Goodbye sex myths, here we solve all those doubts about contraceptive methods that you have always had.
If you want healthy sexuality, the use of contraceptives should always be the first option. But beyond knowing that these avoid sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy there are a million myths, false beliefs, and doubts. Out of shame or simply lack interest we never ask … until today. Keep reading and find out about all that you did not ask or that you did not even know was a reality.
Everything You Need To Know About Contraceptive Methods
Since, 26 September 2017, World Contraception Day is celebrated. For 10 years, men and women are reminded: Contraception: It’s Your Life, it’s your responsibility (“Contraception: this is your life, this is your responsibility”). This is the conventional motto of this day.
Contraceptive methods are the way you prevent pregnancies. There are several contraceptive methods. We are here to help you understand everything. The contraceptive methods are many and have characteristics that are very different from each other.
Here are 5 Contraceptive Methods for Safe Birth Control
- Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
- Intrauterine Devices
- Barrier Methods
- Chemical Methods
- Natural Contraceptive Methods
These, are best methods for safe and natural birth control which should be used to stay protected while having sex.
Let’s discuss in detail:
#1. Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
In general, we call hormonal contraceptives all those that contain estrogens and progestins, or only progestogens, in order to inhibit ovulation.
The Combined Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
- The Contraceptive Or Estroprogestric Pill
Commonly we also call it “pill” and is a small-sized tablet that combines estrogen and progestogens in synthetic or natural form and in dosages which may vary according to the type.
There are different patterns of therapy with the pill, there are pills to be taken for 21 days with a break of 7 days between one pack and another (21 + 7) or to be taken for 28 consecutive days, but in the pack some pills are placebo, therefore, in reality, the hormonal pattern declines in 24 + 4 (24 normal pills + 4 placebo pills) or 26 + 2 (26 normal pills + 2 placebo pills) and goes from one pack to another without ever suspending.
Depending on the scheme, there will be a more or less poor flow, in some cases completely absent without any negative impact on the woman’s health. In any case, it remains essential that the contraceptive pill is taken at the same time every day with precision.
- The Vaginal Ring
It is a combined contraceptive method just like the estrogen-progestin pill, but unlike the latter, it constantly releases the hormones that are absorbed through the vaginal mucosa, which makes it possible to use much lower hormone dosages.
The vaginal ring is a soft ring the size of an elastic for hair, which can be inserted into the vagina directly by the woman and has a period of use of three weeks, after which it is removed to be replaced with a new one after a week pause, in which menstruation will appear.
- The Transdermal Patch
This hormonal contraceptive method works very similarly to that of the vaginal ring, but unlike the latter, hormonal absorption occurs through the skin. The patch should be changed once a week, taking care to replace the area of application to avoid skin irritation.
Hormonal Contraceptive Methods Without Estrogen
- The Minipill
At first glance, the mini-pill has the same appearance as the estrogen-progestin pill, but it is an extremely different drug: the contraceptive minipill does not contain estrogens, but only progestin’s, and must be taken daily for the duration of the cycle, without pauses. Not containing estrogen can also be taken during lactation and in all cases in which estrogens cannot be taken, in conjunction with risk factors such as cigarette smoking, overweight, familiarity with thrombosis etc.
- The Subcutaneous Implant
It is one of the contraceptive methods recently used in Italy and it is a soft stick that is implanted under the skin of the arm directly from the gynecologist. It works with only the progestin hormone just like the minipill, but it lasts three years.
#2. Intrauterine devices
- Spiral
The spiral (or IUD, Intra Uterine Device) is an interceptive device large from 3 to 5 centimeters, covered with a thin copper wire, which is inserted into the uterus by the gynecologist. Copper performs an inflammatory action, making it difficult for sperm survival, oocyte implantation in the uterus. The spiral has a duration of 5 years, during which constant checks (at least once a year) are required by the gynecologist.
- Hormonal spiral
It works differently from the copper spiral because it contains synthetic progesterone that interferes with the fluidization of the cervical mucus, the preparation of the uterus to the implant, and the tubal movement, making fertilization impossible.
#3. Barrier methods
This is the name of all those contraceptive methods that mechanically act as a barrier, preventing the sperm from coming into contact with the vagina.
- Male condom
It is the oldest contraceptive method, its origin seems to date back to the Egyptian civilization. The condom or condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath that must be fitted onto the penis in erection. Unlike hormonal contraceptive methods and intrauterine devices, condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Female condom
The female version of the condom consists of a cylindrical latex or polyurethane sheath with two soft rings at the ends. The sealed end must be introduced into the vagina before intercourse, while the other ring remains outside the vagina. Even the female condom protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Contraceptive Diaphragm
This is commonly called the the only diaphragm and is a thin rubber cup with a very flexible ring edge. It must be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse so that, by covering the cervix, it stops the transit of the spermatozoa towards the cervix. you have to use a spermicide in combination for this.
