contraceptive

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Any drug, device, or technique that prevents pregnancy. The contraceptive pill (the Pill) contains female hormones that interfere with egg production or the first stage of pregnancy. The ‘morning-after’ pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Barrier contraceptives include condoms (sheaths), femidoms (a female condom), and diaphragms, also called caps or Dutch caps; they prevent the sperm entering the cervix (neck of the womb).

Intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs or coils, cause a slight inflammation of the lining of the womb; this prevents the fertilized egg from becoming implanted. See also family planning.

Other contraceptive methods include sterilization (women) and vasectomy (men); these are usually nonreversible. ‘Natural’ methods include withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation (coitus interruptus), and avoidance of intercourse at the time of ovulation (rhythm method). These methods are not as reliable as other procedures and are normally only used on religious grounds. A new development is a sponge impregnated with spermicide that is inserted into the vagina. The use of any contraceptive (birth control) is part of family planning. The effectiveness of a contraceptive method is often given as a percentage. To say that a method has 95% effectiveness means that, on average, out of 100 healthy couples using that method for a year, 95 will not conceive.

In 1998, approximately 55% of women of childbearing age worldwide used contraception, according to the UN Population Fund.

Red and white are traditional colours, dating back to the flag of 19th-century Samoan king, Malietoa Laupepa. The Southern Cross constellation links Samoa to other countries in the southern hemisphere. Effective date: 4 July 1997. >>