(6) Contraceptive evaluation - comparing methods of contraception

A comparison of barrier, intrauterine devices, natural, surgical and hormonal methods of contraception

Generally speaking, if used correctly, most hormonal methods are more effective at preventing pregnancy than barrier methods, and have the advantage of a couple not having to think about contraception each time they have sexual intercourse - which you have to think of using a barrier method.

 

Examples of advantages and disadvantages of some methods of contraception.

Barrier methods are generally free from side-effects - though rare allergic reactions have been reported.

Condoms are widely available and protect against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV,

BUT, they can slip off and must be withdrawn after ejaculation to avoid spillage.

 

Diaphragms can be put in just before sex and there are no health risks,

BUT, diaphragms must be left in for several hours after sex (sperm survive for a time) and some people are sensitive to spermicide.

 

IUD methods have the advantage of working immediately and can be left in place for 3-5 years if hormonal or up to 10 years if copper.

 

In using natural methods things must be done carefully - natural cycles can be 'mistimed'.

Hormonal contraception methods can have unpleasant side effects such as nausea, headaches, acne and mood changes.

AND, unlike the use of condoms, hormonal methods do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Long-lasting methods of contraception lasting for weeks, months or years might be preferable than short-term methods, if only for convenience and less thinking to do.

Successful surgery, both male and female is 100% effective, no need to think about using a contraceptive, but it is irreversible.

 

Types of contraceptives and typical success rates in preventing pregnancy

Condoms 98%,  diaphragm 92-96%,  implants 99%,  IUD >99%, oral contraceptives 91-99%,  sterilisation >99%

I can't find any figures for other contraception strategies.

 

You should get, and take, good medical advice from practitioners e.g. doctor or nurse about your strategy for contraception.

For more on sexually transmitted diseases see communicable diseases

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Key points comparing barrier, intrauterine, natural, surgical and hormonal methods of contraception

Source of information is based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the AQA GCSE, Edexcel GCSE and OCR GCSE level biology examinations (~US grades 9-10).

Biology revision notes comparing barrier, intrauterine, natural, surgical, and hormonal methods of contraception.

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Overview: What Is Contraception?

Contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy.

These methods work by:

• Preventing fertilisation (sperm meeting egg),

• Preventing implantation of a fertilised egg,

• Or stopping ovulation altogether.

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Comparing Contraceptive Methods

Method Type	Examples	How It Works	Advantages	Disadvantages
Barrier	Male/female condoms, diaphragm	Physically block sperm from reaching the egg	- Protect against STIs - No hormones - Easy to use	- Can break or slip - Must be used every time
Intrauterine	Copper IUD, hormonal IUS	Inserted into uterus; prevents fertilisation or implantation	- Long-lasting (5–10 years) - Highly effective	- Must be fitted by a doctor - May cause heavier periods
Natural	Fertility awareness, abstinence	Avoiding sex during fertile days or completely	- No side effects - Free and natural	- Unreliable if not done carefully - No STI protection
Surgical	Vasectomy, tubal ligation	Permanently blocks sperm ducts or fallopian tubes	- Permanent - No ongoing effort	- Irreversible - Requires surgery - No STI protection
Hormonal	Pill, patch, implant, injection	Use hormones to stop ovulation or thicken cervical mucus	- Highly effective - Can regulate periods	- Side effects (e.g. mood changes) - No STI protection

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Key Points for Exams

• Hormonal methods are generally the most effective but may cause side effects.

• Barrier methods are the only ones that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• IUDs are long-term and low-maintenance but require medical insertion.

• Natural methods require careful tracking and are less reliable.

• Surgical methods are permanent and suitable for people who do not want children in the future.

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Why This Is Important in Human Biology

• Reinforces understanding of reproductive anatomy, fertilisation, and hormonal control.

• Encourages informed decisions about reproductive health.

• Links biology to real-life applications like family planning and public health.

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Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for this part on comparing and evaluating methods of contraception

Describe various methods of contraception and their effectiveness.

Given information, or prior knowledge, be able to compare, discuss and  evaluation different methods of contraception.

e.g. a comparison of barrier, natural, intrauterine, surgical and hormonal methods including the advantages and disadvantages of these methods of contraception.

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