Contraceptive methods and devices
Natural methods of contraception are used without any modern devices.
In the rhythm method, a female keeps a record of her menstrual cycle. If her menstrual cycle is normal, she can guess the appropriate dates of sexual intercourse. Normally, the menstrual cycle is of 28 days (26 to 32 days). the safe period is started from the 1st day to the 9th day. Then 10th to 20th days are fertile and risky for sexual intercourse without using any artificial device. The remaining days till menstruation after the 20th day are also safe for sexual intercourse. This is also called the calendar method.
In the withdrawal method, a male takes out his penis from the vagina and does not ejaculate the semen inside it. this reduces the chance of meeting the sperm and ovum produced by male gametes and female gametes.
In the cervical mucus method, like in the calendar method, a female identifies her safe and unsafe periods by examining her cervical mucus. In the unsafe period, the mucus is thin, stretchable, and slippery when felt by the two fingers.
All these natural methods are hard to practice and less effective.
a. Temporary methods
This method is useful for delaying first pregnancy and birth spacing. This method is for both males and females. Condom is used by males whereas pills, for tablets, IUCD, Depo-Provera, Norplant, and Femidom are for females. These devi are described briefly below
Condom
Condom is used by males to prevent conception. It is made of thin and firm rubber. It prevents sperm to enter into cervix if a man applies it before sexual intercourse and thus prevents fertilization. The condom acts as a barrier for sperm to reach the ovum. male condom
Characteristics
- It is easy to use and inexpensive.
- It is more effective.
- It prevents sexually transmitted diseases if used properly and consistently.
Limitations
- it can be used only once.
- there is a chance of tearing sometimes.
- it can be allergic to some people.
Oral pills
It is one of the temporary contraceptive devices in the form of a tablet which is taken orally. It is known as "Gulab" and "Nilocon" in the market. The discharge or release of eggs does not occur when pills are taken regularly. As a result, fertilization does not happen.
characteristics
- It is effective if taken daily.
- It helps to continue menstruation.
- It does not make any obstacles to sexual intercourse.
Limitations
- It does not have its effect if taken irregularly.
- It may cause a headache to some females.
- consult a doctor before taking it.
- should not be used by patients having heart, liver, kidney diseases, and cancer.
Foam Tablet
It is known as the "Kamal Tablet" too. It is pushed down into vaginal canals about 10-15 minutes before sexual intercourse. It melts at the body temperature and forms a coat of foam to prevent the sperm from entering the womb.
Characteristics
- It is inexpensive.
- It is an effective device.
- It has no negative effect.
Limitations
- It is uneasy to use because it should be kept in the vaginal canal before each intercourse.
- The couple should wait for 10-15 minutes for intercourse after keeping the foam tablet in the vaginal canal, which is not always practical.
IntraUterine Contraceptive Device
Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device is a temporary device kept in the uterus. It is considered a more reliable device. It is found in various forms such as Loop, Spiral, Copper-T, etc. But, copper-T is used more commonly nowadays. So, it is discussed here on copper-T.
It is made up of plastic wrapped by a metal wire. It is inserted into the uterus or 
the help of a special instrument. It can only be inserted by a doctor or a train% health worker. It is 90-95 percent effective.
Characteristics
- it lasts for 10 to 12 years and does not require use frequently as other temporary devices.
- One can be pregnant by removing it when someone needs to have the next baby.
Limitations
- Irregular menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen may occur at the beginning.
- Sometimes, it can come out itself.
- It should be removed right away if, in case, menstruation does not occur on time.
Depo-Provera injection
This device is also called a three-month injection or Sangini. This is a temporary method used by females for spacing children. It is an injection given into the arm or thigh muscle every three months. It should be taken within 7 days of menstruation. It suppresses depo Provera the ovary and stops ovum formation. It prevents sperm from entering into tr enter the uterus by thickening the mucus in the cervix as well as helps to detach ti fetus in the uterus.
Characteristics
- 99 percent effective.
- it is injected, other devices are not needed to use for 3 months. used by hypertensive and diabetic patients too.
limitations
- Some women can have abdominal pain, headache, and weight gain.
- May have irregular menstruation and the possibility of heavy bleeding.
Norplant
Norplant is a reliable temporary contraceptive device for females. Six thin, small capsules are inserted into the inner side of the arm within 7 days of menstruation. It acts in the ovary and stops the release of eggs. the excretion of mucus in the cervix and prevents sperm from entering into the uterus. Hence, conception does not occur.
Characteristics Norplant
- 99.5 percent effective.
- is accepted, it works for five years.
- can be pregnant by removing it when they want a child.
Limitations
- Irregular menstruation may occur in someone.
- Requires frequent check-ups and it is not available everywhere.
- It cannot be used by patients having liver diseases, cancer, smoker, and women over the age of 35.
Femidom (Female condom)
Femidom is a temporary device used by women for contraception. It is known as the female Condom. The female condom is a strong, transparent sheath that lines the vagina to create a barrier against sperm. It prevents sexually transmitted infections as well. It is female made of thin polyurethane.
vasectomy
The vasectomy or male sterilization is a permanent method to prevent conception. A small incision is done near the testicle to cut the vas deferens by tying up both ends of the tube, which prevents to excrete the sperm and contraception will be made permanent.
Characteristics
- Permanent method of contraception.
- It does not have any effect on health and so provides satisfaction
- • It can be done simply by minor surgery.
- The condom should be used for a couple of months if someone needs sexual relations after the operation.
- It is only useful for those who do not want children anymore.
It is a permanent method of female contraception. It is done by a small surgery in the part of the lower abdomen where the fallopian tubes are cut and tied. It should be done after 45 days of delivery or within eight days of menstruation. Even if a woman is using any other contraceptive devices, it can be done anytime.
Characteristics
- It is a permanent method.
- It does not have any effect on health and sexual satisfaction.
laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is also considered as a permanent contraceptive method for females. A small operation is done in the abdomen and the fallopian tube is tied up as shown in the figure. This operation should be done after 30/40 days of delivery or within five to eight days of menstruation.
Characteristics
- No need to use any other devices after doing it.
- No negative effect is seen on sexual satisfaction after doing it.
Emergency contraception
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Emergency contraception is used to prevent unwanted I-pill pregnancy in very rare cases. It is used when unsafe sex is performed. Sexual intercourse without using contraception can result in unwanted pregnancy and this method can prevent the problem. It may cause negative effects if used frequently. Emergency contraception is to be performed in the i-pill following conditions. If the sexual intercourse is performed without using contraceptive devices. 
If there is a failure in using contraceptive devices (tearing of a condom, forgetting to take regular oral pills, etc).