Contraception – natural, hormonal, chemical and mechanical methods [EXPLAINED]

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Contraception is a variety of methods that are designed to protect you against an unwanted pregnancy. It is worth remembering that none of the methods gives us 100%. certainty. A large proportion of contraceptives are intended for women, but you can also find contraceptives for men. What methods of contraception are best for you?

Contraception – which one to choose?

During When choosing contraception, it is worth considering several aspects such as: ease of use, effectiveness, side effects, impact on our body, reversibility, impact on sexual spontaneity, cost, as well as illnesses, our age, lifestyle and addictions. Contraception is also linked to aspects of a religious nature, since in some religions it is completely forbidden or some forms of contraception are forbidden. It should also be recalled that some methods protect us against sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraception methods vary. We can list, among others: natural, hormonal, chemical, mechanical, surgical.

Read: How does contraception affect pregnancy?

Natural types of contraception

In the group of natural contraception we can find the symptothermal method, otherwise known as the Rötzer methodwhich is recognized as an effective method of family planning. It consists in observing the consistency of the cervical mucus every day, measuring the body temperature, checking the condition of the cervix and accompanying symptoms. Family planning is also facilitated by the thermal method consisting in observation and daily temperature measurements – preferably at the same time and in the same place (preferably in the vagina).

Another well-known method is the so-called marriage calendarwhich determines when a woman is in her fertile and infertile days based on the length of her cycle. It also exists Billings mucus method based only on the observation of the cervical mucus. Its consistency changes with the stage of the cycle in which there is a woman.

Natural, but also less popular methods are cycle computer and handheld microscope. The first one is based on the thermal method and an inbuilt database of over a million cycles of different women. On this basis, it shows the fertile and infertile days and the time of ovulation. It has a sensor to measure the temperature under the tongue.

Handy microscope determines the fertile days from a saliva sample. They can be recognized when numerous fern-shaped bubbles appear on the slide. It is worth remembering, relying on natural methods of family planning, which can also be treated as a form of contraception, that the body is influenced by many factors, such as a history of illness, stress, which may disrupt the cycle or affect the results of individual methods.

See: Which contraception should I choose for the first time?

Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives are considered to be one of the most effective forms of preventing unwanted pregnancy – with proper use, of course. Although hormonal contraceptives are a reliable method of contraception (if used correctly), they do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.such as AIDS and hepatitis C. There are also some advantages to taking them (especially birth control pills):

1. reduce the risk of cervical, ovarian and colon cancer,
2. cause, decrease in the production of menstrual blood,
3. can reduce the soreness of your periods.

Hormonal contraceptives contain progestogen (progesterone drug) with estrogen. Both progestin and estrogen are made synthetically in the likeness of naturally produced hormones by the female body. These two hormones work in several ways to prevent pregnancy:

1. prevent ovulation,
2. cause the mucus in the cervix (the opening of the womb) to become thick and stickywhich makes it difficult for sperm to move and reach the egg,
3. they also prevent the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus.

Women with the following conditions should avoid using hormone-containing contraceptives:

1. thrombophlebitis or a history of thromboembolism,
2. a history of stroke or coronary heart disease,
3. untreated and uncontrolled high blood pressure
4. diabetes,
5. headaches with neurological symptoms,
6. suspicion of breast cancer or a history of breast cancer.

The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives can be reduced with the use of drugs such as antibiotics, medicines to lower blood pressure or lower cholesterol, antifungal medicines, or herbal products such as St. John’s wort. In addition, if women who take the pill vomit or have diarrhea, the pill may no longer provide sufficient protection. So they also have to use another form of contraception – a condom, for example.

Also read: Why should nuns take birth control pills?

Hormonal contraception – birth control pills

One of the most common forms of hormonal contraception are pills (pills). Most birth control pills contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestogen, which is why they are called ‘combination pills’. Different pills contain different dosages of hormones and are taken in different ways. Nevertheless, most birth control pills are taken 21 or 22 days per cycle. They can be used cyclically (to achieve regular menstrual cycles) or continuously (without regular menstrual cycles).

