Contraception


 * IBIS:**

**Definition:**
prevention of conception.

review of methods:
• sterilization: Tubal ligation in a woman and a vasectomy in a man. The man's procedure is much less complicated and less expensive, and has a lower rate of complications. In tubal ligation, the effectiveness rate is 98-99%. There is a very small number of deaths from the procedure (.02-.03%). The effectiveness rate is almost 100%. Reversibility rates vary from 25-50%, although that is not guaranteed.

• rhythm method: Abstaining from sex during fertile period. The woman must be extremely regular to use this type of contraception, and even so it is quite risky. Ovulation can occur any time during the month and may change monthly, especially if the woman is under stress, sick, traveling, using alcohol or drugs, etc. Also, for some more sexually active couples, the abstinence may not be enjoyed.

• withdrawal method: This entails removing the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation. It is effective 98-99% of the time, although pregnancies have been known to occur from the pre-ejaculatory discharge from the penis, which can contain some sperm. This type of contraception can only be used by men with excellent ejaculatory control and premature ejaculation is a contraindication for its use. It can also create a very anxious atmosphere during love-making, and may interfere with either the man's or woman's orgasm.

• temperature method: This method uses the natural rise in body temperature that occurs with ovulation. Again, the woman must have very regular periods to use this method and unless this is practiced extremely carefully pregnancy will result. This method can also be affected by anovulatory cycles, fevers, travel, alcohol, and drugs.

• birth control pill: These are hormonal drugs that suppress ovulation in women. In a small number of women, ovulation is never again established (or may take years) once they stop taking the BCP. The advantages are that intercourse may be spontaneous without having to stop to deal with a contraceptive device or control. Menstrual problems and endometriosis will all be controlled while on the pill. It has a 95-98% effectiveness rate. The woman must remember to take it daily.

• cervical mucus check: This method depends on the woman checking her cervical mucus daily for its consistency. It has a questionable effectiveness rate when used alone (perhaps around 77%), and is contraindicated in women with irregular cycles, GC, or cystic fibrosis. It must be practiced very carefully, and sex must be abstained from during the time of ovulation, or another form of contraception must be employed.

• foam (spermicide): This has a very low effectiveness rate (estimated at between 58-62%). It is easy to use, less messy than creams or jelly; however, it interrupts foreplay and is not very effective if used solely. It must be reapplied with each act of intercourse.

• jelly or cream (spermicide): The effectiveness rate is less than 70%, and as with the foam, allergic reactions can occur.

• sponge (spermicide and barrier): Basically the same as the above two: poor protection (estimated at 73%), and allergic reactions or irritation frequently occur.

• condom (barrier): A condom alone has an effectiveness rate of only 60-80%; with spermicide, however, it increases to 95%. Condoms are easy to use, and buy, and offer protection against VD and AIDS (with the ones that contain nonoxynol-9). It can help the male afflicted with premature ejaculation, decreases vaginal leakage after intercourse, and is not associated with side-effects.

• diaphragm (barrier): This should always be used with spermicide to gain the effectiveness rate of 85-95%.

• cervical cap (barrier): The effectiveness rate is 85-98%. It can be inserted up to 12 hours before sex, though, which can help make lovemaking spontaneous without any interruptions, and does not need to be reinserted for each act of love-making.

**Nutrition:**
therapeutic foods: • with use of birth control pills, increase foods rich in B-complex vitamins, especially B6 • gingko nuts (Butt and Bloomfield, p. 73) • eating wild carrot seed (Daucus carota) (Weed, p. 6) • rutin: buckwheat, rue (Weed, p. 6)

**Botanicals**
This section is divided into the following categories: sterility promoting, implantation preventing, oxytocic, and emmenagogue herbs.

