From the time when the rhythm method or condoms were the only contraceptive methods we are already far away. Fortunately nowadays there are different methods of contraception so that everyone can choose the one that works best for them.
Nowadays we have much more information to be able to plan and avoid unwanted pregnancies and in some cases, sexually transmitted diseases, so there is no excuse! Live your sexuality freely, enjoy it and be responsible: use contraceptive methods.
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What are contraceptive methods?
When we talk about contraceptive methods, we are referring to all those methods that we use to control birth control and prevent unwanted pregnancies in sexually active women before in sexually active women before they happen. These contraceptive methods can be used by women, by men or by both.
Nowadays there are different contraceptive methods with different characteristics to suit everyone’s preferences. Here we are going to classify them according to their mechanism of action and we will tell you about each one of them.
What are the different contraceptive methods?
As you will see now, there are different types of contraceptive methods. barrier, hormonal, definitive, natural or emergency contraceptive methods.. Learn about them.
1. Barrier
These contraceptive methods, as their name suggests, consist of creating a barrier to physically prevent the passage of sperm and, therefore, the fertilization of the egg.
Male condom
Also known as condoms or prophylacticsis still the most widely used method of contraception. It is a sheath or cover that is placed over the penis, covering it. It is usually made of latex and its consistency is very light so it does not diminish the sensitivity of the penis. When used, ejaculation occurs inside the condom trapping the semen.
Nowadays, we can get them in different sizes, with spermicide, with lubricant, with textures to generate more pleasure, with colors, with flavors… For all tastes and needs! In addition, by using this contraceptive method you are preventing a large number of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Effectiveness: between 85 and 97%.
- Use: before and during sexual intercourse.
- Duration: temporary single use for each sexual act and should be discarded after use.
Female condom
Another barrier contraceptive method is the female condom. the female condom and works in a similar way to the male condom.. It is inserted into the vagina in the same way you insert a tampon.
During sexual intercourse it is almost imperceptible and like the male condom, it collects the sperm and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. As it is a liner, it also prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
- Effectiveness: 79%.
- Use: before and during sexual intercourse.
- Duration: temporary single use for each sexual act and should be discarded after use.
Contraceptive sponge
Another contraceptive method that can be used by women consists of a small round sponge that must be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse, covering the cervix.
This sponge absorbs the sperm and has spermicide to make it more effective. spermicide to make it much more effective. Like tampons, it has a cloth strip so that you can easily remove it when you are done. This method of contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and may be irritating to some girls.
- Effectiveness: 76 – 88%.
- Use: before and during intercourse.
- Duration: temporary one-time use for each act of intercourse and should be discarded after use.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm consists of a plastic cup or cap that is inserted into the vagina is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to form a barrier to form a barrier at the cervix. If you want it to be more effective, you can smear it with a spermicidal gel before inserting it. Although it is one of the most effective barrier methods of contraception, it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- Effectiveness: 88 – 95%.
- Use: you must insert it before each sexual intercourse.
- Duration: depending on proper use and cleaning after each sexual act, you can use it several times.
Note: you should see your gynecologist before starting to use it.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Or the famous copper T. It is basically a small, flexible T-shaped T-shaped flexible piece that is placed inside the uterus.. They work in such a way that they modify the way the sperm moves, so that it cannot reach the egg.
There is also a version of a hormone-releasing intrauterine device, which regulates the menstrual cycle and delays the development of the endometrium.
- Effectiveness: 95 – 99%.
- Use: permanent.
- Duration: can last up to 12 years.
Note: the intrauterine device is inserted only by the gynecologist through a procedure.
2. Hormonal
These are the contraceptive methods most commonly used by women. Their objective is to alter the hormonal levels that a woman naturally has to avoid or decrease ovulation, considerably limiting the possibility of fertilization. The hormones that are altered are estrogens, to prevent ovulation; and progesterone, to prevent ovulation.and progesterone, to prevent the endometrium from preparing for fertilization and to change the cervical mucus.
Not all contraceptive methods alter both hormones, since in some cases only progesterone is altered. It is very important to keep in mind that since they are hormonal, they act differently in each woman. They also have some side effects that may vary from person to person, so you must find the solution that best suits you.
