Methods by which contraception can be achieved

• Gamete suppression
• modulation of cervical mucus
• endometrial changes
• prevention of implantation
• interruption of the communicating tubes

Outline merits and disadvantages of available contraceptive methods available to patients including:

• natural methods
• barrier (male/female condom, diaphragm, caps)
• hormonal (combined and progesterone-only via oral, transdermal, subdermal, IM)
• intrauterine contraception (copper or progesterone)
• steralisation (male/female)
• post coital emergancy methods (progesterone, intrauterine contraception device)

Reversible methods of contraception:

• natural methods (rhythm method and coitus interruptus)
• Lactation
• condoms/diaphragm