//sterility promoting:// • Cnicus benedictus: infusion of the entire plant was consumed in large amounts by the Quinault Indians to prevent conception (Weed, p. 5) • Lithospermum ruderale, officinale: cold infuse 1 tbsp. leaves and stems in 1 cup water. instructions: drink 1 cup/day for 6 months (Weed, p. 5; Parvati, p. 57; Mitchell, p. 30)

//implantation preventing:// • Daucus carota: Take 1 tsp. seeds daily from ovulation through end of fertile period. No side-effects known with occasional use, but long-term effects unknown (Weed, p. 6) • Rutin and Vitamin C-containing herbs: use several days before through several days after ovulation: Fagopyrum esculentum, Ruta graveolens (toxic), Sambucus spp. (Weed, p. 6-7)

//oxytocic:// • Caulophyllum thalictroides (toxic): contains substances that mimic oxytocin to promote menstrual flow. Decoct 1 tbsp./cup of water. instructions: Drink 1 cup three times daily (Nissim, p. 32; Parvati, p. 56) • Gossypium herbaceum: Decoct 1 tsp. root bark/cup of water. instructions: take one tsp. hourly for 1-2 days or 1 cup three times daily for a maximum of 10 days. (Weed, p. 7; Nissim, p. 32)

//emmenagogues:// • Artemisia vulgaris: useful for amenorrhea especially with anemia, soft, thick lymph glands; infuse leaves and flowers using 1 tsp./cup of water. instructions: drink 1 cup three times daily for a maximum of 6 days. Caution: Drinking an infusion of more than 40 g./liter can cause liver and kidney disorders (Nissim, p. 31) • Cimicifuga racemosa: decoct root using 1 tsp./cup of water. instructions: drink 1 cup three times daily for a maximum of 6 days (Nissim, p. 32) • Hedeoma pulegioides: use with caution only the hot infusion of dried leaves not essential oil; infuse 1 tsp. leaves/cup of water. instructions: drink 1 cup three times daily for a maximum of 6 days (Nissim, p. 31) • Petroselinum sativum: stimulates smooth muscle contractions; decoct 1 tsp. fresh leaves and stems/cup of water. instructions: drink 1 cup three times daily May also insert a fresh, clean stem of parsley into the cervical os and change twice a day for 3 days. (Weed, p. 10) • Tanacetum vulgare: use infusion of leaves and flowers 1 week before up to 2 weeks after menses due; or use 10 drops tincture every 2 waking hours until menses begins (Weed, p. 7) • Zingiber officinale: Decoct fresh grated root. instructions: drink 1-2 cups three times daily (Weed, p. 7; Parvati, p. 58)

**Acupuncture**
therapeutic note: • The basic momentum of Chinese medicine has historically emphasized fertility rather contraception. The cultural and economic values placed on the family throughout all but the most recent part of Chinese history, and hence the social imperatives of its medicine, have always supported childbearing in the interests of productivity and parental care. In particular, the Kidney function is perceived as the key to strength, fertility and longevity and hence is usually the object of nourishing and strengthening therapies. Ultimately the greatest resources in the area of contraception offered by classical Chinese medicine can be found in the cultivation of the sexual energies as offered through various disciplines usually derived from Taoism. Semen retention and ovulatory cessation are typically achieved after qualified training and disciplined practice. Here the primary goals are increased awareness, spiritual insight, longevity and the cultivation of Qi, but contraception is most often an indirect outcome. Furthermore, whether by pharmacological or surgical means, contraception should be considered suspect in light of the disruptions and damage caused to the organs and channels. In particular, tubal ligations and vasectomies sever the acupuncture channels of the inguinal area, notably the Liver, Spleen and Kidney channels. The repercussions of such intervention are both subtle and long-term not only in their disruption of the circulation through the channels themselves but through their impact on the Lower Warmer, lower extremities and possibly the associated organs themselves. Likewise, therapeutic abortion also disrupts the natural processes of the body. During pregnancy the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) reverses its flow so as to focus the body's resources on the uterus. "When the fetus is artificially aborted, all this energy, especially the Blood energy, loses its center of cohesion. At the same time the body does not receive the natural hormonal feedback of birth. On the one hand, the body acts as if it were still pregnant and on the other, the energy of the entire Lower Burner becomes disordered and loses its tone." (Flaws, 1983, p. 21)

