Although it is often believed that the POP does nothing to inhibit ovulation, figures shows that in about 40% of women it does in fact block ovulation.
   The mini pill is often recommended as post-natal contraception in the belief that it does not reduce the milk supply of a breastfeeding woman. My own experience, and that of other women I’ve talked to, tells a quite different story. Milk supply is definitely reduced to some degree, and its composition (and therefore taste) is also altered, particularly with long term use. And, anyway, who would want to feed their baby contraceptive hormones? Remember that everything ingested whilst breastfeeding goes into your milk. It has been noted that breastfed female babies whose mothers take the mini pill can become mildly masculine from the synthetic progesterone.

	~Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD's)~

   Although having suffered incredibly bad press in the last 10 years, amazingly, many women world wide, are still subjecting their bodies to this device. And, the companies who manufacture and market these devises are now turning their sights on the women of the developing world as Western women abandon this form of contraception.
   An IUD is technically not a contraceptive in the true sense of the word, in that it does not prevent conception that is fertilisation of the egg. Rather, it prevents implantation of an embryo, and therefore it is actually abortifacient. If sexual activity occurs during the fertile time of an IUD user’s cycle then fertilisation more than likely occurs. The IUD works as an irritant inside the uterus and prevents a pregnancy continuing. The embryo is aborted around the time of menstrua-tion.
   For a woman who respects her body, the use of an IUD is a complete anathema. Because of the job it must do, it must be made and designed in such a way as to create a mild irritation inside the uterus. Not only is the IUD user taking into her body a foreign object that causes her reproduc-tive system to think that it is constantly under attack, she is destroying a potential life many times over in the most unconscious way. Any woman who has had an abortion feels some amount of anxiety and responsibility for making that decision, but at least she is making it consciously. An IUD does the same thing but with greatly reduced awareness.
 

   The damage to the health of an IUD user can be quite extensive particularly if the device is used for a long time. Heavy bleeding at the time of period is most common as the cleansing reflex of the womb is in overdrive in an attempt to expel the irritant. Sometimes the body expels the IUD, but not usually at a convenient time or in a painless manner. Period pain is also a likely side effect of IUD usage. Even after an IUD is removed a woman can expect to take many months for her uterus to begin to respond normally to her natural cycle. Since an IUD is not contained entirely inside the uterus, a small string like piece protrudes from the cervix, and bacteria (which would normally be dealt with by the mucus secretions of the vagina) can find their way up inside the uterus. Therefore Pelvic Inflamma-tory Disease (PID) is a common side effect of IUDs. Permanent damage to the reproductive system and infertility is a real risk of IUDs.
   On a final note, the IUD has been around for millennia. Nomadic Arabs used to put a stone in the uterus of their female camels prior to long journeys. They didn’t want a cow to become pregnant and slow the caravan down by towing a calf. So, if you want to feel like a camel in the desert, by all means try out an IUD.
   If you have been using an IUD and are now preparing for pregnancy you should follow a healing and cleansing program for at least 6 months before you attempt conception. See Prescriptive Yoga Program – “Cleansing and Healing” on page 2012.

   These methods are less intrusive than some of the others in that they do not involve messing with the body’s hormones and are not permanent devices inside the body. For women, the barrier device is a diaphragm, a rubber cap that is fitted inside the vagina over the cervix opening just prior to sexual union. They have to be initially fitted professionally, and can vary in size from 5 cms to 10 cms diameter. They should also be checked and refitted after one or more children to be sure of their efficiency – as I found out by way of my third pregnancy! The lower side is commonly covered with a spermicide cream or jelly, just to be extra sure. A lot of women feel morally comfortable with this option as they appreciate that neither ovum nor sperm are being destroyed, just being kept away from each other. If by chance pregnancy should occur, the likelihood of