There are one-component, two-component and three-component contraceptive pills – sometimes also referred to as one-, two- and three-phase. In the case of single-component tablets, each tablet in the package contains the same amount of hormones in the same proportions.

For two- and three-component tablets, the pills in the packet contain different doses and ratios of hormones, depending on the phase of the cycle. They must be taken in the correct order for their action to be effective. In most cases, if a woman forgets to take a tablet, she must take it within the next 12 hours. Otherwise, their further action may not be effective – there is a risk of pregnancy for the remainder of the cycle.

After taking 21 or 22 tablets, there is a break for 6-7 days, during which time there is a withdrawal bleed. We start each subsequent pack of contraceptive pills on the same day of the week. Some birth control pills contain 28 pills per pack and are taken daily to help women use them properly. However, the last six or seven tablets in the blister pack do not contain any hormones or active substances.

1. Contraception should be taken under the supervision of a specialist. Consult a doctor without leaving your home and receive an e-prescription for birth control pills in a few minutes

Hormonal contraception – patches

The contraceptive patch is very thin and measures approx. 5 cm x 5 cm. It can be placed on a woman’s back, abdomen, on the outside of her arm, or anywhere on her upper body except on the breast. It is important to make sure it fits snugly against your skin and does not rub too much against clothing.

The contraceptive patches are quite simple to use. They are used for three weeks and then taken a break and the woman has a withdrawal bleed. The first patch should be applied to that part of the body on the first day of the cycle, remembering that the next patch should be put on a different site. The concentration of hormones lasts for seven days. The next patch is placed on the skin on the same day of the week and at the same time. After three weeks, take the last patch off and take a break for one week to prevent withdrawal bleeding. After one week, you should put on another patch.

Like most birth control pills, the patch contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestogen. The hormones in the pill enter the bloodstream through the digestive system, while the hormones in the patch are absorbed through the skin and thus enter the bloodstream. Due to the fact that the patch has a higher concentration of estrogen and is secreted to the woman’s body to a greater extent, it may cause more side effects than the contraceptive pill. Studies have shown that women who use contraceptive patches are more likely to stop using it because of side effects than those who use the pill.

Hormonal contraception – vaginal ring

The vaginal ring (ring) is about 5 cm in diameter and is made of a soft, flexible synthetic material. Like the pill and contraceptive patch, it contains a combination of an estrogen and a progestogen. These hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall. The disc is inserted deep into the vagina and removed again after exactly three weeks with the finger. The woman then gets a withdrawal bleed and a new disc is inserted after exactly seven days. If the disc is inserted correctly, the woman will not even feel it.

For the disc to work properly, i.e. to prevent pregnancy, it should be inserted and removed at the same time on the same day of the week. For example, if a woman first inserts the ring on Wednesday at 22 PM she should remove it again Wednesday three weeks later and then insert a new ring at 22 PM Wednesday (this can also be done up to three hours before or after this time) .

Studies have shown that compared to pills, the vaginal ring has fewer side effects overallsuch as nausea, irritability and mood changes. However, women who use the disk have struggled with more vaginal infections than women who use the plaster or the pill.

Hormonal contraception – injection

The contraceptive injection is especially convenient for women who forget to take pills or stick and take off a contraceptive patch. The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen that prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus – when the mucus on the cervix is ​​thicker, the sperm cannot get through, and when the sperm and egg cannot fuse, you cannot get pregnant.

The injections are given every three months and are usually injected into the buttock or shoulder by intramuscular injection. Ideally, make an injection during the first five days of the cyclethen it provides the best contraceptive protection.

Of course, like other methods of contraception, the injection has some side effects. Some of the most common are:

1. irregular menstruation or its complete disappearance,
2. headaches,
3. nausea,
4. irritability,
5. acne,
6. mood disorders
7. stomach pain,
8. flatulence
9. lowering libido.

