What is contraception?
Contraception is a method to prevent unwanted pregnancy. There are several ways to do this. Some contraceptives (adhesion barriers) prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. Other contraceptives cause conditions in the female genitalia in return, making pregnancy impossible.
In a world where reproductive health is gaining increasing attention, contraception plays a vital role in empowering individuals to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive lives. Contraception, commonly known as birth control, encompasses a wide range of methods and techniques used to prevent pregnancy, control fertility, and manage reproductive health.
At its core, contraception is designed to prevent the fertilization of an egg by sperm, thereby inhibiting pregnancy. However, it extends beyond mere pregnancy prevention; it also encompasses managing health conditions related to menstruation, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With advancements in medical science, various contraception methods have emerged to provide options suitable for different lifestyles, health needs, and preferences.
What forms of contraception are there?
Types of Contraceptive Methods
Contraceptive methods can be broadly categorized into several groups, including hormonal, barrier, intrauterine devices (IUDs), natural methods, permanent methods, and emergency contraception. Each category features distinct advantages, uses, and considerations.
1. Hormonal Methods
Hormonal contraceptives are among the most commonly used forms of birth control. They work by altering the body’s natural hormonal cycles to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. Key hormonal methods include:
- Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs): Taken daily, these pills contain synthetic versions of estrogen and/or progestin. They are highly effective when taken consistently.
- Contraceptive Implants: Small rods inserted under the skin that release hormones over a period of three to five years, preventing ovulation.
- Injectable Contraceptives: Administered via injection, these can provide protection from pregnancy for three months.
- Hormonal Patches and Rings: These methods deliver hormones through the skin or vaginally, respectively, and can be easily self-administered.
2. Barrier Methods
Barrier methods physically obstruct sperm from entering the uterus and reaching an egg. Some of the most familiar barrier methods include:
- Condoms: Available for both males and females, condoms are the only contraceptive method that also provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Spermicides: Chemical agents that immobilize or kill sperm, often used in conjunction with other barrier methods.
- Diaphragms and Cervical Caps: These dome-shaped devices are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and are used with spermicide for increased effectiveness.
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. They come in hormonal and copper varieties. Hormonal IUDs release progestin, while copper IUDs create an environment toxic to sperm. Both types offer long-term contraception, typically lasting several years.
4. Natural Methods
Natural contraceptive methods rely on tracking fertility signals to prevent pregnancy. Techniques include the Calendar Method, Basal Body Temperature Method, and Cervical Mucus Method. These methods require careful monitoring and are typically less effective than hormonal and barrier methods.
5. Permanent Methods
For individuals who are certain they do not want children in the future, permanent methods such as sterilization provide a long-term solution:
- Tubal Ligation: A surgical procedure for women that involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes.
- Vasectomy: A surgical procedure for men that involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens to prevent sperm from mixing with seminal fluid.
6. Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) includes methods that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. These methods, such as the morning-after pill or the copper IUD, are most effective when used within a few days after the event.
Efficacy of Contraception
The effectiveness of contraception varies significantly among methods. Hormonal contraceptives (when used correctly) and IUDs are extremely effective, with pregnancy rates of less than 1% per year. Barrier methods, such as condoms, have a higher failure rate, typically around 15% with typical use. Thus, selecting the appropriate method should consider individual health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.
Benefits of Contraception
Contraception offers profound benefits beyond just pregnancy prevention. These benefits include:
- Reproductive Autonomy: Contraception empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding family planning and reproductive health.
- Menstrual Regulation: Many hormonal contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy bleeding, and alleviate menstrual pain.
- Health Benefits: Certain contraceptives may lower the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as provide relief from conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis.
Societal Implications
The use of contraception has far-reaching societal implications. It contributes to improved women’s health, economic empowerment, and the ability to pursue education and careers. Additionally, access to contraception is integral in addressing population growth and reproductive rights.
However, access to contraception remains a contentious issue in many parts of the world due to cultural beliefs, legislative restrictions, and socioeconomic disparities. Efforts continue globally to promote the availability of contraceptive methods and educate communities about reproductive health.
Hormonal contraceptives
Contraceptive pill : The pill is one of the most commonly used contraceptive methods. The pill works on the basis of hormones. Most pills are a combination of female sex hormones estrogen and progestogen.
These substances are dosed in such a way that inhibit ovulation, so no eggs are released.Hormones also change the structure of the uterine mucosa (mouth). This makes it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus and any fertilized egg will not be able to implant.
