Contraception or Birth Control Mrs Teo CC (diagrams provided by Ms Angela Ng)

Family Planning by a couple refers to   limiting the number of children to have and spacing out the arrival of children made possible by practising birth control or contraception which prevents fertilisation (sperm and egg cannot meet) or ovulation or a fertilised egg from being implanted in the uterine lining

Contraceptive Methods Temporary Methods Permanent Methods (couples cannot have any more children in future, very difficult to reverse) (couples can have children when they stop using the methods)

Temporary Contraceptive Methods 1. Use of spermicides - chemicals to kill sperm, in form of gels, aerosol foam or tablets, placed in vagina before intercourse, used together with diaphragm or condom - prevent fertilisation 2. use of contraceptive pills - prevent ovulation - prescribed by doctor 3. use of contraceptive devices, such as condoms and diaphragms (prevent sperm from meeting the egg and so prevent fertilisation) intra-uterine devices (prevent implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining

Contraceptive Devices The condom a rubber tube worn over erect penis to collect the semen, so no sperm can enter vagina can also prevent spread of sexually-transmitted diseases since impermeable to bacteria and viruses

Contraceptive Devices The diaphragm - dome-shaped rubber cap with elastic rim - inserted into top of vagina and placed over cervix - spermicide may be used together with it

Contraceptive Devices The intra-uterine device (IUD) - a coil or loop of plastic or metal, inserted into uterus - prevents implantation of embryo - needs to be fitted by a doctor

The Intra uterine device (IUD)

Permanent Contraceptive Methods vasectomy (male sterilisation) ligation (female sterilisation)  - a section from the middle of each sperm duct is cut and ends tied - prevents flow of sperm to urethra - semen released contains only fluid from sex glands - mid-portion of each oviduct is cut and ends tied - prevents released egg from travelling through oviduct to reach uterus