» illustrative combinations: • LI-4 and Sp-6; also consider: GV-1 and Sp-9 to induce artificial abortion (Shanghai, p. 679) • LI-4 and Sp-6; also consider: UB-67 to induce artificial abortion (Shanghai, p. 679)

**Mind/Body**
lunaception: Developed by Louise Lacey, this system calls for a woman to raise her consciousness of herself as a functioning whole being and take responsibility for creating this process. The method integrates awareness of a woman's daily life pattern with an understanding of how they relate to her fertile-infertile cycle. The daily patterns observed are emotional, physical, and mental states, temperature, and observations of cervical mucous, all of which are recorded on a graph. The object is to reveal a recurring pattern that indicates each woman' own fertile and infertile cycle. For example, a woman may become aware of powerful creative feelings three days before ovulation, which can be a signal of her first fertile day each month. (Bliss, p. 271) • psychic or mental control: Based on the principle that we have control over bodily processes rather than bodily processes controlling us, one can use thoughts and emotions to voluntarily control internal states such as conception. Useful techniques for this purpose include breath control, meditation, and yoga. (Bliss, p. 271) • non-seminal intercourse: Karezza is Western Tantra shorn of its mystification. It is simply a process of revitalizing sexual union to embrace the Spirit. Within this context, not reaching orgasm is experienced as a conscious choice rather than a burden or a sacrifice. This choice increases consciousness and beautifies both yourself and your partner. Free from thoughts of 'getting off', or getting anything, this slow and conscious lovemaking builds the energy and intimacy to unprecedented levels. (Baumann, p. 319) • Taoist seminal retention: Applying the physiology of traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners of Taoist sexual disciplines have advocated semen retention for millenia. Underlying such theories is the association of the sexual fluids with the Kidney and with their role as the reservoir and carriers of the body's most energetically dense substance, the Jing (Essence). The Jing is seen as the source of the constitutional strength inherited from the parents, and is depleted through stress. Its loss is manifested as physical debilitation, mental dispersion, and spiritual apathy. Conversely, through training and discipline, practitioners of these arts cultivate an internal alchemy that allows them to circulate and refine their sexual energy. They may then transform their Jing, first into Qi, the body's energy currency, and ultimately into Shen, the ethereal substance of the enlightened Mind, the vehicle of personal well-being and transcendental consciousness. Such practices require that semen be retained and that the sexual union be directed not toward giving birth to physical offspring but rather to personal integration and healing, enhanced psychic abilities, and spiritual attainment.

Chinese psychophysiology: • Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; controls the muscles especially their contractility; has an intimate relationship with the genitals and Lower Warmer; and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement.

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging, particularly the internal aspects of the reproductive organs; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; and displays the effects of aging, chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance. » Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); hearing loss; fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch. » Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Often chronic anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia, p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).

==**Integrative Therapies** == Birth control is the prevention of pregnancy by either permanent or temporary means. There is no totally foolproof method of birth control, but many of the methods are highly successful. Often, two or more birth control methods should be combined to ensure the best protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Most birth control methods require having a physical exam and obtaining instruction from a physician. Some methods, like the IUD, Norplant, and sterilization, require a surgical procedure. Condoms, spermicides, the rhythm method, and the contraceptive sponge do not require medical supervision. Whatever method you use, it is impor-tant to read about it, to thoroughly understand how to use it, and then to use it every time you have sexual intercourse. Most failures with birth control involve improper usage.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

Birth control pills are synthetic female hormones that work in the body the same way natural female hormones work during pregnancy. With birth control pills, the development of an egg for fertilization does not occur. Also, the lining and mucus of the cervix become inhospitable to sperm.

Although birth control pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, many times these are not recommended because of their side effects. Blood clots, heart attacks, tumors, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, increased premenstrual symptoms, and vaginal and yeast infections can be associated with the use of birth control pills. Women who have used birth control pills for more than three to five years, women who smoke, and women over 35 years of age are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects.

