opposed to contraception for religious or ethical reasons.