Types of contraceptive pills
There are different types of birth control pills to choose from. This can sometimes cause confusion. An overview of the types of pills:
1. Combination Pills
As the name suggests, combination pills contain a mixture of estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. They are the most commonly prescribed contraceptives and can be further divided into:
- Monophasic Pills: Each pill in the pack contains the same hormone dosage, providing consistent hormone levels throughout the cycle.
- Biphasic and Triphasic Pills: These contain varying hormone doses and are designed to mimic the natural fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. They may offer advantages for some women, such as reducing side effects or providing increased cycle control.
2. Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pills)
Progestin-only pills, or mini-pills, contain only progestin without estrogen. They are often recommended for women who cannot take estrogen due to health concerns, such as a history of blood clots or certain types of migraines. Mini-pills are less forgiving when it comes to timing; they must be taken at the same time every day to maintain their effectiveness.
Benefits of Contraceptive Pills
1. Preventing Unintended Pregnancies
The primary function of contraceptive pills is to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, combination pills offer more than 99% effectiveness, making them one of the most reliable forms of contraception available.
2. Menstrual Regulation
Oral contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles, providing predictable periods and alleviating irregularities. Many women experience lighter and less painful periods while on the pill, which can enhance their quality of life.
3. Hormonal Balance
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to a range of symptoms, including mood swings, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Contraceptive pills can help balance hormone levels, alleviating symptoms related to these conditions.
4. Reduced Risk of Certain Health Conditions
Long-term use of contraceptive pills has been associated with a decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. Additionally, they may reduce the incidence of ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Using the contraceptive pill
The contraceptive pill is a very reliable contraceptive, always take the right way. The pill use is different for each type. With most pills you take 1 tablet every day for 3 weeks.
This is followed by a call stop weeks: 7 days when you do not take a pill. During this week there is bleeding that resembles a menstrual period, but generally is light enough. This is called a withdrawal bleed.
It is also protected against pregnancy during the shutdown weeks. There are also pills that stop no week.Then taking a pill daily until the strip is empty and then immediately proceed to the next strip. Depending on the type of pill, it will continue to produce a withdrawal bleed.
The contraceptive pill is developed quickly. If you stop using contraception this, you will be fertile again almost immediately.
Contraceptive pill for other purposes
Sometimes women take the pill for reasons other than birth control. For example, because suffering from menstrual disorders such as heavy bleeding, severe menstrual pain or a very irregular menstrual pattern.
Pill replaces it with a natural menstrual periods, bleeding normal smooth deprivation, which reduces these complaints.
Women who take the pill can change their periods. This can be useful, for example, if you need surgery, go on vacation, have a sporting event or if your period is inconvenient for some other reason.
Emergency contraceptive pill
The emergency contraceptive pill is not the same as a regular birth control pills. The so-called ” morningafter pill” is only intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
The emergency contraceptive pill contains a certain amount of hormones that inhibit ovulation and / or prevent a fertilized egg from settling. This means that there can be no pregnancy.
However, the tablet should be taken as soon as possible: preferably within 12 hours, but in any case within 3 to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
Contraceptive injection: women who have difficulty taking a pill every day can choose a contraceptive injection. Hormones are injected into the body, after which no pregnancy can occur during 12 weeks. The contraceptive injection is administered by a doctor or nurse.
contraceptive implant: hormonal implant consists of a small implant that is placed under the skin on the arm. The implant releases a low dose of hormones every day.
This means that you continue to be protected against pregnancy for a period of 3 years. Contraceptive implants applied by a doctor or nurse.
contraceptive patch: when using the contraceptive patch, the hormone is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. the patch is replaced once a week. After three weeks there will be a stop week. During this week, triggered a withdrawal bleed.
Vaginal ring: vaginal ring releases hormones into the vaginal mucous membrane. The ring remains in place for three weeks, then quit the following week.
The ring is easy to insert and remove. The action can be compared to inserting a tampon.Spiral with hormones: spiral, also known as Intra Uterine Device or IUD. It consists of, small plastic anchors are placed inside the uterus by a doctor.
Spiral releases a small amount of progestogen every day. This means that you continue to be protected against pregnancy. Hormones spiral must be replaced after 5 years.
Non-hormonal contraceptives
There are also ways to prevent pregnancy without the use of hormones. adhesion barriers such as condoms and pessaries are very suitable for this purpose.
Non-hormonal contraceptive is copper coil. Non-hormonal contraceptives do not cause side effects and are safe for use by breastfeeding women.
Adhesion barrier: a barrier anti-adhesion prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. These contraceptives literally form a barrier between sperm and the uterus. There are different types:
Condom: condom is the only contraceptive method not definitive for a man for the moment.