Birth control pills
Contraceptive pills are composed mainly of estrogens and gestagens, in different amounts depending on the type of pill. mainly, in different amounts depending on the type of pill. It is a pill that you must take daily for 21 days or during the whole cycle if the pills you use have placebos.
For some, they are excellent because they reduce menstrual cramps, blood flow, acne, and can even help improve mood. For others, the side effects can be weight changes, mood swings, depression, cellulite or the risk of disease, so they stop using them.
In any case, pills are one of the most popular contraceptive methods, although their effectiveness depends on the control that each one has over their daily intake.
- Effectiveness: 91 – 99%.
- Use: take one pill daily.
Note: Consult your gynecologist to find the most suitable contraceptive pills for you.
Contraceptive patches
This is one of the simplest contraceptive methods, as it simply consists of putting a patch on the skin, either on the abdomen, buttock or arm. The patch releases the hormones, which are absorbed by the skin.. It is very safe because it does not allow the possibility of expelling the hormones by vomiting or diarrhea, as could happen with the pill.
- Effectiveness: 91 – 99%.
- Use: Apply one patch every week for three weeks.
- Duration: Each patch lasts one week.
Contraceptive injection
Consists of an injection of the hormone progestin, with a dose sufficient to prevent ovulation for 1 to 3 weeks. prevent ovulation for 1 or 3 months according to the prescribed dose. It can only be injected by a doctor or nurse.
- Effectiveness: 94 – 99%.
- Use: Give one injection per month or every three months as prescribed.
- Duration: One month or three months as prescribed.
Contraceptive Implant
It consists of a rod the size of a matchstick that is inserted into the arm and releases hormones that and releases the hormones. It is one of the simplest contraceptive methods, because you can put it in and forget about it for a while.
- Effectiveness: 97 – 99%.
- Use: Inserting the implant requires a minor procedure by a doctor.
- Duration: 1, 3 or up to 5 years.
Vaginal Ring
Another contraceptive method that prevents ovulation by absorbing hormones through the vaginal walls.. It is a flexible ring that you can insert yourself into the vagina, placing it in the cervix.
- Effectiveness: 91-97%.
- Use: Insert one ring per menstrual cycle.
- Duration: 3 weeks.
3. Definitive contraceptives
The definitive contraceptive methods are those in which we we prevent pregnancy by means of a surgical intervention. Although these can be reversible in some cases, they are usually definitive, so you must be sure that you do not want to have children in the future.
Tubal Ligation
This is a procedure for women, in which a cut or tie is made in the fallopian tubes. a cut or a tie is made in the Fallopian tubes.The access of the sperm to the egg is obstructed, so it will never be able to be fertilized.
Vasectomy
This procedure is for men, and it consists of cutting the seminal ducts so that the sperm cannot leave the testicle and ejaculate. from the testicle and the ejaculation does not contain sperm. Ties are now being used instead of cuts in order to reverse the vasectomy.
4. Naturals
There are those who still use the contraceptive methods of our grandmothers, such as the rhythm method, in which sexual intercourse is limited during ovulation; many others simply do not allow their partner to ejaculate inside the vagina and perform the well-known “reversal”. In any case, these techniques are not recommended and should be avoided.
These methods are not safe for many reasons. We can have hormonal changes that affect ovulation without realizing it and end up with an unwanted pregnancy. without realizing it and end up with an unwanted pregnancy. In the case of reversal, our partner may not be able to come out in time to ejaculate outside of us. They are also risky because they do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases in any way.
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5. Emergency methods
This is the only contraceptive method that is used after sexual intercourse. It is the the morning-after pillwhich you can take 24 to 72 hours later if you think you are at risk of pregnancy. It is useful in cases where previous contraceptive methods may have failed, for example, if we see that the condom has broken.
But it is also one of the least recommended contraceptive methods, as it is a very high hormonal load to prevent fertilization, which can lead to that can produce important changes in your metabolism. In any case, if you do use it, keep in mind that it is contraindicated to take the morning after pill more than 2 times per year.