How many types of contraceptive methods do you know? How to choose the most suitable and effective one for you? Let’s have a look at some of them together!
One of the most common methods is the contraceptive pill. There are two types of pills. 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 one hormone, progestin, which offers an alternative to those affected by the estrogen hormone. As for efficiency, those pills are about 91% effective in protecting you from unwanted pregnancy. At first sight, the pill seems so easy to use, but you need to remember it everyday and must always take it at the same hour.
The contraceptive ring is another hormonal method that works the same way. Once inserted into the vagina, the ring slowly releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into your body to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. It stays in place for 3 weeks, after that you remove it, take a week off and start a new cycle again. The efficiency of the ring is the same as the pill and is about 91%. You don’t have to remember it every day. But don’t forget to remove the ring 3 weeks after insertion.
The next contraceptive is the intrauterine system/device or IUS/IUD. The IUS works by continuously releasing a low dose of progestin from the intrauterine system into the womb. You have hormonal IUDs or copper IUDs (without hormones). This method is known as long-acting and reversible. So you can return to your fertility after replacement. The IUS/IUD is also considered highly effective and invisible. However, some women can experience pain and dizziness after insertion and several side-effects.
You can find all the information you need about contraception on our friends’ website, FindMyMethod: www.findmymethod.org
What about men? Are there any contraceptive methods for them? The most common and popular one is a condom. Condoms are a simple and cheap way to protect you against unplanned pregnancies and additionally from STIs. Condoms are 82% effective and easy to use. But it is important to use a condom every time you have sex, specially if you and your partner haven’t got tested and are not regular. And sometimes, men are not willing to use one- they shouldn’t impose that on you. This is also why having another contraception is recommended.
The pull-out method is not scientific and trusted. But some couples practice it. This method requires great self-control, experience, and trust. As a result, it is unreliable. The truth is that not all sperm is released at the climax, some a little more earlier than that, so even though you don’t finish off, you could still end up pregnant. The efficiency of this method is less than 78%.
And what to do if you had unprotected sexual intercourse? You can use an emergency contraception called the morning after pill, like Postpill. The earlier you take it, the more efficient it is. You should take it within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected sex (5 days).
If we had to summarize, here are some points to take into account when choosing your method:
Convenient to use?
Long-lasting or short-term?
Effective and reliable?
Easy to hide?
Take contraception under your own control. If implants seem the best option for you, as it is for many women, be bold, choose Levoplant! It is over 99% effective and effective for up to 3 years.
