Contraception includes any method, drug, or device used to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of contraceptives and the type of contraceptive method you want to use will depend on your health, desire to have children now or in the future, and the need to prevent various sexually transmitted infections.
Sure one of our outstanding gynecologists it can help you decide which type is best for you at this point in your life; But in the meantime we invite you to read this article to clarify doubts and make the best decision.
What is the best birth control method for me?
There is no single or best contraceptive method for most women. The most appropriate contraceptive method will depend on many indicators and changes as time goes by and various stages of life are overcome.
What is true is that before choosing a contraceptive method, we recommend schedule an appointment with one of our specialists so that together they can make a decision considering:
- Frequency of sexual intercourse.
- Number of sexual partners.
- State of your health in general. If you want to have children soon, in a few years or never.
- Efficacy of each method to prevent pregnancy.
- Possible side effects.
- Operation and usage considerations.
This last point is very important since you must consider whether you are willing to remember to take a pill every day or ask your partner to put on a condom every time you are intimate.
Similarly, you should be aware that even the most effective contraceptive methods can fail. But if you choose well, the chances of getting pregnant will be lower.
What types of contraceptives are there?
There are many types of birth control to choose from. In this list we present them in order from most to least effective in preventing pregnancy:
- Tubal ligation and male vasectomy: by means of a surgery or a medical procedure it prevents the pregnancy of definitive way.
- Intrauterine devices o hormonal implants: Long-term contraceptives (up to 5 years) that provide great comfort for women by not having to frequently remember to take pills or change devices.
- Hormonal methods (pill, mini-pills, patch, injection, vaginal ring): short-acting methods that require daily intake, device change or periodic injections by the specialist.
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, sponges, cervical cap): use contraceptives with every sexual intercourse.
- Natural rhythm methods: It involves avoiding sexual intercourse and / or using a contraceptive method only on the days of greatest fertility. Obviously this last method is not very safe.
What types of birth control help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Male and female condoms are par excellence the ideal methods to protect yourself from STIs, including HIV.
What is dual contraception?
It is the best way to prevent both STIs and unwanted pregnancies; It consists of using a double protection, that is, combining two methods. For example, a condom to prevent STIs every time you have sex and, at the same time, a more effective contraceptive method, such as an IUD, an implant or an injection.
How does male or female sterilization surgery work?
La tubal ligation and vasectomy prevent sperm from reaching the egg by disrupting the tubes that carry sperm (in men) or eggs (in women).
How do the intrauterine devices?
These prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs, prevent sperm from reaching the egg, or make it unlikely. implantation of the ovum in the womb.
How do hormonal methods work?
Short-acting methods, such as the pill, mini-pill, patch, injection, and vaginal ring, prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs or sperm from reaching the egg.
How do barrier methods work?
Methods such as condoms, diaphragms, sponges, cervical cap, prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
How do natural birth control methods work?
Natural rhythm methods involve avoiding sexual intercourse or preventing sperm from entering the vulva at the time of ejaculation.
Are birth control pills safe?
Yes, for most women hormonal birth control methods are safe and have no side effects.
However, a small group of women using hormonal methods may experience weight gain, headaches, irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
Do some contraceptive methods increase the risk of health problems?
Combination birth control pills (estrogen and progesterone birth control) and some other forms of hormonal birth control, such as the vaginal ring or skin patch, have been documented to increase the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure. Also spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can irritate the vagina.
What is the relationship of tobacco with hormonal contraceptive methods?
There is an unfavorable relationship between smoking and the use of hormonal contraceptives. Smokers have been documented to be at increased risk for blood clots and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
What are the benefits of hormonal contraceptives?
Research shows that hormonal contraceptives can help:
- Reduce acne.
- More regular and lighter periods.
- Less menstrual cramps.
- Lower the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colon cancer.
- Lower the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), non-cancerous ovarian cysts, and iron deficiency anemia.
If you want to know more about contraceptive methods, do not hesitate to contact one of our leading gynecologists in Canary Islands. Find the best Gynecologist in Canary Islands among more than 48 Gynecological Clinics and more than 62 Gynecology Specialists.