Existing methods of contraception. Combined oral drugs. Intrauterine contraceptives

Sexual intercourse is a connecting link between a woman and a man, between whom there is sympathy and feelings for each other. At a certain stage of a relationship, the question of the need for contraception arises, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy or to protect health. The modern industry of such products offers a wide selection of all kinds of contraceptives, which vary in numerous parameters.

As for men, the list of means and methods of contraception is extremely small, which cannot be said about the opposite sex. Due to the complex structure of a woman’s reproductive system and individual anatomical characteristics, contraceptives may differ in the level of effectiveness, method of application, protection mechanism, and also have a number of contraindications and side effects. But a 100% guarantee can be given by the best method of contraception - the absence of sexual intercourse.

What types of contraceptives are there?

In order to choose the best contraceptives for women, you should visit a medical specialist and also read the recommendations from the World Health Organization. All means and methods of protection can be divided into two groups - female contraceptives and male contraceptives.

The best contraceptives for women

Most of the responsibility for planning and achieving pregnancy, as well as for preventing unplanned pregnancies, rests with women. Today, the contraceptive industry distinguishes the following types of contraceptives for them:

1. Natural ways to prevent pregnancy, namely calculating the ovulation period when a woman’s body prepares for fertilization. To do this, you can take the following measures - use a calendar, periodically measure basal temperature, and monitor the nature of cervical mucus.

• Advantages: minimum costs, no effect on the body and health, no contraindications or side effects.
• Disadvantages: low efficiency and accuracy, lack of protection against sexually transmitted diseases, the need for discipline and constant counting of days.

1. Lactational amenorrhea method, which involves physiological processes in which the hormone prolactin prevents ovulation from occurring. To do this, a woman needs to breastfeed her baby 8-9 times a day. This is why women during lactation do not experience menstruation, which means they cannot get pregnant.

• Pros: 99% accuracy, no connection with sexual intercourse, the technique helps the uterus restore contractility after childbirth, prevents breast cancer, is beneficial for the baby, and also does not require financial investment.
• Disadvantages: the technique is valid only for six months after childbirth, it does not prevent sexual ailments.

1. Barrier types of protection or local contraceptives:

• Condom for women- a polyurethane cover that is inserted into the vagina for a period of 7-8 hours, preventing pregnancy and sexual diseases. Disadvantages - low level of effectiveness, high price, discomfort during use.
• Caps and diaphragms- rubber contraceptives, which a specialist places on the cervix, thereby mechanically preventing sperm and bacteria from entering the genitals. Disadvantages - presence of contraindications, need to consult a doctor.
• Spermicides- suppositories and tampons, tablets, aerosols and gels, the composition of which involves the presence of spermicide, that is, a chemical component that envelops the cervix, destroying sperm. Pros - moisturizing antimicrobial effect, local safe effect that does not disrupt hormonal levels and microflora of the genital organs. Cons - 70% protection against pregnancy, side effects such as burning and itching, the effect of the product lasts 1-2 hours, lack of protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

1. Hormonal agents- the best contraceptives, according to gynecologists, for young women and women over 40 years old, namely birth control pills, the composition of which involves the presence of two hormones - progestogen and estrogen. Two of these hormones not only suppress the ovulation process, but also reduce the motility of sperm that enter the vagina.

• Pros - effectiveness of 99.8% protection against pregnancy, regulation of the menstrual cycle, oncoprotective effectiveness, improvement of the skin.
• Disadvantages - a large list of contraindications, as well as side effects, the need for strict systematic use of pills, cost, impact on libido.

1. Alternative hormonal contraceptives or new generation contraceptives, which involve other ways of taking estrogen and progestogen:

• vaginal ring, which is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks, after which it is removed for a week for menstruation (pros - lack of systematic use, cons - discomfort on the part of the sexual partner);
• hormonal patches- the product is attached to the cleansed skin of the shoulder, upper torso or buttock, three patches for three weeks, after which a week break is taken at the time of menstruation (pros - local effect, the product can be used by young women even after 35 years, cons - inaccuracy in dosages , inaccuracy in the level of protection against pregnancy);
• hormonal implant- a silicone capsule is inserted under the skin layer, after which the woman is protected from pregnancy for a period of 3-5 years (pros - long period of protection, cons - the product is contraindicated for a girl who has not given birth, may cause allergies).