#4. Chemical Methods
- Spermicides
They are chemicals marketed in various forms (e.g. gels, creams, ova) that kill sperm cells. Used alone, however, spermicides have little efficacy in protecting from pregnancy.
#5. Natural Contraceptive Methods
The natural methods of contraception provide for the calculation of the fertile period, through the observation of body parameters that change during the ovulatory cycle, the main one is the cervical mucus whose study is used by the Billings method, if this is associated with the detection of the basal temperature we are facing the hypothermic method.
These methods include a period of learning by the woman and attention to abstinence in the period at risk of the couple.
All methods based on the calculation of fertile days and discontinued coitus are not considered contraceptive methods, as they do not take into account human biological variability.
The contraceptive methods are so many and can meet the needs of every woman, so to choose the most suitable it is always better to contact your gynecologist.
Are you sure you know everything about contraception?
Find out more about the contraceptive methods and sex here.
Sex and Contraception, 11 Myths & Facts
From «with the jump of the quail I’m not pregnant» to «the pill makes me fat». The beliefs to be debunked on the contraceptive methods.
Unfortunately, this topic is shrouded in a lot of myths. We collected the most common of them:
11 Myths & Facts About Sex And Contraptions
- The only contraceptives are the condom and the pill
Although condoms and pill are the most common, it is good to know that there are actually many other methods of contraception available. For men, in addition to condoms, the only alternative is sterilization, even if research is underway to get to the so-called ‘pill’.
FROM THE DIAPHRAGM TO THE SPIRAL. Women, on the other hand, have a much wider variety of choices: from the diaphragm to the spiral.
- The ‘pill’ increases water retention and weight
The pills of the last generation are low-dose hormonal and therefore minimize the risk of weight gain and water retention
- The pill: Damages the health and increases the risk of cancer
A recent update of mortality data among over 46,000 women followed for just under 40 years in a major UK study has shown that, in the long run, those who have used oral contraceptives live longer.
Furthermore, some studies have shown that the pill reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
But be careful!
The pill can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, especially after age 35 and especially in women smokers.
- If you are breastfeeding you do not need to use contraceptives
Breastfeeding provided it is exclusive and well established, protects some women from unwanted pregnancies by preventing the’ ovulation.
However, there is no certainty about how long this effect lasts: a study showed that in 22% of nursing mothers start within three months of giving birth.
- A spiral is a valid option only if you already have children
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recently stated that the spiral can also be used by women who have never had children and which is a more effective contraceptive method, as well as ensuring a greater degree of satisfaction than the pill.
- You do not get pregnant if you have standing sex
False…..
The only force of gravity is not sufficient to prevent spermatozoa from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
THE POSITION DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. A woman can become pregnant in any position.
- You do not get pregnant if you wash immediately after sex
Washing the female genitals, internal and external, immediately after having sex does not prevent the start of a pregnancy.
A WASHING DOES NOT STOP THE SPERMATOZOI. In the time that a woman takes to get to the bathroom, the sperm is already on their way and a simple wash is not enough to stop them.
- You do not get pregnant the first time
It is an idea still quite rooted, completely unfounded.
THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST REPORT AND THE OTHERS. If ovum and sperm meet, it is possible to become pregnant with the first time sex. The tenth, as well as the thousandth sexual intercourse, is not required at all.
- It is necessary to take a break from the pill once in a while
There is no need to stop using the pill once in a while because the hormones do not accumulate. And there are no known benefits for the health or fertility of a woman. The idea that prolonged use of the pill can make an infertile woman is then completely false. Once women stop using it, their fertility will return to normal.
STERILIZATION IS PERMANENT. Both women and men can be sterilized, and it is a permanent method of contraception for people who are sure they do not want to have children in the future. In some cases, sterilization can be ‘reversed’.
- Body oil on a condom is an alternative to lubricant
Although the temptation to grab the closest thing when you need more lubrication is strong, oil-based products such as body oil, creams and various lotions do not reconcile well with latex condoms.
RISKS TO DAMAGE THE LATEX.
They can damage it and make the condom more likely to break, with the result of nullifying contraceptive protection.
- Interrupted coitus is a contraceptive method.
False…….. The coitus interrupts is absolutely not a contraceptive method and the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy is real. Moreover, concerns during intercourse, both for men who must retract their penis before ejaculation and for the woman who fears pregnancy, can prevent the couple from freely living their sexuality.
Precaution is Better Than Abortion…!!
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