Nowadays, birth control or contraception is defined as a deliberate prevention of pregnancy. In this edition, we will briefly present the most common birth control methods in the modern days. This will form a background to a discussion on the Islamic ruling on them insha Allah in subsequent editions. Reversible and Irreversible These refer to a contraceptive that temporarily inhibits pregnancy such that when its use is discontinued, normal pregnancy becomes possible. Irreversible contraceptive is that which permanently inhibits pregnancy. For example, surgical birth control methods are usually irreversible once the surgery is performed, the male or female becomes permanently sterile/infertile. Other methods are either partially or fully reversible.
Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Non-hormonal contraceptives either prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg or prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg into the lining of the womb. Hormonal contraceptive introduce female sex hormones into the females body so as to inhibit ovulation. They are reliable and are usually reversible once treatment is discontinued. The most popular hormonal contraceptives is the pill, which is a small tablet which contains a combination of two sex hormones. Natural contraceptives methods These apply to purely natural means for birth control.
They include the rhythm method and early withdrawal. These methods cause no side effects, require minimum equipment and are inexpensive. The Rhythm- method: this refers to abstinence from sexual intercourse during the most fertile phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This period lasts from five days before ovulation to two days after ovulation. Fertility period is determined by measuring the basal body temperature, monitoring the consistency of the cervical mucus or measuring the hormone levels in the urine. In typical use, the rhythm method is 85% effective in preventing pregnancy. It requires a high level of commitment to consistently and accurately monitor fertility. Early Withdrawal Early withdrawal is the deliberate withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation so that sperm is not deposited in or near the vagina. This method of contraceptive is not quite effective, because the pre-seminal fluid may contain enough sperm to cause pregnancy. In addition, some sperm may leak before ejaculation, or aman may not have enough self-control to withdraw in time.
In typical use, withdrawal is 76% effective in preventing pregnancy. Spermicide’s Spermicides are jellies, creams, foams, suppositories, tablets, or films that contain a sperm-killing chemical. Spermicides used independently must be inserted in the vagina before each intercourse, and a woman should not douche for six to eight hours after intercourse. Spermicides used independently do not provide reliable contraception, because they are only 70% effective in preventing pregnancy. However spermicides can increase the effectiveness of certain barrier methods, such as the condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Spermicides may cause an allergic reaction, such as irritation of the vagina or penis. Barrier Contraceptive Method Barrier methods are nonhormonal methods that provide physical barriers to keep the sperm from entering the uterus.These include the male and female condoms, the diaphragm and the cervical cap.
Barrier methods cause few side effects, although some users may have allergic reactions to the rubber or spermicide that are associated with their use. Male Condom The male condom is a thin sheath, made of latex or animal membrane that fits over an erect penis. In typical use, male condoms are approximately 90% effective in preventing pregnancy. Diaphragm The diaphragm is a shallow, molded, cup of thin rubber or silicone with a flexible rim. It is inserted into the upper part of the vagina so as to cover the cervix (neck of the womb). It is held in place by vagina muscles and pubic bone.
The diaphragm requires initial fitting by a health-care professional to make sure it is the right size and is positioned correctly. After that it can be put in place by the woman a few hours before intercourse, and should be kept in place at least six hours after intercourse. The diaphragm is reusable and can last for one or two years. Before intercourse, spermicide must be placed inside the cup and around the inside of the diaphragms rim. The diaphragm would prevent the passage of sperm into the uterus, and the spermicide will any sperm that is able to pass by it. This method is 85% effective. However, the diaphragm brings a risk of bladder infection. Cervical Cap The cervical cap is a thimble shaped cap smaller than a diaphragm. It fits directly onto the cervix, and is held in place by suction. It must also one initially fitted by a health-care professional. The above discussion and qualities of the diaphragm apply equally to the cervical cap.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited