What are contraceptive methods?
Contraceptive methods prevent or reduce a woman’s chance of fertilization. They prevent pregnancy and help plan the optimal time to have a child. Nowadays, there are many types of contraceptives, which can be administered orally, intravaginally, transdermally, by injection, by subcutaneous implant or physically. For example: contraceptive pill, patch, implant, condom, vasectomy or IUD.
Regarding their efficacy, they are not all classified in the same way. Abstinence, patches and condoms are the most reliable. In addition, the use of certain contraceptive methods, such as condoms, can prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Why are they used?
Contraceptive methods are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are couples who want to enjoy sex but do not want to have children. Therefore, it is important to use contraceptive methods that help to avoid them and thus be able to plan the best time to have them.
What are they?
Among the different contraceptive methods, the most prominent are:
- Condom: Commonly known as condom, it has to be placed very well to avoid pregnancy. Special care must be taken not to tear it with fingernails, rings or piercings.
- Sponge: It is introduced into the vagina before intercourse, its effectiveness is 24 hours. It is more effective in women who have not had children, since after pregnancy the vaginal canal dilates and does not return completely to its initial dimensions after childbirth.
- Pill (oral contraceptives): It consists of ingesting a pill every day. Its efficacy, if used correctly, is 99.7%. Efficacy may decrease if the person forgets to take it, does not take it at the same time or vomits.
- Vaginal ring: Identical in effectiveness to the pill, this plastic ring must be placed inside the vagina and gradually releases hormones. It must be changed with each new cycle.
- Transdermal patch: This is a “band-aid” that is impregnated with hormones and placed on the skin.
- Diaphragm: It is the well-known “female condom”. It is a latex or silicone plug that the woman inserts into her vagina and thus prevents sperm from entering the cervix. Its disadvantage is that you have to wait between 6 and 8 hours to remove it.
- IUD: This is an intrauterine device that must be inserted by the gynecologist.
- Surgical interventions: Tubal ligation in the case of women and vasectomy in the case of men.
Side effects
Some contraceptive methods can cause side effects such as mood swings, loss of libido, weight gain and headaches. It is important to choose the most appropriate one in each case.
Some people are allergic to latex, so be careful when choosing a condom.