1. Progestogen contraception, the best way of protection for women who are breastfeeding. We are talking about tablets and solutions that are administered intramuscularly. The tablets must be taken strictly every evening at the same time for three weeks in a row, after which a week-long break is taken. The injection has an immediate effect, which lasts for another 2-3 months. The disadvantages of injections are possible weight gain of up to 2-3 kg, lack of menstruation, and inability to become pregnant for 6-12 months.
2. Intrauterine contraceptives- a plastic flexible frame with copper winding and copper sleeves, as well as a special vaginal coil. This product is administered only by a gynecologist, after which it becomes impossible for the fertilized egg to attach; in addition, the spiral guarantees a hormonal contraceptive effect. Intrauterine contraceptives can be used only after childbirth; they are prohibited for women who have not given birth.

• Pros - long validity period of 3-5 years, inexpensive cost, no effect on the body.
• Disadvantages: painful and heavy periods, lack of protection against sexually transmitted diseases, complications of existing diseases.

1. Surgical sterilization- the best method due to 100% protection against unwanted pregnancy, but a completely irreversible process. Experts advise resorting to this method only for women over 35 years of age.

Male contraception

Today, medical practice involves such types of contraceptives for men as condoms and surgical sterilization.

• Condoms- the best method of protection for men due to its ease of use and accessibility. The advantages of a condom are 100% accurate protection against pregnancy and any sexual diseases, low cost, no contraindications or side effects. Disadvantages - reduced sensitivity of the penis, the possibility of developing allergies.
• Sterilization- a vasectomy with the help of a surgeon who ties the man's vas deferens, after which the ejaculate does not receive sperm. Pros - 99% protection against pregnancy, no effect on erection and potency. Disadvantages: the procedure is irreversible.

Regardless of gender and age, no one other than a doctor can better choose the appropriate type of contraception. A medical specialist will be able to advise on contraindications, features and risks of each product. Most of these options can only be used after examination and testing of the patient.

So, the best method of contraception is

As for what is the best contraceptive method for men, everything is simple. Condoms are considered the only option used, although they have a number of disadvantages. Sterilization is the most effective, but doctors can approve such a radical method only if there are compelling reasons for it. It must be remembered that there is no reversal of a vasectomy. If a man becomes infertile, it will be impossible to restore reproductive function.

As for women, from the huge list of types of contraceptives, we can make a small rating of the most popular and effective means of protection:

• the most accurate way to protect against pregnancy is hormonal drugs;
• the most universal and conservative method of contraception is the natural method of birth control and the method of lactational amenorrhea;
• the most popular method of protection among women is spermicides;
• 100% protection against pregnancy - sterilization.

You can choose the best ways to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy, as well as diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse, taking into account the doctor’s recommendations, age and individual characteristics of the body, state of health, hormonal levels and the functioning of the genitourinary system.

Rating of contraceptives by level of protection against pregnancy

You can also help in choosing a reliable means of contraception based on the percentage of reliability of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Experts studied all types of male and female contraceptives, after which the following top list was compiled:

• 100% - sterilization;
• 99.4% - “Evra” patch;
• 99% - NuvaRing ring;
• 98% - condoms;
• 97% - postcoital pills;
• 96.5-97% - hormonal injections;
• 95% - female condoms;
• 85-95% - diaphragms and caps;
• 75-80% - chemical contraceptives (tampons, creams and vaginal suppositories);
• 75-80% - intrauterine devices.

It must be remembered that the predetermining factor in choosing a protective device should not be its percentage of protection. Only the doctor’s recommendations and examination of the patient can find an option that will not have a negative effect on the body.

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Contraceptives are drugs used to prevent pregnancy. The purpose of contraception is family planning, preserving the health of a woman, and partly her sexual partner, and realizing a woman’s right to free choice: to become pregnant or to refuse it.

Why are all types of contraception necessary:

• any methods of contraception reduce the number of abortions - the causes of gynecological diseases, premature births, maternal and infant mortality;
• contraception helps plan the birth of a child depending on the family’s living conditions, the health of the parents and many other factors;
• Some effective methods of contraception simultaneously help fight gynecological diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility.

The effectiveness of contraceptives is assessed using the Pearl index. It shows how many women out of a hundred who used the method during the year became pregnant. The smaller it is, the higher the effectiveness of protection. Modern contraceptive methods have a Pearl index close to 0.2-0.5, that is, pregnancy occurs in 2-5 women out of 1000.

Classification of contraceptive methods:

• intrauterine;
• hormonal;
• barrier;
• physiological (natural);
• surgical sterilization

Let's consider the listed types of contraception, the principle of their action, effectiveness, indications and contraindications.

Intrauterine methods

Foreign objects placed in the uterine cavity are used. Intrauterine contraception is widespread in China, Russia, and Scandinavian countries.

The method was proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century, when it was proposed to insert a ring made of different materials into the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy. In 1935, intrauterine contraception was banned due to the high number of infectious complications.

In 1962, Lipps proposed the famous device made of curved plastic with an attached nylon thread for removing contraceptives - the Lipps loop. Since then, intrauterine contraception has been constantly evolving.

Intrauterine devices are divided into inert and medicinal. Inert ones are not currently used. Only medicated contraceptives containing metal supplements or hormones are recommended, including:

• MultiloadCu-375 - an F-shaped spiral, coated with copper and designed for 5 years;
• Nova-T - a T-shaped device covered with copper winding;
• CooperT 380 A – T-shaped coil, designed for 6 years;
• - the most popular device today, which gradually releases levonorgestrel, a progesterone derivative, into the uterine cavity, which has a contraceptive and therapeutic effect.

Mechanism of action

The intrauterine contraceptive has the following effects:

• death of sperm that have penetrated the uterus due to the toxic effect of the metal;
• increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus due to the hormone, which prevents sperm;
• endometrial atrophy under the influence of levonorgestrel; ovulation and the effect of estrogen on the female body are preserved, and menstruation becomes shorter, less frequent or disappears completely;
• abortive action.

The abortive mechanism includes:

• active movement of the tubes and entry of an immature egg into the uterine cavity;
• local inflammatory process in the endometrium, preventing the attachment of the embryo;
• activation of uterine contractions that release the egg from the genital tract.

The Pearl index for coils containing copper is 1-2, for the Mirena system it is 0.2-0.5. Thus, this hormonal system is the best method of intrauterine contraception.

Introduction of a contraceptive

An intrauterine device is installed after an abortion or removal of a used one, 1.5-2 months after the birth of a child, or six months after a cesarean section. Before this, the patient is examined, paying attention to signs of infection.

After 7 days, the woman visits the gynecologist. If everything went well, she should visit the doctor at least once every 6 months.

The contraceptive is removed at the request of the patient, if complications develop or at the end of the period of use, by pulling the “antennae”. If the antennae are torn off, removal is carried out in a hospital. It happens that the spiral grows into the thickness of the myometrium. If a woman has no complaints, it is not removed, and the woman is recommended to use other methods of contraception.

Complications and contraindications

Possible complications:

• myometrial perforation (1 case per 5000 injections);
• pain syndrome;
• bloody issues;
• infectious diseases.

If you experience severe abdominal pain, cramping sensations with bleeding, heavy menstruation, fever, heavy discharge, or the IUD “falling out,” you should immediately consult a doctor.

The insertion of the IUD is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy, infection or tumors of the genital organs. It is better not to use it if the menstrual cycle is disrupted, there is endometrial hyperplasia, anatomical features of the genital organs, blood diseases, major diseases, allergies to metals, and severe concomitant conditions. Nulliparous women can use intrauterine contraception, but their risk of future pregnancy pathology is higher.

The advantages of this method of contraception are the possibility of use during lactation, the absence of side effects caused by estrogens, and less impact on the body's systems. Disadvantages: less effectiveness and likelihood of metrorrhagia.

Injectable contraceptives and implants

This method is used for long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy. The drug Depo-Provera, containing only a progestogen component, is used; it is injected into the muscle once a quarter. Pearl index 1.2.

Advantages of injection contraception:

• quite high efficiency;
• duration of action;
• good tolerance;
• no need to take daily pills;
• You can take the drug for uterine fibroids and other contraindications for products with an estrogen component.

Disadvantages of the method: the ability to conceive is restored only 6 months - 2 years after the last injection; a tendency to develop uterine bleeding, and subsequently to its complete cessation.

This method is recommended for women who need long-term contraception (which, however, is reversible), during breastfeeding, with contraindications to estrogen drugs, as well as for patients who do not want to take tablet forms every day.

For the same indications, you can install the implantable drug Norplant, which consists of 6 small capsules. They are sutured under the skin of the forearm under local anesthesia, the effect develops during the first day and lasts up to 5 years. The Pearl index is 0.2-1.6.

Barrier methods of contraception

One of the advantages of barrier methods is protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore they are widespread. They are divided into chemical and mechanical methods of contraception.

Chemical methods

Spermicides are substances that kill sperm. Their Pearl index is 6-20. Such drugs are produced in the form of vaginal tablets, suppositories, creams, foam. Solid forms (suppositories, films, vaginal tablets) are inserted into the vagina 20 minutes before sexual intercourse so that they have time to dissolve. Foam, gel, cream act immediately after application. If coitus occurs again, spermicides must be administered again.

The most common products are Pharmatex and Patentex Oval. Spermicides somewhat increase protection from sexually transmitted diseases because they have a bactericidal effect. However, they increase the permeability of the vaginal walls, which increases the likelihood of contracting HIV infection.

The advantages of chemical methods of contraception are their short duration of action and the absence of systemic effects, good tolerability, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Disadvantages that significantly limit the use of such products include low efficiency, the risk of allergies (burning, itching in the vagina), as well as the direct connection of use with coitus.

Mechanical methods of contraception

Such methods retain sperm, creating a mechanical obstacle to their path to the uterus.

The most common are condoms. They are available for men and women. Men's should be worn during an erection. Female condoms consist of two rings connected by a latex film, forming a cylinder closed at one end. One ring is put on the neck, and the other is brought out.

The Pearl Index for condoms ranges from 4 to 20. To increase their effectiveness, it is necessary to use these accessories correctly: do not use oil-based lubricants, do not reuse the condom, avoid prolonged intense acts during which the latex can tear, and also pay attention to expiration date and storage conditions of the contraceptive.

Condoms protect quite well from sexually transmitted diseases, but do not completely protect against infection with syphilis and some viral diseases transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

This type of contraception is most indicated for women with infrequent or promiscuous sexual intercourse.

Which method of contraception should I choose for the most complete protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases? In this case, a combined method is recommended - taking hormonal contraceptives and using a condom.

Vaginal diaphragms and caps are not widely used. These devices are placed on the cervix before sexual intercourse and removed 6 hours after it. They are usually used together with spermicides. They are washed, dried, stored in a dry place and reused if necessary. The use of these tools requires training. They are not used for deformation of the cervix, vagina, or inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. The undoubted advantage of such devices is their reusable use and low cost.

Mechanical methods of contraception have the following advantages: safety, protection against sexually transmitted diseases (for condoms). The disadvantages are related to the lack of effect and the connection between use and coitus.

Natural ways

Natural methods involve abstaining from sexual intercourse in the days close to ovulation. The Pearl index reaches 40. To determine the fertile (“dangerous” period), the following methods are used:

• calendar;
• measuring temperature in the rectum;
• examination of cervical mucus;
• symptothermal.

Calendar method of contraception

Used only in women with regular cycles. It is believed that ovulation occurs on days 12-16 of the cycle with a duration of 28 days, the sperm lives 4 days, the egg lives 1 day. Therefore, the “dangerous” period lasts from 8 to 17 days. These days you need to use other methods of protection.

Every woman who cares about her health should take seriously the choice of means to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Modern means of birth control allow you to rid yourself of anxious thoughts about an unplanned conception.

Types of contraception

The most popular of these is the condom. It is quite reliable and affordable, moreover, its use does not have a negative effect on the body. The only exception is the presence but such a reaction is uncommon.

The most modern types of contraception are spermicides. They contain a base that ensures effective distribution of the drug throughout the vagina, as well as a chemical substance that minimizes the activity of sperm (or destroys them). The most commonly used is nonoxynol or It has a detrimental effect on sperm.

It is noteworthy that the use of such drugs is not contraindicated even during breastfeeding. It has no age restrictions. Moreover, spermicides reliably protect against sexually transmitted diseases, practically do not harm health, can be used for a long time, and are also an additional source of lubrication. They combine well with others. However, allergic reactions to one or another component included in spermicides are observed.

