Vaginal Contraceptives: Types, Mechanism & Effectiveness.pptx

Vaginal contraceptives are birth control methods used intravaginally to prevent pregnancy. They include spermicides, contraceptive sponges, and hormonal vaginal rings (e.g., NuvaRing). Spermicides contain nonoxynol-9, which immobilizes sperm, while vaginal rings release ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel to inhibit ovulation. These methods offer localized action, ease of use, and reversible contraception, but their effectiveness depends on proper use and consistency. Potential side effects include vaginal irritation, altered vaginal flora, and hormonal imbalances in the case of rings.

1. Vaginal Contraceptives Dr. Anto Rajiv, Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, KGMU, Lucknow

2. Contents Introduction Vaginal Contraception Female Condoms Diaphragm Cervical Cap Vaginal Ring Spermicides

3. Introduction Birth control, also known as contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy There are many different types Some are reversable, while others are permanent Some types can also help prevent  sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

4. Vaginal Contraception

5. Female Condoms The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting sheath with a flexible ring/frame or ring/foam disc at the closed end The inner ring or foam disc at the closed end of the sheath is used to insert the condom inside the vagina and to hold it in place during intercourse The rolled outer ring or poly frame at the open end of the sheath remains outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia It is made of a thin, strong plastic called Polyurethane If used correctly, they are about 95% effective

6. Advantages T hey help to protect against many STIs, including HIV W hen used correctly and consistently, condoms are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy They do not need advance preparation I n most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms

7. Disadvantage C ondoms are very strong, but may split or tear if not used properly T hey are not as widely available as male condoms and are more expensive to buy

8. Diaphragm A contraceptive diaphragm is a circular dome made of thin, soft silicone that's inserted into the vagina before intercourse It covers the cervix so that sperm cannot get into the womb (uterus) to fertilise an egg It should be filled with spermicide and inserted into the vagina to cover the cervical opening It is inserted atleast 2 hours before intercourse and left in place for atleast 6 hours after intercouse When used correctly with spermicide, a diaphragm is 92-96% effective

9. Advantages Does not contain hormones Reusable for upto 2 years Effective as soon as they are inserted Have no hindering effects on fertility

10. Disadvantages Do not protect from STDs Must be inserted before each intercourse May cause bladder infections

11. Cervical Cap Cervical caps are smaller versions of diaphragms It is made of rubber and fits over the cervix They are 91% effective

12. Vaginal Ring The vaginal ring is a small soft, plastic ring that you place inside vagina The ring steadily releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into your bloodstream, which prevents the release of an egg each month It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself If used correctly, the vaginal ring is  more than 99%  effective

13. Advantages Unlike the pill, the ring still works if you have sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea The ring may ease premenstrual symptoms, and bleeding will probably be lighter and less painful

14. Disadvantages Some women have temporary side effects, including more vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and headaches A few women develop a blood clot when using the ring, but this is rare It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so a condom may be needed as well

15. Spermicides Spermicides contain chemicals to stop sperm from getting to an egg They come in several different forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm

16. Foam Spermicidal foam is inserted into the vagina with an applicator It gives protection right after it is applied and lasts for an hour

17. Jelly and cream Jellies and creams are usually applied to the inside of a cervical cap or diaphragm Each time, new dose must be used before intercourse

18. Films Vaginal films are 2-inch, paper- thin, square sheets of film containing spermicide It needs to be inserted into the vagina near the cervix Depending on the brand it can take 10-15 minutes to dissolve before it is effective