There are several contraceptive methods that help prevent unwanted pregnancies, such as the birth control pill or the implant in the arm, but only condoms prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases at the same time and should therefore be used in all relationships. , especially when the couple is unknown.
Before choosing and using a contraceptive method, it is important to consult the gynecologist to decide which option is best, and the best method is always the most suitable for women and men, such as age, cigarette use, disease or allergies, for example.
- Oral contraceptive.
- Also known as a birth control pill.
- Is the most common method used by women to prevent pregnancy because it contains hormones similar to those produced by the ovaries.
- Which prevents ovulation and there is no egg ready to be fertilized.
The types of oral contraceptives that exist are the combined pill, which contains estrogen and a progestin, and the minipill, which contains only progestin, which is most common during lactation, in women smokers or over 35 years of age.
The birth control pill can be purchased free of charge at a health center, but it depends on the brand of the contraceptive because some must be purchased at the pharmacy. The most common brands of birth control pills are Selene, Yasmin, Cycle 21 and Diane 35. In addition, there are other brands such as Yaz, Minima, Microvlar or Cerazette, for example.
In most cases, you should take 1 tablet a day, always at the same time, for 21 days until the end of the pack and when you have finished taking a 7-day break, i.e. when your period should decrease and on the 8th day, start a new card. If this is your birth control method, read about the birth control pill.
The contraceptive implant, such as Implanon or Organon, is a method that helps prevent pregnancy through a small plastic tube that the gynecologist inserts into the inside of the arm, under the skin, and releases hormones into the blood slowly. , preventing ovulation and making it difficult for sperm to enter the woman’s uterus.
This device can remain in the woman’s arm for up to 3 years, but only the gynecologist can place and remove it and, after suppressing fertility, returns to normal after 1 month.
The implant should be placed in the hospital by the gynecologist until the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle, or at any time of the cycle if you are certain that the woman is not pregnant. To place and remove the implant, it is necessary to undergo a small surgery with local anesthesia applied to the arm, being normal within the first 3 days after the procedure, presenting pain or a small purple stain.
Learn more about the implant to avoid unwanted pregnancies
The intrauterine device, called an IUD, is a T-shaped plastic contraceptive method that the gynecologist introduces into the uterus and can remain for about 5 years while maintaining its effectiveness.
This contraceptive technique is very effective and does not cause discomfort, preventing pregnancy by the action of copper or the release of hormones that hinder fertilization.
See how the IUD prevents pregnancy
Condoms are an excellent method of contraception to prevent pregnancy, as well as the only method that protects against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS or syphilis.
However, in order to be effective, it is necessary to properly place the condom before each intimate contact, avoiding direct contact between the penis and vagina, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus.
The diaphragm is a ring-shaped method of rubber contraceptive that prevents sperm from entering the uterus, preventing egg fertilization. The diaphragm can be used several times for approximately 2 years and therefore, after use, wash it and store it in a clean place.
To better understand what the diaphragm is and how to adjust it
The ring is a rubber device that the woman inserts into the vagina and its placement is similar to the introduction of a tampon. The woman should stay with the ring for 3 weeks, then remove it and take a 7-day break to lower her period, putting on a new ring.
Learn more about the vaginal ring, how to set it up, and possible side effects.
Contraceptive injection, such as Depo-Provera, should be applied to the arm or leg muscle once a month or every 3 months by a nurse at the health center.
The injection slowly releases hormones that prevent ovulation, but prolonged use can cause delayed fertility, increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain, as well as headaches, acne and hair loss, for example. This is an excellent method for women with mental illness, tuberculosis or epilepsy who cannot take oral contraceptives or who have many vaginal infections and cannot wear a ring or IUD.
Surgery is a definitive method of contraception, preventing women or men from having children for the rest of their lives, so in most cases this method is used only after deciding not to have more children, being more common in women or men. more than 40 years.
In the case of women, the tubes are linked under general anesthesia, where a cut or tourniquet is made in the tubes, which close preventing sperm from encountering the egg. Final sterilization of the woman requires a hospitalization of about 2 days and recovery usually takes about 2 weeks.
Vasectomy is surgery performed in men, with general anesthesia lasting about 20 minutes, and a cut is performed in the canal through which sperm passes from the testicles to the seminal vesicles. develops impotence.
There are other methods that can also help prevent pregnancy, but should not be used individually as they are not completely effective and pregnancies can occur. Therefore, some methods may be:
According to these methods, it is necessary to avoid intimate contact during the fertile period, when the woman is more likely to conceive and, to understand the profile of the woman, it is usually necessary to 3 to 6 cycles.
Here’s how to calculate your fertile period and avoid getting pregnant: