Contraception
You can generally use contraceptives to prevent unwanted or impossible pregnancies, for example when a woman’s physical condition does not allow her to become pregnant.
In general, pregnancy can occur when there is a meeting between sperm from a man and an egg in a woman’s uterus. Contraceptives can also prevent this.
The use of this tool also aims to stop the production of egg cells and stop the combination of sperm cells and fertilized egg cells from attaching to the uterine lining.
In addition, there are also types of contraception that are also useful for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, for example condoms.
Types of Contraceptive Devices
There are many types of birth control that you can choose. Before making a choice, make sure to always discuss it first with your partner.
In addition, it is important to know the various types of birth control to adjust them to your desires and needs.
Here are some types of contraception that you need to know:
1. Natural contraception
You can do this by calculating a woman’s fertile period manually by calculating the menstrual cycle.
This method can be done by checking body temperature, changes in vaginal fluid, and calculating using a calendar.
2. Birth control pills
This is the most widely used contraceptive. This pill contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone which function to prevent ovulation.
There are two types that you can find, namely combination birth control pills and pills that only contain progesterone.
There are even emergency pills that you can take to prevent pregnancy.
3. Male condom
This is a device that you need to install on the male genitals to prevent sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse.
The advantages of condoms are that they are affordable, provide protection from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and are very easy for you to obtain.
However, condoms are for single use only.
4. Injection
Contraceptive injections are divided into two types, namely contraceptive injections which have a duration of three months to prevent pregnancy, and contraceptive injections which can only last for one month.
This method is said to be more effective than taking birth control pills. However, it is relatively expensive and does not provide maximum protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Implants
The implant is about the size and shape of a matchstick and can be inserted under the skin, usually in the upper arm.
The birth control implant will release the hormone progestin slowly and can prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
Similar to injections, birth control implants are relatively expensive and have several side effects, such as irregular menstruation, swelling, and bruising in the area of skin where they are installed, and are not effective in preventing the transmission of STIs.
6. IUD
IUD is an abbreviation for intrauterine device and is shaped like the letter T.
You can install this contraceptive device in the uterus to prevent sperm from the fertilization process.
In general, IUDs have two main forms, namely IUDs made of copper, for example ParaGard which has a durability of up to 10 years, and IUDs that contain hormones, such as Mirena which must be renewed every five years.
7. Female condom
Female condoms are a form of contraception in the form of plastic that you can put over your vagina.
At the end there is a plastic ring that functions to adjust the position of the male genitals during intercourse.
Like male condoms, female condoms also provide protection from STIs but are less effective than male condoms.
8. Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a hormonal contraceptive, similar to the birth control pill. It slowly releases hormones that travel from the vagina into the bloodstream.
Using a vaginal ring can prevent pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
At least, the vaginal ring is 90 percent effective if you use it correctly.
However, if you are breastfeeding, the vaginal ring cannot be used until the baby is six weeks old.
Additionally, after the baby is born, doctors generally do not recommend using the vaginal ring until the baby is 3-6 weeks old.
9. Sterilization
This is a permanent method of contraception. Usually, this method is the choice if the couple no longer has plans to get pregnant.
An example of sterilization in women is tubal ligation, while in men it is vasectomy.
10. Spermicide
These come in the form of jelly, cream, membrane, or foam that contains chemicals to kill sperm.
You can use a spermicide in the vagina before sexual intercourse.
You need to apply spermicide 30 minutes before intercourse.
In addition, the use of spermicide needs to be accompanied by other contraception, such as condoms. Because the failure rate is quite high, reaching 29 percent.
11. Diaphragm
This type of contraception is made of dome-shaped rubber. The diaphragm is placed in the cervix before you and your partner have sex. Usually, the use of the diaphragm is accompanied by spermicide.
12. Cervical cap
It is similar in shape to a diaphragm, but smaller in size. Diaphragms are also commonly used in conjunction with spermicide and function to block the path of sperm entering the uterus.
Cervical cap installation must be done by a doctor and must be removed during menstruation.
13. Ortho Evra patch
This contraceptive is unique because its shape is similar to a patch. Its use is only by sticking it to the skin and you change it once a week for 3 weeks.
The effectiveness of the ortho evra patch is the same as birth control. So is the way it works, namely by releasing the same hormones found in birth control pills.
Those are the types of birth control that you need to know. Make sure you discuss it with your doctor and partner to choose the right type of birth control.
When Should Contraceptives Be Used?
In general, you can use this tool to prevent pregnancy or prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. You need to use this tool before having sex with your partner.
There are various types of KB available, so the way they are used will also be different.
Apart from the different ways of using them, these types of tools also generally have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of Using Contraceptives
Contraceptives have many benefits for women who want to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
However, hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, implants, and IUDs, provide other benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, including:
- Regulates the menstrual cycle. Hormonal birth control can balance the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle. This method can help overcome menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding, and irregular periods, and even overcome symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Reduce menstrual pain. About 31 percent of women who use birth control pills experience a reduction in menstrual pain.
- Prevent hormonal acne. Hormonal fluctuations often trigger acne. Birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone (combination birth control pills) are the most effective acne medications.
- Reduces the risk of uterine cancer. The long-term benefit of using hormonal contraception is reducing the risk of uterine cancer. Women who take combination birth control pills are 50 percent less likely to develop uterine cancer.
- Reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. By preventing ovulation, hormonal birth control can prevent cysts from forming in the ovaries. In addition, it can prevent cyst scars from growing back.
- Managing endometriosis. Using hormonal birth control helps because it allows you to skip your period. Continuous use of birth control pills and IUDs are usually good options for managing endometriosis.
- Reduces the risk of anemia. Some women experience heavy bleeding during menstruation. Hormonal birth control can help by skipping menstruation, thus preventing anemia associated with menstruation.
Who Should Use Contraception?
Both men and women should use contraception if they are sexually active.
As previously stated, the use of this device aims to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Compared to men, there are more types of contraceptives for women.
You can also visit this page to get further information about sexual health.
How to Choose the Right Contraceptive Device
It is also important to understand that you and your partner may have the same or different contraceptive preferences.
It’s best to discuss contraceptive options with your partner to help determine which method is acceptable to both parties.
Also remember, that the best contraceptive is one that is safe, comfortable to use, and can be used consistently and correctly.
Contraceptive choices may change throughout life and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- Age and medical history.
- Reproductive goals, such as the number of children you want and how quickly you want to conceive.
- Relationship factors, how often you and your partner have sex, and your partner’s preferences.
- Religious beliefs.
- The differences between birth control methods. Including how effective they are at preventing pregnancy, side effects, cost, and whether they can prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Knowing your options is part of the decision-making process.
However, an honest assessment of yourself, your partner, and your relationship is equally important when deciding on the right type of birth control.
You can also visit this page for more information about sexual health.
Where to Get Contraceptives?
You can easily get male condom contraception at the nearest pharmacy and minimarket.
However, for other types of contraceptives, you can get them at the nearest clinic, midwife, or hospital.