Fundamentals of Midwifery: A Textbook for Students (118 page)

Emergency contraception
Hormone treatment taken after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. This treatment must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse.
Family planning
Planning the number and spacing of children within the family.
Female condom
A sheath placed inside the vagina to prevent sperm entering the vagina during intercourse.
Hormonal contraception
Prescription treatments to prevent conception by means of hor- mones. These can be administered in the form of tablets (contraceptive pill), implants, patches, internal devices or injection.
Implant
A small flexible rod which remains under the skin surface and slowly releases progesterone.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
A copper and plastic device which is inserted into the uterus which works by causing an increase in the white blood cells in the cervix which prevents sperm entering.
Intrauterine system (IUS)
A T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus and releases progesterone.
Lactational amenorrhoea method
A natural method of contraception in the first 6 months following birth where breastfeeding is undertaken day and night with little or no supplementation.
Natural methods
Methods that attempt to prevent conception by means other than contracep- tive devices or drugs, e.g. male withdrawal prior to ejaculation.
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