World Contraception Day :
The 26th
of September is World Contraception Day, devoted to raising awareness and
improving education about sexual and reproductive health, with a vision
of a world where every pregnancy is wanted. It is supported by a
group of governments and international NGOs, including the Office of
Populations Affairs, the Asian Pacific Council on Contraception, Centro
Latinamericano Salud y Mujer, the European Society of Contraception and
Reproductive Health, the German Foundation for World Population, the
International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent
Gynecology, International Planned Parenthood Federation, the Marie
International, Population Services International, the Population
Council, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),
and Women Deliver.
Misconceptions
:
There are
a number of common misconceptions regarding sex and
pregnancy.Douching after sexual intercourse is not an effective form of
birth control. Additionally, it is associated with a number of health problems
and thus is not recommended. Women can become pregnant the first time they
have sexual intercourse and in any sexual position It is possible,
although not very likely, to become pregnant during menstruation.
Females :
Improvements
of existing birth control methods are needed, as around half of those who get
pregnant unintentionally are using birth control at the time. A number of
alterations of existing contraceptive methods are being studied, including a
better female condom, an improved diaphragm, a patch containing only
progestin, and a vaginal ring containing long-acting progesterone. This vaginal
ring appears to be effective for three or four months and is currently
available in some areas of the world. For women who rarely have sex, the taking
of the hormonal birth control levonorgestrel around the time of sex
looks promising.
A number
of methods to perform sterilization via the cervix are being studied. One
involves putting quinacrine in the uterus which causes scarring and
infertility. While the procedure is inexpensive and does not require surgical
skills, there are concerns regarding long-term side effects. Another
substance, polidocanol, which functions in the same manner is being looked
at. A device called Essure, which expands when placed in the fallopian
tubes and blocks them, was approved in the United States
Males :
Methods
of male birth control include condoms, vasectomies and withdrawal. Between 25 and 75%
of males who are sexually active would use hormonal birth control if it was
available for them. A number of hormonal and non-hormonal methods are in
trials, and there is some research looking at the possibility
of contraceptive vaccines.
A
reversible surgical method under investigation is reversible inhibition of
sperm under guidance (RISUG) which consists of injecting a polymer
gel, in dimethyl sulfoxide, into the vas deferens. An
injection with sodium bicarbonate washes out the substance and restores fertility.
Another is an intravas device which involves putting
a urethaneplug into the vas deferens to block it. A combination
of an androgen and a progestin seems promising, as
do selective androgen receptor modulators. Ultrasound and methods to
heat the testicles have undergone preliminary studies.
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