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Contraception
Contraception has allowed people to have control over their own fertility. Therefore, people are able to
make an attempt to avoid pregnancy at times when they do not plan to have children; or to plan and
choose the number of children they wish to have (IPPF, p17). There are many different techniques
encompassed by the term contraception.
Natural Family Planning Techniques are methods of contraception which the Catholic Church strongly
promotes; they do not require synthetic measures rather they focus on periods of abstinence (IPPF, 148).
One such technique is the basal body temperature method; this is where females record their temperature
immediately after waking each morning. Throughout the early phase of the cycle just following
menstruation the temperature will be low. Ovulation is indicated by an increase of 0.2-0.4C rise in
temperature, the female then abstains from intercourse for 3 consecutive days of high temperature (IPPF,
p149).
Another technique practiced is the cervical mucus method; this involves monitoring the vaginal and
cervical mucus. At ovulation when oestrogen levels are raised the mucus is thick, sticky and opaque
looking, women must abstain from intercourse until their mucus returns to a thin, clear and slippery
consistency (IPPF, p151).
Family planning methods have allowed women that are not prohibited by culture to use barrier or oral
contraceptives to control their fertility and plan their families. Such methods require dedication to be
effective as they require long periods without intercourse. They have impacted society by decreasing the
average sizes of families.
Barrier methods of contraception such as condoms are a common form contraception. They are widely
available at a low cost throughout the world; this has resulted in their wide use amongst males and
females. When used correctly the latex rubber condoms are effective at preventing pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections. Condom use has an effectiveness rate of around 95% with pregnancies
per 100 women varying between 2 and 15 (Everitt & Johnson, p256).
Diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicides are other forms of barriers that act to prevent the passage of
sperm entering the female reproductive tract during intercourse (Everitt & Johnson, p258).
The development of the female contraceptive pill has allowed the suppression of ovulation through a
combination of oestrogen and progesterone or progesterone only doses. This has a high effectiveness
when taken correctly and is economical at a cost of around $5 a month (Everitt & Johnson, p259). Pill
use is associated with an effectiveness rate of around 98% with pregnancies per 100 women varying
between 1 and 3 (Everitt & Johnson, p256). There is also a combination of three pills that can be taken
up to 72hrs after unprotected intercourse that prevent fertilisation as a result of their high levels of
oestrogen and progesterone.
References
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Cheng, Y., Gno, X., Li, Y., Li, S., Qu, A. and Kang, B. 2004, Repeat induced abortions and
contraceptive practices among unmarried young women seeking an abortion in China, International
Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, vol. 87, pp. 100-202.
Cram, D. and de Kretser, D. 2002 Genetic Diagnosis: the future, in C. Jonge and C. Barratt (eds)
Assisted Reproductive Technology: Accomplishments and New Horizons, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, pp. 186-205.
Edwards, J et al (1993) Technologies of Procreation: Kinship in the Age of Assisted Conception
Manchester University Press, New York pp. 2, 33-34
Englert, Y et al (2004) Sperm and oocyte donation: gamete donor issues Internaltional Congress Series
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Everitt, BJ, Johnson, MH, 2000, Essential Reproduction Third Edition, Blackwell Science, Australia,
p251-265.
Family Planning Western Australia (last updated 22/8/2005), Contraceptives, [online], available from:
http://www.fpwa-health.org.au/.
Fertility Issues. (2005). [Online]. Available from:
<http://babycenter.com/refcap/preconceptio/fertilityproblems/index> (5 September 2005).
Garner, P., Qian, X. and Tang, S. 2004, Unintended pregnancy and induced abortion among unmarried
women in China: a systemic review, BMC Health Services Research, vol. 4.
Johansson, A., Lofstedt, P. and Shushheng, L. 2004, Abortion patterns and reported sex ratios at birth in
rural Yunnan, China, Reproductive Health Matters, vol. 12, pp. 86-95.
Kaz, P et al (2002) The economic impact of the assisted reproductive technologies Fertility
(online) Available: http://www.nature.com/fertility/content/full/ncb-nm-fertilitys29.html 10th
September 2005)
Kleinman, RL, 1988, Family Planning Handbook for Doctors Sixth Edition, International Planned
Parenthood Federation, London, p17-151.