Hormonal types of contraception

With this method of contraception, preventative medications are taken orally. Each such product contains hormones, which, after entering the woman’s body, prevent ovulation. It is advisable to consult a doctor, as a specialist will tell you which ones are best for you. It must be remembered that the use of such drugs is not recommended in the first few months after birth and throughout the entire period of lactation. The high contraceptive effect of these drugs lies in the presence of estrogens and gestogens in their composition.

For protection you can also use it, it is small and flexible, so it can be easily administered independently. Its advantage over tablets is that it contains much less hormones. It is important to remember that it must be removed after three weeks of use.

Intrauterine contraception is a device that is inserted into the uterus. It contains a certain amount of the hormone, which is regularly released into the body in small quantities. Such a spiral will protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy for five years; however, its installation is contraindicated in the presence of infectious diseases, as well as for those representatives of the fair sex who have not yet given birth.

The patch that prevents conception most fully reveals the concept of “modern types of contraception.” It is enough to stick it on the body, and protection against unplanned pregnancy is provided for a week. This patch contains hormones that, entering the blood through the skin, provide a high contraceptive effect.

You can also opt for a subcutaneous implant. This product is installed on the inside of the shoulder. This procedure should only be carried out by a specialist. The implant is a rod with the following dimensions: length - 4 centimeters, diameter - 2 millimeters. It contains the hormone gestagen. The installation procedure for such a tool takes several minutes. Its validity period is 3 years. During this time, small doses of the hormone will enter the blood, perfectly performing its function of preventing the ovulation process.

The main types of contraception for women were listed above. The choice is yours!

Contraception is protection against unwanted pregnancy. Modern methods of contraception are very diverse. Initially, contraceptive methods are divided into male, that is, intended for men, and female. There are many more methods of female contraception, and which method is preferable is decided by the woman herself together with the doctor, taking into account contraindications and side effects.

Physiological methods of contraception

Lactational amenorrhea method
This method is based on the fact that while a woman is breastfeeding, she secretes prolactin in large quantities, which suppresses the ovaries’ synthesis of their own hormones, and, accordingly, ovulation. It is quite effective only in the first six months after birth, provided that all the rules are followed.

Calendar method
This method is based on calculating dangerous and safe days. This method is not reliable enough, since it is suitable for women with a regular menstrual cycle, especially since the lifespan of sperm in the female body is up to 7 days (even if sex was on a safe day, there is no certainty that the sperm will not die before ovulation).

Mechanical methods of contraception

Cervical cap
This device is made of latex or silicone, just like a diaphragm, it is inserted before sexual intercourse, but only covers the cervical canal.

Long-acting contraceptives

These include injectable hormones (Depo-Provera), administered once every 3 months, hormonal implants (Norplant) administered subcutaneously (6 capsules for up to 5 years), hormonal patches (Euro), applied weekly for 3 weeks followed by a seven-day break, and hormonal a ring that is inserted intravaginally for a period of 3 weeks and then removed for 7 days.

The disadvantages of the hormonal type of contraception include the presence of a large number of contraindications, pronounced side effects when choosing the wrong hormonal method of contraception, they require discipline and regular use of hormonal pills, and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The positive aspects of this method of contraception are its high efficiency; if necessary, it can be used for “fire” contraception (both special pills for emergency contraception, for example, and COCs), if selected correctly, it is well tolerated, and also normalizes the cycle.

Chemical contraception

This method includes drugs - spermicides, which act locally and are available in the form of creams, gels, sponges and aerosol foams. Spermicides cause the death of sperm in the vagina or, if the activity of the latter is preserved, prevent their penetration into the uterine cavity.

The advantages of the chemical method of contraception for women are considered to be certain protection against sexually transmitted infections and ease of use. The disadvantages of spermicides are the need to use immediately before sexual intercourse and a limited period of effectiveness. The effectiveness of chemical methods of contraception is 75–80%.

Female sterilization

This method involves occlusion of the fallopian tubes (ligation and/or intersection of the tubes). The advantage of this method is its absolute reliability (100%), although, as nonsense, it is rare that restoration of tubal patency and subsequent pregnancy are observed. The disadvantages include the impossibility of restoring fertility, that is, the irreversibility of the method.

Contraceptive methods for women are considered. The names of the most common contraceptives sold in pharmacies are presented.

Contraceptives are means that protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy. There are a lot of myths around hormonal pills. Many people believe that taking them is accompanied by weight gain and the inability to become pregnant in the future. We will try to dispel or confirm dubious information regarding female contraceptives.

