Experiment Number – 3
Aim:- To study family planning devices.
Reference:-
Theory:- Family planning or birth control is the process to
prevent fertilization of ovum and sperm and thereby avoid pregnancy using
various devices or medicines. Looking at long-term effects with minimum side
effects use of devices is more common than the consumption of medicines.
The various family
planning devices are as follows:-
1. Barrier Devices
2. Intrauterine devices
(IUDs)
3. Implants
(1) Barrier Devices:- These devices
are designed to prevent access of sperms to the female reproductive tract.
(a) Male Barrier Devices:-
Male condom: The condom is the most widely used device by males. It is a non–porous elastic rubber sheath worn over the erected penis
prior to the start of physical intercourse which physically blocks ejaculated sperm
from entering the female reproductive tract. In addition, it gives protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS, Syphilis, and
gonorrhea. It is a very cheap and highly effective contraceptive device.
(B) Female barrier
devices:
1. Diaphragm:- It is the rubber dome structure that is fitted over
the cervix by the female with or without spermicidal jelly. It is made from
latex, silicon, or natural rubber. It works either by blocking access of sperm
to the cervix or by killing them with spermicide.
3. Sponge:- It is a sift foam containing spermicide which is
inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It must be moistened with water to
activate spermicide that kills sperms and present their entry into the cervix. It
should not be kept in Vagina for more than 30 hours.
4. Cervical Cap:- It is made up of silicone which fits over the cervix
and blocks sperm from entering the uterus through the external orifice of the
uterus.
(2) Intrauterine Devices
(IUDs): IUDs are made up of either
plastic or metal that are placed in the uterus. IUDs are of two types viz. Non –
Hormonal copper IUDs and Hormonal IUDs. Copper IUDs (Copper T) work by
disrupting sperm mobility and damaging sperm by its spermicidal action. The
hormonal IUDs contain progesterone which acts by blocking the endometrial
proliferation making it unsuitable for fertilization and preventing sperm
penetration by increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus. IUDs have a major
advantage of long-term use (6 – 10 years) with the flexibility to remove when
desired.
(3) Implants:- These are small tubes that are placed under the skin
of the upper arm. Hormones from these tubes prevent sperm from appearing egg and
inhibit the release of an egg.