Contraception is used to designate a set of measures aimed at eliminating conception and preventing the development of pregnancy. There are many ways and types of protection. However, not all methods of contraception are equally effective and universal.
Classification of methods of contraception
Contraception is always considered by doctors as part of the family planning system. With its help, it is possible to regulate the birth rate, and taking hormonal contraceptives positively affects the health of women. Thus, the use of such drugs reduces the frequency of abortions - one of the causes of gynecological pathologies. In addition, contraceptives are a kind of regulator of the onset of the pregnancy process.
Innovative methods of contraception prevent tumor processes in the reproductive system. Often with their help it is possible to prevent inflammations, malfunctions of a menstrual cycle . Depending on the active ingredient and the method of application, modern methods of contraception can be conditionally divided as follows:
- intrauterine devices;
- barrier;
- natural;
- hormonal;
- surgical.
Natural contraception
This type of contraception is used to designate a set of measures that exclude the use of medicines and devices. The method is based on the exclusion of sexual relations in dangerous days - the period of ovulation in the female body. Because of this, it is often referred to as the calendar method of contraception. Efficacy can be from 6 to 40 on the Perl index (the number of pregnancies that occurred within 1 year in 100 women who used the method).
The calendar method of contraception is based on determining the time of ovulation in the body. This occurs around the middle of the cycle. So, with the extended 28-day cycle, this is the 14th day. Due to the fact that the cycle is not constant, the boundaries of the fertile period are shifted in both directions for 2 days. Consider the life expectancy of spermatozoa - 4 days after sex. Given these features, with a cycle of 28 days, the probability of conception is high from the 8th to the 17th day. If the cycle is unstable, then from the duration of the shortest one subtract 11 days, and from the longest - 18 days.
There are other, less common methods of natural contraception:
- change in basal temperature (increases with ovulation);
- interrupted sexual intercourse as a method of contraception is not considered, but practiced among married couples;
- a study of the consistency of cervical mucus (increased volume and extensibility).
Barrier methods of contraception
Modern methods of contraception have stepped forward, but often married couples use one of the oldest methods - barrier. It is based on creating an obstacle in the way of the sperm to the egg. Often this group of contraceptives is called mechanical. Such means of protection from pregnancy include:
- condom;
- cervical cap ;
- the vaginal diaphragm.
Condoms were widely used, which are often referred to as male contraception. However, there are also female condoms - a thin cylindrical-shaped bag made of latex. On the edges there are 2 rings, one of which is inserted into the vagina and put on the neck, and the second is taken out. In this way, an obstacle is created for the spermatozoa.
Hormonal Contraception
Among the existing methods of preventing pregnancy, hormonal contraceptive methods have become very popular. This is due to ease of use and availability. To prevent conception, a woman needs to take a hormonal drug (more often a pill) according to a certain pattern at the same time. As part of the preparations there are estrogenic and gestagenic components.
Many hormonal methods of contraception in parallel to the protective action cause disruption of the growth of the uterine endometrium. Among the existing hormonal contraceptives it is customary to distinguish the following forms:
1. Combined (estrogen-progestational):
- oral ;
- plasters;
- vaginal rings;
- mini-pili (small doses of progestins).
2. Implants.
3. Injection.
Chemical Contraception
The chemical methods for preventing pregnancy are based on the use of special drugs that are detrimental to sperm. These substances (spermicides) destroy the cell membrane of male germ cells, which leads to their death. As spermicides, chemical contraceptives also contain benzalkonium chloride.
It should be noted that the effectiveness of this method is small - the Perl index ranges from 6 to 20. Spermicides present on the pharmaceutical market are issued in the form of:
- suppositories,
- candles,
- gels,
- creams,
- films.
These funds a woman enters just before sexual intercourse in the upper part of the vagina (10-20 minutes before sex). Almost immediately after the administration, the agent shows a contraceptive effect. Repeated sexual acts require additional introduction of such funds, since they have a short-lived effect. Doctors advise using these nonhormonal methods of contraception as an additional means, for example when using barrier contraceptives.
Surgical contraception
The surgical method of contraception, called sterilization, is a radical way of preventing pregnancy. It can be used in both men and women. When sterilized in women, doctors artificially create an obstruction of the fallopian tubes. As a result, fertilization becomes impossible. Surgical contraception in men is carried out by crossing the vas deferens, as a result of which there are no spermatozoa in the ejaculate.
Sterilization is the most effective method of contraception. Conception is possible in extreme cases and is caused by a violation of the technique of surgical intervention. In some cases recanalization of the fallopian tubes is possible - restoring patency. This method is irreversible, so it does not apply to women of reproductive age.
Methods of emergency contraception
Emergency or postcoital refers to this type of contraception, in which measures to prevent pregnancy are carried out after an unprotected sexual intercourse. These methods of contraception prevent conception at the stage of fertilization or implantation. They suggest the introduction of a large amount of hormonal substances into the body, which provoke a detachment of the endometrium and cause bleeding (unplanned menstruation).
This type of prevention involves the reception of a tablet form of drugs, so it is often included in oral contraceptive methods. Doctors are categorically against the frequent use of this method and do not recommend it to young women who have not yet given birth. Use emergency contraception is necessary in extreme cases:
- when the condom is broken;
- after rape;
- when other methods are ineffective.
Methods of contraception after childbirth
Considering the methods of contraception after childbirth, doctors note the natural way of protection - lactational amenorrhea. With active lactation, breast-feeding, a large amount of prolactin is produced, which inhibits ovulation. This method is effective for at least 6 months if the child is regularly applied to the breast (at least 1 time every 6 hours). The second most common method is the installation of a spiral. The procedure is carried out after the restoration of the uterus. Moms and folk methods of contraception are used: a hot bath, lemon juice.
The most effective methods of contraception
It is not possible to name the best method of contraception by doctors. This is due to the fact that each organism is individual and there is no universal means and method. Selection of a contraceptive should be carried out individually, together with a doctor, after passing a comprehensive examination of the patient's reproductive system.
Methods of contraception for women
Most girls choose hormonal drugs as effective and modern methods of contraception. These medicines are available, easy to use, well tolerated by the body. Sterilization, as the most reliable method of contraception, is rarely used. Many women want to achieve a temporary effect and do not lose the opportunity to become a mother if they want to. Among popular methods in women:
- intrauterine device;
- condom;
- spermicides.
Methods of contraception for men
In the first place among men among methods of contraception - barrier (condom). Accessibility, application prostate, high efficiency make it the most popular. Many representatives of the stronger sex throughout this reproductive period use only this method. However, there are other effective contraceptive methods for men, among which:
- hormonal drugs (androgens and antiandrogens);
- subcutaneous implant - ampoules containing androgens, implanted by a surgeon under the skin, resolves within 2-4 weeks;
- sterilization.