All intrauterine devices are placed in the uterine cavity, but there are some differences between them. To date, there are several types of intrauterine contraceptives. Some of them produce small amounts of progesterone. This leads to an increase in the viscosity of the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult to penetrate the spermatozoon into the uterine cavity), as well as to changes in the endometrium that prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. In addition, when used in 85% of women, ovulation is suppressed. Other intrauterine contraceptives contain copper and interfere with fertilization and implantation of the oocyte. Contraception, intrauterine hormonal system - the subject of the article.
Advantages
The main advantages of using intrauterine devices include:
• duration and high effectiveness of the action;
• absence of discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• reversibility of the effect - the ability to conceive is restored immediately after the removal of the spiral.
Immediately after installing the intrauterine device, the doctor examines the patient. In the future, enough routine inspections are carried out once a year. For women with heavy menstruation, intrauterine contraception may have the added benefit of a gradual decrease in the intensity of menstrual bleeding, and in some women a complete cessation of menstruation. The IUD can be used for emergency contraception (when placed within five days after intercourse or the expected date of ovulation).
disadvantages
After the introduction of the IUD, cramping pains in the lower abdomen (reminiscent of menstrual) or bleeding may be disturbing. Side effects of using intrauterine contraception (usually temporary) can be:
• irregular bloody discharge (up to 3 months);
• skin rashes (acne);
• headache;
• decreased mood;
• engorgement of the mammary glands. The main undesirable effect of the use of the IUDs are profuse, prolonged menstruation. However, the use of miniature devices of the new generation can reduce the risk of their occurrence. More serious complications, which are extremely rare, include:
• spontaneous loss of the drug from the uterus;
• infection with the insertion of the IUD or due to uterine perforation.
At the onset of pregnancy against the background of the use of the IUD (which happens very rarely), an emergency removal of the remedy is shown to avoid complications or spontaneous abortion. IUD placement is performed during or immediately after the end of menstruation. The contraceptive effect of copper-containing intrauterine devices appears immediately after installation. Progesterone-containing IUDs also begin to act immediately if they were established in the first seven days of the cycle. Intrauterine contraceptives can be started immediately after spontaneous or medical abortion or 6-8 weeks after delivery. Removal of any intrauterine device is performed during menstruation. The doctor removes the IUD by sipping at the plastic threads protruding from the cervical canal.
Contraindications
In most women, the use of the IUD is not accompanied by any complications. However, the presence in history of cases of ectopic pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal bleeding of unclear etiology, as well as anomalies in the structure of the body or cervix, heart disease, an active inflammatory process in the liver, myocardial infarction, stroke or copper allergy may be contraindications for use this method of contraception. Barrier methods protect against unwanted pregnancy, preventing contact of spermatozoa with the egg. Partners can try different options for barrier contraception, choosing the most suitable for both.
Condom
Condom use is convenient for most people. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the quality mark, the expiration date indicated on the package, and also to make sure that there are no damages that can occur as a result of exposure to high temperature, light, humidity or contact with a sharp object. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for the use of a condom, which is usually in the package, use it once and not allow contact with the genitals before use. Wear a condom carefully, rolling it along the penis in a state of erection. Immediately after ejaculation, before the erection stops, the penis is removed from the vagina, holding the condom to avoid shedding the sperm.
Women's condoms
The condom is not always convenient for men who have problems with erection. Female condom is inserted as deep as possible into the vagina with the help of a flexible ring inside. For the time of sexual intercourse, this ring can be removed. The second non-removable ring at the open end of the condom remains outside. When extracting the condom it is twisted so that the sperm remains inside. Female condom can be uncomfortable for women experiencing discomfort when touching the genitals.
Diaphragms and cervical caps
There are several varieties of vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps. They come in various sizes and are made mainly of rubber, although recently new silicone models have appeared. The cervical cap is fixed on the cervix, while the diaphragm covers not only the cervix, but also the front wall of the vagina. The doctor will help to choose the appropriate size of the cap or diaphragm and will give an explanation of their use. Correction of the size is necessary every 6-12 months. The diaphragm or cap should remain in the vagina for 6 hours after intercourse. They are easily washed with warm water with a mild soap solution. These methods are suitable for most women, but their use can be limited with weakness of the vaginal muscles, abnormalities of the structure or the position of the cervix, as well as in cases where the patient suffers from recurrent urinary tract infections or experiences discomfort when touching the genitals.