Sterilization: This is a permanent surgical procedure. In males (vasectomy), the sperm ducts are cut or tied. In females (tubal ligation), the oviducts (fallopian tubes) are cut or tied to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.
Natural Family Planning: This involves tracking the menstrual cycle to avoid intercourse during the "fertile window" when ovulation occurs. While non-invasive, it is often unreliable due to the difficulty in accurately predicting ovulation.
Abstinence: The practice of refraining from sexual intercourse entirely. This is the only method that is 100% effective at preventing both pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.
| Method Type | Primary Mechanism | STI Protection | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormonal | Inhibits FSH/LH; thickens mucus | No | Very High (if used correctly) |
| Barrier | Physical block | Yes (Condoms only) | High |
| IUD (Copper) | Disables sperm; prevents implantation | No | Very High |
| Surgical | Permanent physical separation | No | Extremely High |
Evaluate the Method: When asked to evaluate a method, always consider three pillars: Effectiveness, Side Effects, and Convenience. For example, an implant is more effective than a pill because it doesn't rely on daily memory.
Hormone Interactions: Remember the negative feedback loop. High oestrogen/progesterone levels tell the brain (pituitary gland) to stop producing FSH. No FSH = no mature egg = no pregnancy.
Common Trap: Students often forget that only condoms protect against STIs. In evaluation questions, this is a major "pro" for condoms and a "con" for almost every other method.
Ethical Context: Be prepared to discuss why some people object to certain methods (e.g., religious views on interfering with life or the mechanism of preventing implantation).
