Understanding The Different Types Of Contraceptives

CONTRACEPTIONContraception, also known as birth control, is the use of a devise, medicine, injection, or even a surgery in an effort to prevent pregnancies. Some contraceptives are reversible, while others are permanent. Some can also help with the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and diseases.( stds ). While we will be reviewing many types of birth control methods in this blog, it is important to be aware that abstinence is the only method of birth control that is 100 per cent effective.

 

Contraceptive information and its availability is fundamental to the human rights and sexual health of all individuals. It can often be a controversial topic for some people due to different cultural and religious oppositions.  Reproductive health, fertility awareness, family planning, the risks of unprotected sex, and methods of birth control are all important topics to become educated on as a part of general health care.

Based on a study held in 2017, an estimated 214 million women of reproductive ages from developing regions had a lack of resources to a reasonable contraceptive method. Some of the restrictions were due to a very limited choice in methods, fear of side-effects, limited access, poor quality or lack of services, and even gender-based barriers. In these regions, contraceptives were desperately needed to allow for a reduction of unintended pregnancies. They would have also reduced the need for unsafe abortions and HIV transmissions from the mothers to their newborns.

The use of contraception can be very helpful in preventing pregnancy-related health risks and side effects seen in women. This is especially true for adolescent girls when births are separated by less than two years apart from one another. The mortality rate is 45% higher in these births than when each birth is separated by two to three years apart, and 60% higher when the births are separated by more than four years apart. Giving a woman’s body time between births allows them the opportunities to expand their education. It also keeps a sustainable population growth and better economic development for their countries. Most importantly, it gives these individuals a chance to become empowered as women.

Choose a Method of Contraception that is right for you

There are many methods of contraception. Some of them are definitely more effective than others. They are as follows:

• The contraceptive pill, or birth control pill (Oral Contraceptive) – This prevents the release of the eggs from the ovaries, called ovulation.
• The Mini Pill (Progesterone only Pills, POPs) – These thicken the cervical mucus in order to block sperm and the egg from meeting. It can also prevent ovulation.

  

• Implants – These also thicken the cervical mucus to block the sperm and egg from meeting. Can also prevent ovulation.
• Progestogen only injectables – These thicken the cervical mucus to block the sperm and egg from meeting and prevent ovulation.
• Monthly injectables or combined injectable contraceptives, or the birth control shot (CIC) – This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries, called ovulation. This is a long-acting form of birth control.
• Combined contraceptive patch and combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) – This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries, called ovulation. This would consist of a small soft, plastic ring that would be placed inside the vagina. The ring, along with the contraceptive patch in combination would release a continuous dose of the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into the blood to prevent pregnancy.
• The sponge and diaphragm – Both of these devices are placed in the birth canal during intercourse and hold a chemical that is used to kill any sperm that enters upon ejaculation from the penis. They are sometimes regarded as uncomfortable though. Spermicide can be used in conjunction with these contraceptives.
• Intrauterine device (IUD): Copper containing – Copper component causes damage to the sperm and prevents it from meeting the egg.
• Intrauterine device (IUD): levonorgestrel – This thickens the cervical mucus to block the sperm and egg from meeting.

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• Male Condoms – These form a barrier to prevent the sperm and egg from meeting.Male Condoms

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• Female condoms – These form a barrier to prevent the sperm and egg from meeting.
• Male sterilization (Vasectomy) – This keeps the sperm out of the ejaculated semen.
• Female sterilization (tubal ligation) – The eggs are blocked from meeting the sperm.
• Tubal Ligation
• Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) – This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries, known as ovulation.
• Standard Days Method or SDM – This prevents pregnancy by avoiding unprotected vaginal intercourse during the most fertile days.
• Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method – This prevents pregnancy by avoiding unprotected vaginal intercourse during fertile days.
• Two Day Method – This prevents pregnancy by avoiding unprotected vaginal intercourse during most fertile days.
• Calendar methods
• Emergency contraception pills (ulipristal acetate 30 mg levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) – These prevent or delay the release of the eggs from the ovaries. The pills taken to prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected intercourse.
• Calendar Method – This is based on the couple preventing pregnancy by avoiding unprotected vaginal intercourse during the first and last estimated fertile days, by abstaining or using a condom.
• Withdraw (coitus interruptus) – This is an attempt to keep the sperm out of the women’s body in order to prevent fertilization.