Condoms are safe and when used according to instructions. The advantage of a condom is that this contraceptive also protects against an STD (sexually transmitted disease).Condoms come in many shapes and sizes. Choose a variant that fits well and feels good.
Female condom: The female condom consisting of a pocket with a rubber ring. Insert the condom (up to 24 hours) in the vagina before intercourse.
So you do not have to interrupt sexual activity, which is the case when a male condom is used. The female condom also protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
Pessary: A pessary is a rubber stopper is placed on the neck of the uterus. This is possible from 2 hours before intercourse.
Always use the pessary in combination with a spermicidal pasta. After intercourse, the pessary should be kept in the vagina for 6 hours. Only then is it certain that all sperm cells have died and the cover can be removed safely.
Copper spiral: a copper coil is a small object, shaped anchor is placed in the uterus. The spiral continuously emits a small amount of copper.
This makes inactive sperm, so it can not take place fertilization. Thus, a copper coil protects against unwanted pregnancy for about 5 to 10 years. The coil is inserted into the uterus by a doctor.
Definitive contraception
A definitive form of contraception is sterilization. With this surgical procedure, fertility is definitely over.
In principle, you will not be able to have children after sterilization. Sterilization is therefore only for people who do not want to have a child (no longer). Both men and women can be sterilized.
Sterilisation of the man
In a vasectomy (male sterilization), the vas deferens is cut through. As a result, sperm no longer contains sperm and fertilization can not take place. The operation is performed by a urologist.
Sterilisation of the woman
Whether a woman chooses sterilization, the fallopian tubes are sealed. As a result, fertile eggs can no longer come into contact with sperm cells.
Today a urologist only performs this surgical procedure through 2 small incisions in the abdominal wall (laparoscopy) .Sterilisation takes place in an outpatient unit for both men and women. So you can go home the same day.
Alternative method of contraception: periodic abstinence.Another way to not get pregnant, but without the use of regular contraception is periodic abstinence. This calculates when a woman is fertile.
During the fertile period no sex, or an adhesion barrier (condom or pessary). There are different ways to calculate the fertile period of a woman:
Temperature method
Around ovulation, the body temperature of a woman rises a fraction. By measuring the temperature on a daily basis, a personal fertility profile can be calculated.
Special thermometers and computers are available for the calculations. However, this method can also be performed manually.In order to accurately map the temperature variations, it is necessary to take the temperature at the same time every day.
If you deviate from this, the body temperature may already have changed again, making the result less reliable measure. Factors such as stress enough or too much drink alcohol, do not sleep can also influence the measurement results.
The method cervical mucus
Around ovulation, the composition of the endometrium changes. By studying the lining of the vagina on a daily basis.It is possible to determine whether a woman is fertile. It is not always easy to see the differences in the mucous membrane.
The calendar method
With a regular cycle, ovulation (and therefore the fertile period) is also produced at regular intervals. A pattern maintaining cycle naturally fertile period can be predicted at some point. An irregular cycle makes it much more difficult to trace the fertile period.
Additional risks and side effects
There may be risks and side effects associated with the use of contraceptives. These differ contraceptive.Risks and side effects of hormonal contraceptives
Hormone-based contraceptives may cause side effects. Best known side effects of hormonal contraceptives are:
- Light bleeding outside of menstruation (bleeding or spotting)
- Headache
- Sore breasts or tense
- Weight gain
- Moisture retention
- Humor changes
Side effects are rare but serious include cancer and thrombosis. Women taking the pill or use other forms of hormonal contraception have a slightly increased risk of developing these conditions.
However, women over 35 who smoke are more likely to experience these side effects. They are not advised to use hormonal contraception. This also applies to women who suffer from certain conditions or are taking certain medications.
Hormonal contraceptives forgotten
Hormonal contraceptives are only reliable if they are used very precisely. Did you forget to take the pill, for example, or apply a new ring or patch? Then it is possible that you are no longer protected optimally against pregnancy.
This is also the case if you vomit the pill or the patch came loose accidentally.The body may not have been able to absorb the active ingredients sufficiently. The product information leaflet indicates exactly what you need to do if this happens.
Hormonal contraceptives and breastfeeding
Hormones in contraceptives are not always suitable for breastfeeding women. contraceptives containing the hormone estrogen especially first reduce the production of breast milk.
So it is best not to use these contraceptives during the first six weeks of breastfeeding. A mini-pill with progesterone alone has no effect on the production of breast milk.
