The contraceptive methods are essential for birth control and preventing unwanted pregnancies. Multiple options exist. However, it is necessary to know the effectiveness of each one to choose the best option. These are divided into abstinence, barrier methods, hormonal contraceptives, and sterilization. The significance of a contraceptive method has to do with its composition and is used ideally. At FastlyHealwe show you the most effective contraceptive methods.
Table of Contents
The contraceptive pill
The pill is the most effective first method of contraception. It is composed of estrogens and progesterone and works in the following way, estrogens prevent ovulation, and progesterone prevents the endometrium from regenerating, so the implantation of the ovum is not possible. In addition, cervical mucus thickens, making it difficult for sperm to advance.
These are sold in presentations of 21 and 28 units. It should be taken daily simultaneously, and in the case of those of 21 days, it is stopped taking for seven days. During this time, menstruation will appear. In the case of 28 days, there is no rest, and the woman will menstruate as long as the last seven pills are taken since they do not contain any hormonal load.
When you have started taking the pill, it is recommended that you use another contraceptive method during the first month while your body adapts to the hormonal load. Remember that this contraceptive does not prevent any sexually transmitted disease.
Despite being an effective contraceptive method, its failure rate is 1 in every 200 women per year; it is necessary to be rigorous in the doses since the chances of getting pregnant increase if they stop taking it. Visit your gynecologist so he can recommend the one that best suits you.
If you want more information about oral contraceptives, we recommend the Oral article contraceptives: frequently asked questions.
Contraceptive patches
It has the same hormones as the contraceptive pill and has the same effect on the ovulation process and the thickness of the cervical mucus. This is another effective contraceptive method. What it does is release hormones through the skin into the blood. The transdermal patch is 99% effective. If used correctly, it must be changed once a week for three consecutive weeks, it is not applied in the fourth week, and if you forget to change it, you have up to 48 hours of protection without using another contraceptive.
The contraceptive patches can be placed on the buttocks, the back, the abdomen, and the outside of the arm. Among the side effects, it has are irritations where the patch is placed and breast tension or pain.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
It is a small object placed in the uterus, and its action varies depending on its composition. There are two types of IUD, copper, which prevents the passage of sperm and implantation in the uterus. On the other hand, the hormonal IUD combines copper with the hormonal effects of progesterone.
Generally, it is recommended in women who have had a pregnancy; This device must be placed by a doctor, preferably during the days of menstruation, since the cervix is dilated. It does not need to be changed between 3 and 5 years later. As side effects, we have longer menstruations, especially during the first three months after insertion, bleeding, and pain. It is advisable to avoid tampons since they can wrap around the IUD’s thread, and there may be detachments.
There is a risk that the device will move outside the uterus. In this case, contraception is not guaranteed. Gynecological check-ups should be every six months, as they increase the chances of vaginal infections.
Sterilization
It is a very effective contraceptive method, but it is permanent and irreversible and requires surgical intervention. It is only recommended if there is a severe disease in the reproductive system or entirely sure that you do not want to have children.
For male sterilization, we have a vasectomy where the ducts through which the semen travels are cut, which causes that there is no sperm in the ejaculation, and pregnancy cannot occur. Its effectiveness is not immediate, so another contraceptive must be used for at least the next three months after the intervention. When your doctor confirms that there are no more sperm in the semen, it will not be necessary to use contraception. Do you want to know if vasectomy is reversible? In the following article, we will tell you about it.
In the case of women, the sterilization method is tubal ligation; it is the most effective contraceptive method. It also has no effects on the menstrual cycle or sexual intercourse, as it happens with a hysterectomy. Tubal ligation is performed through a surgical procedure in which the tubes are burned or sealed with a hook. A contraceptive method must be used three months after the operation, as in vasectomy. It is not recommended for very young women, as they can change their minds about getting pregnant.
Condom
The male condom, popularly known as a condom, is the most widely used to prevent pregnancy. The popularity of this method is because, in addition to being very effective as a contraceptive, it is the only one capable of preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in both men and women. This has made it the star and most recommended method for sporadic sex and with non-regular partners.
They can be found in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other specialized stores, and you do not need any prescription to buy them. In recent years, the market for condoms has grown enormously. Brands are increasingly getting closer to consumers’ tastes, with the range of possibilities increasing in size and flavors, textures, and particularities.
Its effectiveness exceeds 90%, and if it does not reach 100%, errors often occur both in the choice of size and in the placement of the condom. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain how to use a condom correctly so that you avoid any possible mistakes.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.