Why should women use contraceptives?

If you ask about the most popular contraceptive, most will answer that these are condoms. But this method is inconvenient and quite expensive if you have a regular sexual partner whom you trust.

Accordingly, contraceptives are used by women to protect against pregnancy and to obtain more vivid sensations during sex. Oral contraceptives are used for medicinal purposes and help get rid of skin problems and female ailments.

What types of contraceptives are there for women?

Types of female contraceptives:

• Spermicides– ointments or gels containing substances that slow down the movement of sperm. These drugs thicken cervical mucus and prevent male cells from entering the uterus.
• Spiral– a small plastic or metal product. Placed by a doctor inside the uterus
• Oral contraceptives– pills based on female hormones. They may block ovulation or thicken cervical mucus
• Patch- hormonal contraceptive. Hormones enter the body through the skin
• Vaginal ring– a silicone or plastic ring that contains a small dose of hormones. Set for 21 days. You can do this yourself without the help of a doctor.
• The natural way– calendar method. Used based on calculating periods of pregnancylessness and fertility
• Method of interrupting sexual intercourse– before ejaculation, the partner removes the penis from the vagina

Barrier contraceptives for women. Pros and cons

Barrier contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy by using mechanical barriers to prevent sperm from entering the uterine cavity. Barrier contraception includes local chemical agents that inhibit sperm activity. Barrier contraceptives include: sponge, diaphragm, cap, female condom, suppositories, ointments, gels.

Advantages:

• Can be used immediately before sexual intercourse
• Protects against most sexually transmitted diseases (spermicides)
• High reliability
• Can be used by parous and nulliparous women
• Low price
• Rapid restoration of reproductive function

Flaws:

• Less reliable compared to hormonal contraceptives
• Often cause allergies and itching
• Reduce sensitivity

Chemical contraceptives for women

This is a barrier contraception based on reducing sperm activity using chemicals. Often cause allergies and burning. High degree of protection and low price. Below is a list of popular spermicides.

Non-hormonal contraceptives for women, list

These substances are barrier contraceptives. Their effectiveness is due to a decrease in sperm activity. Some of the products even kill sperm.

List of chemical non-hormonal contraceptives:

• Pharmatex– a drug produced in the form of suppositories, sponges, cream and gel. This is a regular spermicide that contains benzalkonium chloride, an antiseptic. Accordingly, the drug can be used when having sex with casual partners. Effective period: 3 hours after insertion into the vagina
• Benatex– Available in the form of vaginal tablets and gel. Contains spermicide and antiseptic. The drug contains no hormones, so the substance does not affect the menstrual cycle
• Pantex Oval- spermicide based on nonoxynol. Has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Inserted into the vagina 15 minutes before sexual intercourse
• Conceptrol– available in the form of suppositories and contains nonoxynol
• Gynekotex– spermicide based on benzalkonium chloride. This is a combined substance that kills viruses and bacteria, and also reduces the motor activity of sperm.

Local contraceptives for women

These are chemical and mechanical means that either reduce sperm motility or simply prevent them from penetrating into the uterus.

Mechanical local contraceptives:

• Female condom- analogue of the male one, inserted into the vagina. One edge is fixed on the cervix, and the second will remain outside. Accordingly, it protects not only from pregnancy, but also from contracting diseases transmitted during sex
• Diaphragm- This is a dome-shaped cap made of latex or rubber. It is placed on the cervix and simply prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Can be used several times. The doctor selects this method of contraception, since the sizes of the diaphragm are different. After childbirth or due to weight gain, it is necessary to purchase a larger diaphragm
• Cervical cap- a product made of soft rubber. It is placed on the cervix using a suction cup principle. Negative pressure is created due to the compression of the cap, and it is securely fixed. Low degree of protection due to the possibility of the cap being skewed during sexual intercourse.

Hormonal contraceptives for women

• Preparations containing the hormones estrogen and progestin. They change the composition and viscosity of cervical mucus, which makes it impossible for sperm to penetrate the vagina. Some combined contraceptives inhibit ovulation. Accordingly, the egg does not mature, so pregnancy is impossible
• Mechanical products with low progestin content: patch, injections and subdermal implants. The patch can be considered the most convenient - it is a relatively new contraceptive. It contains ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin - synthetic analogues of female hormones. Hormones enter the bloodstream through the skin. Small amounts of hormones are released every day. The action of the patch is based on reducing the thickness of the uterine mucosa, to which the embryo cannot attach. In addition, the patch inhibits the functioning of the ovaries and prevents the dominant follicle containing the egg from growing

Contraceptive injections for women. Pros and cons

In our country, this method of contraception is unpopular. This is due to the high price of the drug and the mistrust of women. The injection is given intramuscularly once every 3 months. It is necessary that the injection be administered on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle.

