Thanks to wider access to knowledge, numerous nationwide programs, including “Contraception for you”, and awareness of regular examinations and visits to the gynecologist, Polish women more and more often decide to become a conscious mother. The main factors that guide women in choosing the right form of contraception are: safety of use, comfort of application and a high degree of effectiveness.
Contraception methods
Currently, there are many methods of contraception available on the market, with different effects and purposes. The decision to choose them is dictated primarily by the age and lifestyle of the woman. Different means will be good for a young woman who is just starting sexual intercourse, and different for a mature mother who already has several children.
The methods of contraception most frequently used by women in Poland are:
- hormonal tablets (one or two-component),
- condoms
- contraceptive patches,
- pills “after”,
- contraceptive injections
- globules,
- implants,
- spermicidal creams and gels,
- IUDs.
Hormonal pills and condoms are still the most popular, however, gynecologist Dr. Ewelina Mielczarek emphasizes that more and more of her patients are asking about long-term contraceptive methods. He also adds that such measures are used mainly by women who do not have procreation plans or have already completed them. Doctor Mielczarek then offers his patients modern IUDs.
IUD – comfort, safety and effectiveness
One of the newest achievements in gynecology is the intrauterine device, eg IUB Ballerine. It is assumed for a period of 5 years, which makes it a long-term contraceptive, and therefore a very comfortable method for patients of all ages.
The IUB Ballerine insert is made of copper beads that form a spherical structure. So far, T-shaped inserts have been available on the market. The spherical form allows for a very comfortable application inside the uterus, minimizing the risk of perforation of its wall. Its advantage and what distinguishes it from T-shaped inserts is the smallest inserter in the world, which makes insertion painless and comfortable for both gynecologists who put it on and the women who wear it. The advantage of this insert is its flexibility and the lack of sharp edges, which results in less irritation of the epithelium.
The use of copper IUDs allows you to forget about the side effects that accompany taking hormonal pills, including weight gain, decreased libido and difficulties with becoming pregnant after discontinuing their use.
Ewelina Mielczarek, a gynecologist, argues that the effectiveness of an intrauterine device is comparable to a hormonal tablet, and even greater. This is due to the fact that the effectiveness of hormones is influenced by many factors, including intestinal malabsorption (diarrhea, vomiting), obesity, and regularity of intake.
Contraception during a pandemic
It cannot be denied that the period of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic forced many doctors to change their daily practice, including in the field of gynecological counseling. The introduction of teleports has resulted in a reduction in the number of patients who visit gynecologists in their offices. Therefore, many experts recommend limiting reproductive plans, especially for women living in regions where the epidemic is active.
The use of intrauterine devices is especially recommended during the Covid19 pandemic. This is due to the fact that the most commonly used hormonal pills (containing estrogen and progestogen) promote the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which may be one of the factors that increase the risk of pneumonia caused by COVID-19.