Birth control

Introduction
Birth control is also called contraception or fertility control. It is a method or device
used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control has been used since ancient times. Effective
and safe methods of birth control only became available in the 20th century. Between
1994 and today, contraceptive use in the world overall grew by 8.3%. Every continent
saw an increase in birth control use, save for two: North America and Oceania.
The most effective methods of birth control are sterilization by means of vasectomy in
males and tubal ligation in females. Also intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implantable
birth control are very effective methods.
There are hormone based methods too, including oral pills, patches, vaginal rings,
and injections. Hormone based methods act on endocrine system. Almost all
methods are composed of steroid hormones.
The less effective methods are physical barriers methods such as condoms,
diaphragms and birth control sponges and fertility awareness methods. The least
effective methods are spermicide and withdrawal by the male before ejaculation.
Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that destroys sperm. As a contraceptive,
spermicide may be used alone. However, the pregnancy rate experienced by couples
using only spermicide is higher than that of couples using other methods. Usually,
spermicides are combined with contraceptive barrier methods. Combined methods
are believed to result in lower pregnancy rates than either method alone.
Withdrawal is a method of birth control in which a man, during copulation, withdraws
his penis from a woman's vagina prior to orgasm. Then directs his ejaculate (semen)
away from the vagina in an effort to avoid insemination. This method of
contraception, widely used for at least two millennia, is still in use today. Withdrawal
does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs).
Sterilization is an excellent choice if you don't want to reproduce or are finished
having children. It does not protect against HIV/STI.
Canada

In Canada, male sterilisation (99.85% effective) replaced female sterilisation as the

top method. Canada is the top county for male sterilization with 21.7%.

What is it?

Sterilization is a surgical procedure, which involves cutting the vas deferens. It

prevents the sperm and egg from joining (prevents fertilization). This procedure is
permanent and is commonly known as a vasectomy. It requires minor surgery to cut
the vasa deferentia, the tubes that carry sperm. This operation keeps sperm from
mixing into the semen when men ejaculate. Without sperm, fertilization of an egg
cannot occur and pregnancy is prevented. Vasectomies are usually done in a clinic or
doctors office and are much simpler procedures than female sterilization.
Vasectomies are 99.9% effective as birth control. They do not protect against
sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Procedure
During a vasectomy, local anesthesia is used. The doctor makes a small opening in
the skin of the scrotum. This allows the sperm tubes or vasa deferentia to be seen
and cut. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes.
Men usually rest at the clinic after the procedure. When they return home, ice packs
and painkillers can ease swelling and discomfort. It is recommended that men take 2
days off and perform only light activities for a week. It may take a week for men to
feel comfortable resuming sexual activity.
Vasectomies are not effective right away. The sperm that were already in the tubes
before the operation need to be ejaculated. This may take about a month or 10-30
ejaculations. Using other forms of birth control is important until follow-up tests can
show two negative sperm counts.
Reversal surgery is available, but not always effective. This procedure rejoins the cut
ends of the vas deferens. In more than 70% of these cases, sperm can again be
found in mens semen. However, pregnancy occurs less frequently. The earlier a
reversal is performed, the better the rates are for restored fertility.
Sexuality
Men are able to fully enjoy sex after having a vasectomy. Hormonal levels and the
feeling of orgasm stay the same. The amount of fluid men ejaculate does not
noticeably change.
Rusland

In Russia, male condoms replaced IUDs. Male condoms are the top method in
Russia. In 1996 only 47% of Russians were using some form of modern
contraception, while 18% relied on traditional methods. By far the most popular form
of contraception was the IUD with 29% of women using one.

IUD

An IUD is an intrauterine device made of plastic and/or copper that is inserted into
the womb (uterus) by way of the vaginal canal. One type releases a hormone, and is
replaced each year. The second type is made of copper and can be left in place for
five years. The most common shape in current use is a plastic "T" which is wrapped
with copper wire.

IUDs are placed in the uterus by physicians. Prior to placement the doctor will take a
medical history, do a physical examination, and take a Pap test. The Pap test is a
procedure in which a physician scrapes cells from the cervix or vagina to check for
cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, or abnormal changes that could lead to cancer. It
often is called a "Pap smear." Women who have had tubal pregnancies, an abnormal
Pap smear, or abnormal vaginal bleeding are generally disqualified from using this
form of contraception. Also, women who have STDs, an allergy to copper, severe
pain with periods, sex with multiple partners, or who are currently pregnant are not
eligible for an IUD. There are no age restrictions.

Male condom
A male condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis during intercourse and is made
of one of the following materials:

Rubber (latex)
Plastic (polyurethane): the best alternative for people allergic to latex
Lambskin

Male condoms can vary greatly in color and size.

The male condom protects against sexually transmitted infection (STI) and
pregnancy by covering the penis and preventing direct contact between the penis
and vagina, as well as collecting the semen and preventing it from entering the
vagina.
Comparison with the Netherlands
The most popular contraceptive in the Netherlands is the pill. Condoms and IUDs are
also used but much less.
Canada
If we compare the Netherlands with Canada, you can see that those countries are
completely different in use of contraception. From 1994 to now, the most used birth
control in Canada is sterilization. Around 1994 female sterilization was most popular
but nowadays, male sterilization is more popular. In the Netherlands, sterilization is
not as popular as in Canada. The access for the pill is easier than sterilization. For
sterilization, you need to go to a clinic or hospital. For the pill, you only need a
prescription.
Sterilization and the pill are both very effective. The pill is around 91.0% - 99.7
effective and sterilization is around 99, 5 99.9% effective.
Russia
If we compare the Netherlands with Russia, you can see that there is more common.
In the Netherlands, we also use condoms, but not as much as in Russia. In Russia, it
is the most used contraceptive. A condom is 82% effective and you have a protection
against STI. The pill is 91% effective but you dont have a protection against STI.
When you use a condom, you need to interrupt sex for a short time. With the pill, you
do not need to interrupt the sex, but you need to take it on daily basis.
Zambia
If we compare the Netherlands with Zambia, you can see that Zambia has really
differences in use of contraceptives. Nowadays they mostly use injections in Zambia.
Injections are 94% effective, so its better compared with the pill. You need to take an
injection in 1 or 3 months by the healthcare provider. An injection may initially cause
a change in bleeding patterns.
There are also some common characteristics. For example, both contraceptives are
widely available, highly effective and easy to use or hide. They both do not protect
against STI.