Controlling Human Reproduction.

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Controlling Human Reproduction

In today’s modern society there are various methods of controlling human reproduction. A few of which are contraception, IVF and the use of hormones.

“Contraception is the deliberate prevention of pregnancy by artificial or natural means” (1). These means are known as contraceptives and widely available to both men and women.

The World Health Organisation compiled a report on trends in reproduction, globally, which revealed that “the use of contraceptives across the developing world has risen tenfold over the past 25 years” (2).

There are many different types of contraceptives, some of which are barrier methods, oral contraceptives, implants, injections, emergency contraception, natural family planning and sterilisation (a permanent method of contraception).

Barrier methods of contraception include male and female condoms and diaphragms or caps, these methods stop sperm from meeting an egg (hence the name barrier methods). Condoms can be used with or without spermicide, whereas diaphragms and caps both need to be used with spermicide (a gel/cream that kills sperm). The effectiveness of these methods depends on how carefully they are used, male condoms are 98% effective, female condoms are 95% effective and diaphragms and caps are 92–96% effective. Some advantages of condoms are that they are safe and effective and they protect against some sexually transmitted diseases. A disadvantage is tat male condoms can slip off or split if not used according to instructions. Diaphragms and caps may also protect against some sexually transmitted infections as well as cancer of the cervix. However, some people do find that rubber or spermicide can cause an irritation.

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Oral contraceptives include the combined pill (‘the pill’), the progesterone–only pill (POP) and the male pill. ‘The pill’ contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, unlike the POP, which only contains one hormone, progesterone, and both types, can be 99% effective if used correctly. The pills work in a similar way that they stop the ovaries releasing an egg, they cause the mucus of the cervix to thicken this prevents sperm from reaching the egg and they prevent the egg settling in the womb. Both pills have their advantages, one of which is that they can help with pre–menstrual tension and ...

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