Methods of contraception

From Conservapedia

Contraception (Lat. against conception) generally refers to methods of preventing pregnancy (birth control). There are many different methods, each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The safest and only completely effective form of birth control is abstinence. The argument could be made that this is not actually "birth control" as there was never a risk for a pregnancy, but in common parlance, abstinence is the first line of protection. Except for condoms, most methods offer little protection against sexually transmitted diseases.^[1] and many STD's can be passed even with condom use as well,^[2] although the probabilities are usually reduced.

Contents 1 Barrier Methods 2 Hormonal Methods 3 Natural Methods 4 Other Methods 5 Religious Perspectives 6 References

Barrier Methods

(Note on given percentages: refer to the probability of preventing pregnancy over a year of sexual activity)

• Male condom: latex condoms are the most effective method of preventing STDs. 88% effective against pregnancy, 98% effectiveness when used correctly.
• Female Condom
• Sponge: 85% effectiveness
• Cervical cap: about 85% effectiveness
• Diaphragm: about 84% effectiveness, 94% when used correctly
• Shield: 85% effectiveness

Hormonal Methods

• Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs): 99% effective when used as directed
• Depoprogesterone (Depo-Provera): more than 99% effective
• Vaginal ring (Nuva Ring): 92% effective
• Patch: 99.7% effective

Natural Methods

• Fertility awareness (including "Rhythm method" and "timed abstinence"): can be up to 95% effective if employed correctly ^[3]
• Withdrawal: low effectiveness

Other Methods

• Copper Intrauterine device (IUD): 99% effectiveness
• Hormonal Intrauterine device: over 99% effectiveness
• Spermicide: about 70% effectiveness when used alone
• Female & Male Sterilization-For the most part these are permanent procedures with little chance of reversal.

Religious Perspectives

In general, the Catholic Church is opposed to contraception other than abstinence and natural methods. Other Christian denominations vary. Jewish Law traditionally opposes birth control although it is generally held that as long as a couple is planning to have children, the concept of planned parenthood or spacing of births does not constitute a religious problem. Some methods of contraception are not permitted because of the injunction against "the destruction of seed." For example, contemporary Orthodox rabbinical authority has expressed no objection to the use of the OCP but the use of condoms is forbidden, as are some IUDs.^[4] Islamic views are quite diverse; there is no single attitude to contraception within Islam, however eight of the nine classic schools of Islamic law permit it. Egyptian scholars have argued that any method that has the same purpose as 'azl (the withdrawal method), that is, preventing conception, is acceptable, so long as it does not have a permanent effect.^[5]

References

1. ↑ Birth Control Guide, Mayo Clinic
2. ↑ http://www.doctorslounge.com/infections/forums/backup/topic-8558.html
3. ↑ http://pdf.dec.org/pdf_docs/PNACQ416.pdf
4. ↑ What is the Jewish position on contraception and abortion? SCJ FAQ Accessed July 16 2007
5. ↑ "Islamic views on contraception" BBC: Religion & Ethics Accessed July 16 2007

Information on Birth Control - National Institute of Health