Follow-up care after all procedures must be ensured. After abortion by all methods, human Rh_o (D) immune globulin (Rh_oGAM) should be administered promptly if the patient is Rh-negative, unless it is…

Numerous methods are used to induce an abortion: suction or surgical curettage; induction of labor by means of intra- or extraovular injection of a hypertonic solution or other oxytocic agent; dilatation and evacuation;…

The female condom (Reality Vaginal Pouch) is made of thin polyurethane material with 2 flexible rings at each end. One ring fits into the depth of the vagina, and the other ring sits outside the…

Induced abortion is the deliberate termination of pregnancy in a manner that ensures that the embryo or fetus will not survive. Attitudes of society toward elective abortion have undergone marked changes in the past few…

Absolute contraindications to IUD use are current pregnancy; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; acute cervical, uterine, or salpingeal infection; past salpingitis; and suspected gynecologic malignancy. Relative contraindications include nulliparity or high priority…

The intrauterine device (IUD or IUCD) is made of plastic or metal or a combination of these materials. It is introduced into the endometrial cavity through the cervical canal. A large variety of shapes…

Steroid sex hormones may be injected intramuscularly to provide a depot that, depending on the drug, dosage, and formulation, may provide contraception for 1 month, 6 months, or even…

The oral contraceptives in general use are synthetic steroids similar to the natural female sex hormones - the estrogens and progestins. These steroids are used in doses and in combinations that provide contraception by…

The idea of administering small daily amounts of a progestin arose when clinical experience with some of the low-dose combination pills indicated that contraception was being provided even though ovulation was not…

It has long been known that women are fertile for only a few days of the menstrual cycle. The periodic abstinence or rhythm method of contraception requires that coitus be avoided during the…

Spermicidal vaginal jellies, creams, gels, suppositories, and foams, in addition to their toxic effect on sperm, also act as a mechanical barrier to entry of sperm into the cervical canal. The majority of spermicides marketed…

Cervical caps are small cuplike diaphragms placed over the cervix. They are supposed to be held in place by suction. To provide a successful barrier against sperm, they must fit tightly over the cervix. Because…

The diaphragm is a mechanical barrier between the vagina and the cervical canal. Diaphragms are circular rings ranging from 50-105 mm in diameter, which are designed to fit in the vaginal cul-de-sac and cover the…

The latex rubber or animal intestine condom, or contraceptive sheath, serves as a cover for the penis during coitus and prevents the deposition of semen in the vagina. The advantages of the condom are that…

INTRODUCTION
The available methods of contraception may be classified in many ways. For the sake of this discussion, traditional or folk methods are coitus interruptus, postcoital douche, lactational amenorrhea, and periodic abstinence (rhythm…