CONDOMS

A condom is a sheath usually made of thin latex rubber designed to fit over an erect penis. Condoms prevent pregnancy by keeping semen and sperm from entering the vagina. They are best used in conjunction with a spermicide used by the woman. This combination is highly effective. Condoms also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and gonorrhea. However, so-called lambskin condoms can be less effective, and they do not offer adequate protection against these diseases.

CERVICAL CAP

The cervical cap is a small rubber suction device that fits firmly over the cervix. The cap's purpose is to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. A small amount of spermicide is used to keep the cap in place and to inactivate any sperm that may get past it. The cervical cap is very effective when used properly. However, it does not help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

DIAPHRAGM

The diaphragm is a bowl-shaped rubber device with a flexible spring rim. It is easily inserted into the vagina where it covers the cervix. The diaphragm blocks the entry of sperm into the uterus. It is used with a spermicide for additional protection. It is a very effective birth control method when used carefully; however, it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Diaphragms come in different sizes and are fitted by a physician.

Vaginal irritations and bladder infections may worsen with the use of diaphragms. Women with health problems related to the vagina or bladder may want to consider using other birth control methods.

IUD (intrauterine device)

An IUD is a small piece of flexible plastic that is placed in the uterus by a physician. The IUD works because pregnancy usually will not occur when there is a foreign object in the uterus. Although it is extremely successful in preventing pregnancy, it can also be extremely hard on the body. An IUD may cause infection, excessive cramping, and bleeding during menstruation, and it may lengthen the time of the menstrual flow. In certain cases, the IUD may puncture the uterus, cause infections, and worsen some illnesses. IUDs, in particular, should not be used by women with endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic and vaginal infections, heart disease, or fibroids.

SPERMICIDES

Spermicides are chemicals that come in the form of creams, jellies, foams, and suppositories that are put into the vagina. During intercourse, the spermicide works to kill sperm or keep it from functioning properly. They should always be used with a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Spermicides may irritate the genitals or contribute to a urinary tract infection. If you are having problems, switch to a different brand of spermicide or consider an alternate method of birth control.

NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL/FERTILITY AWARENESS

Natural birth control involves becoming aware of the times when the female partner can become pregnant. Then, during the time of the woman's fertility (approximately four to six days per month), penis to vagina contact is completely avoided, or an additional birth control method is used.

Natural birth control is based on daily observations of mucus secretions, small cyclic changes in body temperature, and other indicators of fertility. This mode of birth control works best for those in an ongoing relationship with a supportive and conscientious partner.

NORPLANT

Norplant is a hormone that is surgically inserted under the skin. The hormone is stored in tiny matchstick-sized silicon capsules and released daily into the bloodstream over the course of five years. The hormone in Norplant changes the cervix, creating an unsuitable environment for the sperm. Adverse effects associated with Norplant include menstrual irregularities, headaches, depression, and extreme weight changes. Because it is a relatively new method, good information on the long-term effects of Norplant is just emerging. It should, therefore, not be used by nursing mothers and should only be used with close monitoring by a physician.

CONTRACEPTIVE SPONGE

The contraceptive sponge is an absorbent synthetic sponge that fits in the back of the vagina over the cervix. It contains a strong dose of spermicide to kill or make the sperm ineffective. The sponge should be used in conjunction with the male partner's use of a condom. It is most effective for women who have never been pregnant. The sponge may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Toxic shock syndrome has also been associated with its use.

STERILIZATION

Sterilization is a surgical procedure that is almost 100 percent effective at permanently preventing pregnancy. It is a common form of birth control in the United States. Tubal ligation is the sterilization procedure for women. During the operation, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked off so that the egg cannot be fertilized and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Adverse effects of tubal ligation may include increased bleeding and pain during menstruation. While not common, surgical complications are also a possibility.

A vasectomy is the sterilization procedure for men. It can be done as a simple surgery in the doctor's office. During a vasectomy, the tubes that carry sperm to the penis are cut and tied. Ejaculation is not affected.