The contraceptives that are more than 99% effective are:

• The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) – This is a small flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin in your upper arm. It releases a hormone called progestogen into your bloodstream for three years. This hormone prevents the release of an egg each month from your ovaries. (In other words.. no ovulation for you.) It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it difficult for any sperm to move through. It does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, but people often find that it reduces heavy periods and period pain.
• Intrauterine System (IUS) – This is a T-shaped plastic device that is administered into your uterus. It also releases the hormone progestogen to stop you from becoming pregnant for three to five years. The progestogen is released directly into the womb, therefore, some people may continue to ovulate. It does also thicken the cervical mucus, which will make it more difficult for the sperm to move through. This does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) – This is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is placed into the uterus. It releases copper to stop pregnancies for between five to ten years. It is sometimes referred to as a “coil” or “copper coil.” The copper alters the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for the sperm to reach an egg and survive. It can also stop a fertilized egg from being able to implant itself. This does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
• IUD
• Female sterilization – This is called a tubal ligation. It is a permanent operation to females to prevent pregnancy. The fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed to prevent the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilized. It does not effect your hormone levels, and you will still have periods. It does not prevent you from sexually transmitted infections.
• Male sterilization – This is called a vasectomy. This is a surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm to permanently prevent pregnancy. It is usually done under local anaesthetic, while the patient is awake. Up to two semen tests are done after the operation to ensure that all of the sperm have gone. It is possible to have this procedure reversed, but it is very difficult and not always obtainable. This does not prevent you from sexually transmitted infections.

While these forms of contraceptives are very effective, there are always advantages and disadvantages to each and every one of them. Please ensure that you consult with your physician before deciding on the proper form for you.

To lower your risk of sexually transmitted infections and diseases when you are sexually active, ensure you make use of a condom. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Do not store condoms in direct sunlight. Ensure they are stored in a cool place. Always check the expiration date on the condom wrapper. Condoms that are past their expiration dates may break. Also, always open the package carefully in order to not rip or tear the condom.

While contraceptives have the obvious advantage of providing protection against unplanned pregnancies, there have been a lot more studies that provide evidence that they do much much more. Here are some of the great benefits we have come to learn from years of studies done on contraceptives.

While there have been great benefits shown while using contraceptives, unfortunately, there have also been a few studies to show some adverse health effects as well. Some of these are:

While there can be some risks to the use of estrogen based contraception, there are also many benefits. Estrogen can be extremely helpful with the unpleasant symptoms that come along with menopause. Estrogen is needed to prevent bone loss in the prevention of fractures and osteoporosis. The combination of progestin helps regulate the effects of the estrogen. Both estrogen and progestin are both equally important for the healthy functions of the body. Luckily, adding progestin along side of estrogen will decrease the risks for certain carcinomas.

We are very fortunate in this day and age to have a multitude of contraceptives available to suit every individuals’ needs. It is very important to be informed and educated on your choice of birth control before implementing a plan. Hopefully, this has given some insight into how many different options there are for each individual’s set of circumstances.

What are the benefits of using hormonal contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills and patches, are a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. They work by releasing hormones into the body that suppress ovulation, making it difficult or impossible for sperm to fertilize an egg. Benefits of using hormonal contraceptives include:

1. Increased convenience: Hormonal contraceptives are taken orally or applied to the skin, making them more convenient than other methods such as condoms or diaphragms.

2. High efficacy rates: When used correctly, hormonal contraceptives are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

3. Regulation of menstrual cycle: Hormonal contraceptives can reduce menstrual cramps and make periods more regular and predictable.

4. Non-hormonal options: For those who do not want to use hormones, there are non-hormonal contraceptive options available, such as copper IUDs and barrier methods like condoms.

5. Reduced risk of certain cancers: Studies have shown that women who use hormonal contraceptives may have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer.

What are the top 5 contraceptives?

The top 5 contraceptives are condoms, birth control pills, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and male sterilization. Condoms are the most popular form of contraception and are highly effective when used correctly. Birth control pills are taken orally and are more than 99% effective when taken properly. Vaginal rings are inserted into the vagina and slowly release hormones to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are small devices that are inserted into the uterus and also contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. Male sterilization is a surgical procedure that can be done in order to permanently prevent pregnancy. All five of these forms of contraception can be very effective if used correctly, but it is important to discuss with your doctor which option is best for you.

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Please choose to practice safe sex with condoms!