Before adopting a contraceptive method, it is advisable to undergo a gynecological consultation and examination to determine which contraceptive method is most appropriate.
The most common methods of contraception are:
Contraceptive pill
There are two dozen types of contraceptive pills available, as an estrogen/progestogen combination or as progestogen-only. Contraceptive pills differ not only in the type of hormone, but also in dosage. Typically, the prescription provides for three weeks of active pills and one week of placebo pills. The fourth week without the active ingredients is when withdrawal bleeding occurs in most cases.
The pill should be taken at the same time every day, for example in the evening before going to bed. If you forget to take the pill at the scheduled time, it must be taken as soon as possible afterwards, to maintain its contraceptive effect. If the interval between taking two pills is greater than 36 hours the contraceptive effect is compromised and another supplementary contraceptive method must be used for the remainder of your cycle; for example, a condom.
An attack of vomiting or diarrhea in the hours following taking the pill, compromises its contraceptive effect. Antibiotics and some other medicines can also compromise the contraceptive effect of the pill. And breastfeeding women and overweight women can use only certain pills. Some contraceptive pills may improve some skin problems, for example acne.
Before starting on the contraceptive pill, it is absolutely essential to carefully read the information leaflet included in the package.
Contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is impregnated with estrogen and progestogen and is applied to the arm or thigh, to continuously release the hormones. Similar to the regimen for the pill, a new patch is applied weekly for three weeks, then in the fourth week without a patch, withdrawal bleeding occurs in most cases. The advantage of the patch method is that it does not pass hormones through the liver and does not lose its reliability in case of vomiting or diarrhea.
Intrauterine device IUD
The IUD is one of the oldest contraceptive methods, as its origins are thought to date back to ancient Egypt. The IUD is inserted by the doctor into the uterine cavity, and acts as an obstacle to the migration of sperm, and to the implantation of the embryo. Modern IUDs are covered with copper or progesterone and this changes the biochemical environment inside the uterine cavity. The progestin spiral also has the advantage of stabilizing the endometrium (mucosa of the uterine cavity) and can help women who suffer from frequent and heavy menstruation. However, the IUD is not suitable for every woman and only a gynecological consultation can determine whether the use of this method is appropriate.
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is applied deep into the vagina. Similar to the regimen for the patch, the ring releases an estrogen/progestin combination for 21 days (three weeks) and then is removed. In the fourth week without the ring, withdrawal bleeding occurs in most cases. Immediately after menstruation the ring is inserted again by the woman herself. The vaginal ring is generally very well tolerated and has the advantage of acting locally on the pelvis, inhibiting maturation and ovulation of the ovum. It doesn’t have to pass through the digestive tract and liver like the pill. In exceptional cases it can be removed for two hours without compromising its contraceptive effect.
GyneFix
This is a very thin copper wire that when inserted into the uterine cavity, guarantees contraception for five years. Being thinner than the traditional IUD, it is easy to insert.
Hormonal implant
The hormonal implant is a subcutaneous implant of a small stick the size of a small match. This stick is impregnated with progestin, which is released continuously for three years. The effect is to maintain a thin endometrium and thick cervical mucus, which blocks the access of sperms. Due to the thin endometrium, the menstrual cycle becomes light and in some cases can cease completely. The implant can be removed at any time, thus re-establishing the natural level of fertility.
Hormonal depoinjection
The injection of depot progestogen lasts for three months and provides similar benefits to the hormonal implant, although it is less reliable. There are indications that this method can improve some forms of endometriosis that do not require surgery.
Diaphragm
This method is best known and used in Anglo-Saxon countries. It consists of a membrane of synthetic material that is inserted by the women herself into the vagina to cover the cervix, prior to intercourse. It acts as an obstacle to sperms entering the uterine cavity. The use of a diaphragm is recommended only in combination with a spermatocidal cream.
Intrauterine Ball IUB
The IUB consists of a semi-rigid wire with tiny copper balls. The thread, once inserted into the uterine cavity, rolls up forming a small ball that remains trapped. It works like the classic IUD with the same effectiveness and without the risk of perforation and pain.
Condom
In ancient cultures, condoms were made from animal intestine tissue. Today, most condoms are made from latex. The functionality of a condom is compromised in the case of breakage or loss of the condom. The condom must be fitted and worn correctly before intercourse. Currently, the most recognized use of the condom is for protection against infectious diseases, for example HIV/AIDS.
Natural methods
Natural methods of contraception are coitus interruptus and body temperature control (body temperature changes at the time of ovulation). These methods are unreliable in preventing pregnancy.
