24. Hormonal method, IUDs and surgical methods of contraception

Hormonal preparations are in the form of pills or tablets (contraceptive pills). Only females can use these pills. The pills contain either a progesterone or progesterone-estrogen combination.

 

  

The hormones acts by:

  

a. Stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary)

 

b. Inhibits implantation by altering the uterine endometrium

 

c. Alters the quality of cervical mucus to prevent the entry of sperms

 

d. Inhibits the motility and secretory activities of fallopian tubes. 

 

Intra-uterine devices (IUD) are contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus. These devices are used only by the female. Doctors or expert nurses insert these into the uterus through the vagina. There are three synthetic devices commonly used in India, which include:

 

1. Non-medicated IUDs, which include Lippe's loop

 

2. Copper releasing IUDs or Copper-T

 

3. Hormone releasing IUDs

  

Lippe's loop is made of inert plastic, and Copper-T is made of copper that is non-irritant.

 

 

These IUDs can remain inside the female's reproductive tract for \(3\)years. These reduce the sperm fertilising capacity, suppress sperm motility and prevents implantation (by making the cervix hostile to the sperms). It also helps to give adequate time intervals between pregnancies. IUDs inserted into the uterus irritate the uterus.

 

Sterilisation / surgical contraception are terminal methods that prevent any pregnancy. The method blocks the gamete transport and thus prevents fertilisation. Sterilisation procedure in the male is known as vasectomy (ligation of vas deferens).

 

 

In females, it is known as tubectomy (ligation of fallopian tubes).

 

  

The following video shows the different contraceptive methods: