Contents
The pill
The pill is a hormonal contraceptive method 99,5% efficient when taken regularly (and only 96% in “practical effectiveness”, under real life conditions (where you may have had vomiting, etc.). Start on the first day of your period, then take one tablet one after the other. times a day at a fixed time, until the end of the pack. Protection is interrupted if you forget more than 12 hours for the combined pill (also called the combined pill) and barely 3 hours for the progestin-only pills (microdoses) When stopped, ovulation can restart immediately, so you can get pregnant fairly quickly. The pill is prescribed and can be reimbursed by Social Security, according to the prescribed model.
The IUD
The IUD or IUD (for “Intrauterine device”) is 99% effective, from the time of insertion for the copper IUD and two days after for the hormonal IUD. The doctor inserts it into the uterus for a period of five to ten years when it’s a copper model, and five years for the progesterone IUD. In the past, it was not recommended for women who have never had children. This is no longer the case. A nulliparous girl (who has never had a child) may choose an IUD as her first method of contraception. It does not affect his future fertility in any way. Wearing an IUD can cause heavier or more painful periods, but does not interfere with intercourse. It can be removed by a doctor as soon as the woman wants it, and then immediately loses all effectiveness. The IUD is issued by prescription and is reimbursed at 65% by Health Insurance.
The contraceptive patch
When using for the first time, the patch sticks to the lower abdomen or buttockon the first day of your period. It is changed once a week, on a fixed day. After three weeks, it is removed. Bleeding (false period) appears. You remain protected from unwanted pregnancy even during this period of termination. Each new patch should be applied to a different location than the previous one, but never near the breasts. It is placed on clean, dry, hair-free skin. It is obtained by prescription and is not reimbursed by Social Security. A box of three patches costs around 15 euros.
The contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is a cylindrical rod 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter. It is inserted under the skin of an arm by a doctor and can stay in place for three years. Its efficiency is estimated at 99%. It can be removed by a doctor as soon as the woman wants it and has no effect as soon as it is removed. The implant is prescribed and reimbursed at 65%.
The vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is placed like a tampon deep in the vagina and stays in place for three weeks. It is removed the 4th week before putting it back the following week. For the first use, you must start on the first day of your period. The advantage of the vaginal ring is to deliver very low doses of hormones. It is therefore as effective as the pill, but causes fewer side effects. It is obtained by prescription, costs around 16 euros per month and is not reimbursed by Social Security.
The diaphragm and cervical cap
The diaphragm and cervical cap are made of latex or silicone. They are used in combination with a spermicidal cream for better effectiveness. They are placed at the level of the cervix, before sexual intercourse, and must be left at least 8 hours later. They thus prevent the ascension of sperm through the cervix, while the spermicide destroys them. Their use requires demonstration by a gynecologist. They can be purchased on order from pharmacies and some models can be reused several times. 94% efficient if used systematically, its efficiency drops to 88% due to errors during installation or handling. Caution is required if you usually miss!
Les spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals that destroy sperm. They are found in gel, egg or sponge form. It is recommended to use them in combination with a so-called “barrier” method. like the condom (male or female), the diaphragm or the cervical cap. They should be introduced into the vagina just before intercourse. A new dose should be applied before each new report. The sponge can also be inserted several hours before and remain in place for 24 hours. Spermicides are available without a prescription and are not reimbursed by Social Security.
Male and female condoms
Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and AIDS. They are used at the time of intercourse (the female model can be placed in the hours preceding). The male model is placed on the erect penis just before penetration. Perfectly used, it is 98% effective, but it drops to only 85% due to the risk of tearing or misuse. To remove it correctly, without risk of fertilization, before the end of the erection, it is necessary to hold the condom at the base of the penis, then to tie a knot and to throw it in the trash. Always check that the condom bears the CE label, and especially never superimpose two, because the friction of one on the other increases the risk of breakage. Both the female and male models are available in polyurethane. It is therefore particularly suitable for people allergic to latex. Condoms are available everywhere without a prescription and are not reimbursed by Social Security.
Progestins for injection
A synthetic progestin is injected by intramuscular injection every three months. It protects for 12 weeks, preventing pregnancy. The injections should be given at regular intervals by a doctor, nurse or midwife. 99% effective, these injections may lose effectiveness if you take other drugs (eg: anti-epileptics). They are recommended for women who cannot take other contraceptive methods and not recommended for very young women, because they reduce the normal level of estrogen (“natural female hormones”). The injections are dispensed in pharmacies on prescription. Each dose costs € 3,44 *, reimbursed at 65% by Health Insurance.
Natural methods
Natural methods of contraception aim to avoid having fertile sex for a specific period of time. Among the natural methods, we note the MaMa method (contraception by breastfeeding), Billings (observation of cervical mucus), Ogino, withdrawal, temperatures. All these methods have a lower efficiency rate than the others, with 25% failures. These methods are therefore not recommended by gynecologists, due to their failure rate, unless the couple is ready to accept an unplanned pregnancy.