The most common side effects of using hormonal injections are changes in the menstrual cycle – irregular bleeding, complete disappearance, and intermenstrual spotting. After one year of use, about 50% of women can stop menstruating completely. If this happens, the period will come back once you have completely stopped using injectable contraception.

Long-term use of hormone injections can lead to loss of bone mineral density, which increases the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. The likelihood of its occurrence is increased if you have been using this form of contraception for more than 2 years and if the disease has been present in your immediate family.

Read if you are a young mom – Contraception and breastfeeding

Hormonal contraception – implant

The forms of hormonal contraception are not limited to patches, pills or injections. Today, for many women, the best hormonal contraceptive is the contraceptive implant. It is a long-term contraceptive – it works for about 3 years. The implant resembles a match-sized flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin of the upper arm.

It releases a low, steady dose of progestogen hormone to thicken the cervical mucus and thin the lining of the womb (endometrium). Contraceptive implants also stop ovulation. This type of contraception is recommended for women who are estrogen intolerant (it does not have it in its composition). It can be removed at any time, followed by a rapid return to fertility. Nevertheless, not every woman can use an implant:

1. it cannot be used when there is an allergic reaction to the implant components,
2. if you have liver tumors or other liver disease
3. you have had a heart attack or stroke,
4. you have / had a thrombotic disease,
5. you have had breast cancer,
6. you have undiagnosed abnormal bleeding from the genitals.

The contraceptive implant has similar side effects to other hormone-containing contraceptives.

Check: Contraception for the chronically ill

Hormonal contraception – spiral

Contraceptive insert (spiral) – it is a small T-shaped device that is placed in a woman’s womb. It is made of a material containing the hormone progesterone or of plastic containing copper or silver. It is a long-acting and reversible method of contraception that can stay in the womb for three to 10 years depending on the type. It is recommended for women who have given birth and are not planning to have children in the near future and for those who are not suitable for hormonal contraception for some reasons. The IUD can also be an effective emergency contraception if inserted by a gynecologist within five days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse.

Chemical contraceptives

Chemical contraceptives (spermicides) are available in the form of suppositories, tablets, gels or creams. All these preparations contain substances that kill sperm cells or hinder their ability to move. Chemical contraceptives are inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse (suppositories and tablets should be used at least 10 minutes before intercourse so that they are fully dissolved). Active spermicides are only sufficient for one sexual intercourse.

Chemical contraceptives should not be used as the sole method of protection against unplanned pregnancy. They only provide additional protection. Contraceptive spermicides should only be used in conjunction with barrier methods such as membranes or caps. They are not recommended for use with condoms.

The main disadvantages of this method of contraception are that it does not protect against pregnancy by itself and does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, it can irritate the vagina and penis and this can increase the risk of infection.

Check it out:

1. What do you need to know about the pill after?
2. NuvaRing – a new method of contraception
3. Pregnancy after the pill – contraceptive effectiveness

Contraception – mechanical methods

Mechanical contraceptive methods work by creating a kind of barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. The most popular form of contraception is the male condom. Latex condoms are the only contraceptives that offer protection against all common sexually transmitted diseases including bacteria (such as gonorrhea and syphilis) and viruses (such as HPV – human papillomavirus – and HIV – immunodeficiency virus).

Condoms are also made of synthetic material, such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, or silicone rubber, and provide some protection, but are thinner and tear more often. Condoms must be used correctly to be effective. Condoms should be put on before penetration.

Condoms for women – also known as an inner condom – is a contraceptive device that acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the womb. It protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Generally speaking, it is a pouch with an inner and an outer ring. The inner ring is inserted as far as possible into the vagina, and the outer ring remains on the outside. The penis is then carefully inserted through the outer ring into the pouch.

If the penis slips out of the bag or the outer ring is pushed inside, the condom can be removed and reinserted without risking pregnancy until you ejaculate. Before removing the condom, the outer ring must be squeezed and twisted to prevent spilling of semen. A female condom should be inserted no later than 8 hours before sexual intercourse and left in the vagina for 6 hours after intercourse.

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