The essence of using the drug is that it contains progesterone, which thickens the uterine mucosa and thickens cervical mucus.

In addition, ovulation is suppressed. The injections can be used by women who have given birth and those who have not given birth. There have not been any cases of infertility reported in the world after discontinuation of the drug. Although reproductive function is restored within 6-12 months.

Advantages:

• Efficiency is 99%
• There is no need to constantly calculate the days of the menstrual cycle
• Suitable for women who smoke
• Has medicinal properties and promotes the disappearance of endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia

Oral contraceptives for women, video

Oral contraceptives are well-known contraceptive pills with a combined hormonal composition. In the video you can watch a speech by a gynecologist regarding COCs.

Video: Oral contraceptives

Contraception for women after childbirth

Please note that combined contraceptives cannot be taken during breastfeeding. They affect the amount of breast milk.

• Mini-pill
• Hormonal injections
• Intrauterine device
• Remember, after giving birth you can’t have sex for a month, so after the discharge stops you can resume sexual activity
• If you have a regular sexual partner, then it makes sense to get an IUD or take hormonal contraceptives based on gestagens. These are synthetic hormones similar in their effect to progesterone. It does not suppress lactation and does not harm the baby’s health, since a very small amount of the drug penetrates into the milk.
• Previously, it was believed that it was possible to protect yourself after the birth of a child using a natural method. That is, due to the development of lactational amenorrhea, when there is no menstruation, it is safe to have sex. But now many doctors note the ineffectiveness of the method. Some women experience spontaneous ovulation, which will lead to an unplanned pregnancy

Contraception for nulliparous women

Many young girls are wary of taking hormonal oral contraceptives. they believe that they will gain a lot of weight and become unattractive. This is not true, since most women experience no weight gain at all or a slight weight gain of 2-3 kg.

There are rumors about numerous cases of infertility after stopping COCs. This is also a myth, since reproductive function is restored after 3-8 months. Some girls managed to conceive a child in the first month after stopping contraceptives.

But if you decide to take COCs, then seek help from a doctor, he will prescribe a drug with minimal doses of progestins and estrogens. Most often, young girls are prescribed Novinet, Jazz, Yarina.

They improve the condition of the skin and make periods less painful. COCs are not used for cystic changes in the ovaries and endometriosis.

The following methods are ideal for nulliparous women who have a regular sexual partner:

• Barrier contraceptives
• Condoms

An intrauterine device is not installed in nulliparous girls due to the possibility of developing pain and uterine bleeding after the device is removed.

Emergency contraception is used in the following cases:

• Rape
• Skipping a COC dose
• Damage to the condom
• Unprotected sexual intercourse

These are drugs that cause detachment of the endometrium from the uterus. Thus, menstruation begins and sperm is simply carried away from the uterus along with the blood. It is recommended to take no later than 24-72 hours after sexual intercourse. Here are the names of some emergency contraceptives: Postinor, Escapel, Mifegin, Miropriston.

The best contraceptives for women over 30 years old. Video

• Typically, by the age of 30, a woman already has a child and a regular sexual partner. In this case, an intrauterine device is considered the ideal option.
• An IUD containing progesterone is often prescribed. Such contraceptives are indicated for women with endometriosis and other estrogen-dependent diseases. The most popular hormonal IUD is Mirena. Its cost is high, but its validity is 3-5 years
• For women over 30 who have given birth, medium-dose combined oral contraceptives are used. They contain more hormones, this is due to the physiological characteristics of the body at this age. Among such drugs are Diana, Chloe, Dimulen

VIDEO: Contraceptives for women

Contraceptives for women after 45 years. Which ones to choose?

