According to the World Health Organisation, term “contraception” means preventing unwanted pregnancy and interrupting the natural process of reproduction.
How to make the right choice of contraception?
You may ask why do we need contraception? If the woman does not use contraception presumably it would have about 15 pregnancies in life!
When choosing contraception, there are several things that must first be seen. You must consider their advantages and disadvantages. There are certain medical conditions and circumstances in which certain contraceptives are not allowed or are not recommended. Contraceptives differ in their effectiveness in preventing unwanted pregnancy.
Today there are many types of care, contraception accessible and effective:
- Condoms-One of the most popular forms of contraception, condoms are a simple and cheap way to protect yourself against unplanned pregnancies and STIs. They work by catching the sperm as it is released and stopping it from entering the vagina at all. Along with female condoms they are the only form of contraception to protect you against STIs as well as pregnancy. Condoms come in all shapes, sizes, and for the sensitive, materials, so even with allergies or sensitive skin, there’s a condom to suit you comfortably.
- The Pill is a tablet you take once a day – Tablets contraceptives (hormones)– there are a few different types of pill. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin, which stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from getting to the egg. The so-called mini pill contains only 1 hormone, a progestin, which offers an alternative to those affected by the hormone estrogen.You should swallow the pill at the same time every day, whether or not you have sex. Ask your healthcare provider whether the combined pill is a suitable method of contraception for you based on your medical history and, if yes, which is the best type for you.
- Intrauterine Method-The IUS is a small, soft, T-shaped device with a reservoir containing the hormone progestin that is placed in the womb by your healthcare provider. The IUS works by continuously releasing a low dose of progestin from the intrauterine system into the womb. It thickens the mucus of your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to move freely and reach the egg and it also thins the lining of your uterus. At 99.8% effectiveness, you’re about as protected as you possibly can be by a contraceptive method. It’s a great method for the super organized, the forgetful, the frequent traveller and pretty much anyone else who is keen on staying not pregnant.
- The contraceptive ring looks a lot like a cross between a bracelet and an elastic band, simple and functional – but it’s a whole lot smarter than that. It is a clear and flexible ring of polyethylene vinyl acetate that, once inserted into the vagina, slowly releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into your body to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from getting to the egg.
It stays in place for 3 weeks, and then you remove it, take a week off then pop another one in. If the ring falls out and stays out for more than 3 hours, replace it but use another method of contraception, like a condom, until the ring has been in place for 7 days in a row. Make sure you read the directions and talk to your healthcare provider about what to do. - Emergency contraceptives are often called the morning after pill. Accidents happen in all walks of life and sex is no different. They can offer you a second chance to prevent pregnancy after having had unprotected sex. An emergency pill typically contains hormones that are similar to oral contraceptives, but are much higher dosed. For the best chance for it to work, you should take the emergency pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Ideally you should take it up to 12 hours after you’ve had unprotected sex but if it’s taken more than 24 hours after unprotected sex, it’s already much less effective. After using emergency contraception you should use another form of contraception for the rest of your cycle to protect yourself if you do not want to become pregnant.
- Injection-The contraceptive injection is a shot that contains hormones, either a progestin alone, or a progestin and an estrogen together, that stop your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix. You need one shot either once every month or once every three months from a healthcare provider. The way it works is similar to the pill, or the ring, except you don’t have to remember to take it every day or week, but it probably isn’t the best choice for those scared of needles. As with most contraceptives, they aren’t the ideal choice for everyone so getting advice from a professional is something we always recommend. If you decide the contraceptive injection is a method you’re interested in your healthcare provider will do it for you. Then, depending on the type of shot you get, you’ll just need to go back every month or three months for another top up and you’ll be highly protected in between.
- Other contraceptives: sterilization, contraceptive patch
Talk with a healthcare professional for contraception
It is important to talk to a healthcare professional in order to obtain accurate information on which contraception is best to use. A conversation with a healthcare professional about contraception is responsible and important job and no need for embarrassment. The health worker has the responsibility to provide you service with complete confidentiality and will make sure that your problem will remain a professional secret although you have less than 18 years. The health worker will ask you questions about your health and your family in order to be sure it makes the correct choice for the prescription of contraception. Some women can not use any form of contraception, for example, may have a certain type of migraine or have blood clots. Ask your healthcare professional for proper use of methods of contraception, and also about all possible side effects that can cause and how to deal with them.
Remember, the health worker gives only recommendations, the final decision is only yours!
Sources:
- Contraception guide. Available from URL: www.medicinenet.com
- All about contraception. Available from URL: www.your-life.com