You can use this pill if you are breastfeeding. The same goes for a spiral. However, this contraceptive can be placed 4 to 6 weeks after delivery.The hormones you receive can pass into breast milk and reach the child. This is not necessarily harmful to the child.
The risks and side effects of non-hormonal contraceptivesThe use of non-hormonal contraception little gifts or no risks or side effects. Establishment of a copper spiral can be painful. Some women with a copper spiral also suffer from heavier rules.
Sterilization is an operation. This involves the usual risks of surgery. The reliability of adhesion barriers is significantly reduced if a condom or pessary are not used correctly.
A condom can tear, for example, or a pessary can move. In addition, the use of certain medications can affect the contraceptive material and make it less reliable. read the manual carefully before always use these contraceptives.
The risks and side effects of alternative methods of contraceptionThe reliability of periodic abstinence contraceptive method is (much) smaller than regular contraceptives. The calendar methods and temperature require very specific documents.
For the method of cervical smear, the lining is not always easy to assess. In addition, the sperm cells can survive for several days in the womb.
If periodic abstinence is started too late, there is a chance that a fertilized egg.Using periodic abstinence as a method of contraception that more pregnant women accidentally become that the use of regular contraceptives.
Morning after Pill
Life is full of unexpected situations, such as the disappearance of a birth control pill or having a romantic chance encounter unprotected. No need to feel guilty about this kind of thing happens all the time.
Sometimes birth control is not enough, for example, a condom can tear, also get sick and vomiting or diarrhea may affect the action (protection) of a contraceptive pill.
These are all scenarios that can endanger you to get pregnant. The morning after pill is a solution. It keeps you protected from becomming pregant if events occur lifes little unexpected.
Norlevo (Levonelle)
The easiest and reliable morning after pill Levonelle on the market (Levonelle) and is available without a doctor s \ prescription. The morning after pill should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
EllaOne
Another morning after pill, which can take up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse is called ellaOne. The morning after pill is available without doctor \ prescription “and can be ordered online.
Postpone menstruation
Menstruation can be very painful. Hormonal fluctuations can completely disrupt the mind, following which some women can not function normally.
In a woman, the blood loss is not so bad, but in other women it can be a lot. There may be situations where a sanitary napkin or tampon should be changed every hour.
Furthermore, cramps, nausea and possible head ache may occur. A link has been established between menstruation and migraine episodes.
This may be a good reason to keep your time to a minimum. You can choose to have your period once every six weeks, or perhaps not even having for a year.Another reason may be that a medical procedure is provided.
Specialists schedules and hospitals can not be adapted indefinitely to your menstrual cycle, and you may not want to not have your period in hospital during surgery and during the recovery period.
This can also be a reason to postpone or advance your period. Finally, there are social reasons.
It happens to every woman once in a while; you plan a great holiday and discover that you will get your period this week exactly.
Or you may need to make a presentation in the middle of the week of your period. Even then, it is very nice to be able to adjust your cycle.
Fortunately, there are opportunities to defer, or even jump ahead of your time, even if you do not take a contraceptive pill.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
When a woman enters menopause, estrogen production in the ovaries decreases. This can lead to all sorts of complaints such as hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, mood swings and nonchalance.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the drug in the form of hormones may be prescribed, so-called hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). These hormones estrogen supplement the content.This reduces or eliminates the symptoms. Treatment is best started early in menopause.
However, there are also disadvantages to hormone replacement therapy, which is why the benefits and risks of HRT need to be examined carefully to make an informed choice that best suits you.
Best Practices for Using Contraceptive Pills
1. Consistency is Key
For contraceptive pills to maximize their effectiveness, they must be taken consistently and correctly. Setting a daily reminder can help ensure that women take their pills around the same time each day.
2. Understand Your Options
Women should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to determine which type of pill best fits their health needs and lifestyle preferences.
3. Be Aware of Drug Interactions
Certain medications and supplements can interact with oral contraceptives, affecting their efficacy. Women should always inform their healthcare providers about any other medications they are taking.
4. Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring health while using hormonal contraceptives. These visits can help manage any side effects, discuss lifestyle changes, or explore other contraceptive options if necessary.
Conclusion
Contraceptive pills represent a significant milestone in women’s health, providing a range of benefits from pregnancy prevention to menstrual management. However, to harness these advantages effectively, it is essential for women to navigate the complexities of these medications thoughtfully.
By understanding the types of pills available, their benefits, potential risks, and best practices for usage, women can make informed decisions that empower them and enhance their reproductive health. As always, a collaborative relationship with healthcare providers is crucial for ensuring safe and effective use of contraceptive methods.