• At this age, many women have chronic illnesses and are overweight. This is why classic COCs are not prescribed
• For such women, three-phase drugs have been developed with minimal androgenic effect. Often before menopause, mini-pills - progestin contraceptives - are prescribed. Since many women who have given birth experience endometrial hyperplasia and endometriosis
• It is best to install the Mirena hormonal IUD after 45 years. It will help not only prevent pregnancy, but also restore the uterine mucosa. This device significantly reduces the risk of developing uterine cancer.
• After the birth of her second or third child, a woman can undergo sterilization. This is a tubal ligation operation. Now this operation is performed without the use of scalpels, using laparoscopy.

Contraceptives for nursing women. Features of the choice of contraceptives for breastfeeding women

• The ideal option is mini-pills or Depo-Provera (progestin) injections. They do not affect lactation and do not affect the baby’s health in any way. But in most cases, women do not want to take any medications during lactation, so they use barrier methods of contraception
• Absence of menstruation during lactation should not be used for contraception. This method only works if you have never missed a feeding, that is, the break between feedings was no more than 3 hours

Female contraceptive pills. Which ones to choose?

• Low dose drugs. Prescribed to nulliparous girls, they contain a minimum of hormones (Jazz, Novinet)
• Medium dosed drugs prescribed to women over 30 years of age (Diana)
• Progestin drugs should be taken if you have endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia (Norkolut, Mini-pill)

Do not buy birth control pills on your own based on a recommendation from a friend or pharmacist.

The doctor must assess your health condition and only then prescribe a specific drug. What suits your friend may not suit you. If you have endometrial hyperplasia and adenomyosis, you should not take medications with a high content of estrogen. This makes the mucous membrane thicken and the problem worsens.

Folk means of contraception. Recipes

• Douching with a slightly acidic solution. Usually a tablespoon of acetic acid or lemon juice is added to a glass of water.
• Calendar method. The periods of pregnancylessness before and after menstruation are calculated. 5 days before and after menstruation are considered safe
• Rowan flower remedy. To prepare the substance, pour 200 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of flowers. Leave for an hour and strain. Take 100 ml before each meal.
• Coitus interruptus method
• Douching with a weak solution of potassium permanganate

Traditional medicine offers many methods of emergency contraception that cause rejection of the fertilized egg during pregnancy. Almost after using each of these remedies, a woman is taken away by ambulance for uterine bleeding. Cleaning is carried out in the hospital. There are known cases of death due to blood poisoning due to rotting of the fetus inside the uterus.

The importance of contraceptives in preserving a woman’s reproductive health

Combined oral contraceptives, when used correctly and prescribed by a doctor, prolong a woman’s youth. Oddly enough, after stopping the drugs, even women aged 45-55 years can become pregnant. This is due to the fact that at birth, every girl’s ovaries contain the rudiments of future dominant follicles.

When taking COCs, there is no ovulation, which means that this potential dominant follicle remains until the next time. In medicine, this phenomenon is called Anti-Mullerian hormone. If its content is high, a woman can become pregnant. With a very low concentration of this hormone, a woman will not be able to get pregnant even with IVF, since the supply of eggs has been exhausted.

The effect of contraceptives on a woman’s body

If you take the medications correctly and as prescribed by the doctor, the effect of the medications will be positive. Many of the COCs are created to treat ailments of the reproductive function of women. Try to change your contraceptive once a year, as the body often gets used to it and spontaneous pregnancy may occur.

How to protect yourself without pills and IUDs?

Despite their ineffectiveness, the following methods are still popular:

• Calendar
• Coitus interruptus method
• Douching with potassium permanganate or vinegar solution after sex
• To be sure, use barrier methods of contraception
• The easiest way is to use a condom
• With a regular sexual partner you can use spermicidal gels and suppositories

You can find a lot of positive and negative reviews about hormonal contraceptives. In most cases, negative experiences are associated with the use of a drug that was not prescribed by a doctor, but was recommended by a friend or pharmacist.

• Often, after miscarriages, low-dose COCs are prescribed to restore the menstrual cycle. After their abolition, many women managed to get pregnant
• In young girls who have not given birth, their skin condition improves, acne disappears, and menstruation becomes less painful
• In general, taking hormonal contraceptives has a positive effect on a woman’s health. It's much safer than recovering from an abortion or miscarriage

The final decision on the use of contraceptives is made by the woman. Remember, no amount of persuasion from your partner and the pleasure of sexual intercourse without a condom or contraceptives is worth your health. Therefore, always use protection and consult good gynecologists. Good health to you.

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