Although the first birth control pills were invented back in 1960 in the United States, and condoms became a common way to prevent pregnancy in the eighteenth century, we still rarely use modern hormonal and barrier methods of contraception. Why? There are a lot of them, but the result is one - unpleasant (in all senses) consequences of pleasant moments of intimacy.
In addition to religious prohibitions (the church does not support the use of artificial forms of contraception, only allows one to "live" with each other in a natural way), one can not ignore ignorance and disgrace associated with addressing a gynecologist. Ideally, the initiator of the first visit to a teenage girl to a gynecologist should be her mother, taking her to a doctor whom she trusts. This does not mean that a girl from a young age should start pouring tablets, but she should gradually assimilate to the situation and acquired the habit of visiting a "doctor for girls." The next visit to the doctor, probably, it will be possible to start a conversation about contraception (the mother should ask herself - whether the child has the right to know it).
Young women today really have a good choice. In addition to the drugs known in our market for several decades, there are also several novelties. What to choose?
Gynecologists note that the type of contraception depends on the age, frequency of the relationship, the number of partners and health. The fact that we use just such, and not the other, method does not at all mean that it will serve well. Some women can not use drugs because of illness, others basically do not want to take any medications. In any case, before making a decision, you need to know what benefits or risks are associated with the use of modern tools.
Birth control pills
These are tablets containing synthetic analogues of natural female hormones. The market began to appear drugs containing natural estrogen. In most cases, these tablets act by inhibiting ovulation. The egg, not having ripened, is released from the ovary and can not connect to the sperm. Tablets also cause changes in cervical mucus (it thickens and becomes impenetrable to sperm). Thus, she does not pass sperm into the female genitalia.
Tablets are divided into one and two-component, depending on what hormones they contain. Two-component methods of contraception contain estrogen and progestin. Among them are three types of E-phase - all tablets have the same colors and composition. They are most often used because they have a minimal set and a number of hormones that do not affect cardinally the health of a woman. The second type of E-phase is two kinds of tablets with different colors. They all contain the same amount of estrogen, but the volume of the second hormone, the progestin, has been changed. The third type of E-phase is three kinds of tablets of different color and composition. They are used, for example, when for some reason the body can not transfer tablets of other phases.
Important! Tablets should be used under the supervision of a gynecologist. He decides which measures are best for you, giving information about side effects, such as nausea, headache, water accumulation and weight gain. A well-chosen hormone drug should not cause these symptoms, or, perhaps, lead to more serious consequences.
Hormonal methods of contraception are effective if you consume them regularly. Among women, the same mistake is common (especially at the beginning of taking the drug) - forget about the next pill. If we remember this within 12 hours, we will be even more protected from pregnancy. However, when more time passes, you should always use additional methods of contraception, such as condoms. The action of the drug can also reduce diarrhea and vomiting. Some of these hormones may then not be able to be absorbed by the tissues and enter the bloodstream.
Tablets are taken in the system of 21 to 7, which means that the first three weeks you take hormones, and then there is a weekly break during which menstruation occurs. Then you should start receiving a new batch. Some tablets contain only progestin. They are a good option for women extremely disciplined in everything. They should take hormonal contraceptive methods daily for 28 days at the same time. The permissible error, as a rule, is not more than 1-2 hours. Although there were those who forgot to take the drug before 12 o'clock. Large delays significantly reduce the effectiveness of this method. These pills are also a good option for women who smoke, suffer from epilepsy, migraine and for women who can not take pills containing estrogen. It is also the only hormonal contraceptive method that can be used by nursing mothers (contrary to the popular belief that breastfeeding alone prevents another pregnancy). These measures do not affect mono-production, milk composition and child development.
New! Recently, two-component tablets of any of the existing schemes of application appeared-the so-called 24 + 4. They are taken within 28 days, but only the first 24 of them contain hormones, and the next four days you are exposed to the placebo effect. Why? You do not need to constantly remember when to start a new package. It should begin immediately after the previous pack is finished. The 24 + 4 model was designed to reduce the fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle, which can be accompanied by a 21 + 7 regimen. Thanks to the drugs used, you should have fewer side effects.
Remember! Hormonal contraceptives can cause the following effects in women:
- Vaginal inflammation and increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections;
- Headache;
- Increased risk of thrombotic diseases, stroke and heart attack, especially in women with hypertension, smoking at the same time (this is especially important after 35 years).
Contraceptive patches
Strips of tissue, in this case, perform functions in the same tablet. They contain hormones that, thanks to their unique design, penetrate the skin into the body. They give more freedom, because you do not need to remember them every day. It is enough to paste them only once a week.
These methods of contraception can be worn: on the buttocks, abdomen, upper body or upper arms. You can not attach a band-aid on your chest! You can choose a new place every week, but if you decide, the patch should stay there for 7 days. There are certain rules for wearing a contraceptive patch:
Do not use it on red, irritated skin, hairy or injured;
Always use only one patch, which should always be removed before you glue a new one;
Adhesives can be worn for three weeks, and then a period of seven days follows without any "stickers". Then the menstruation occurs. Plasters are not harmed by water, you can grow with them, engage in any kind of sport. Efficacy and contraindications to this method of contraception are the same as when using birth control pills. Bandages are great for women suffering from liver disease. Hormones actually can bypass the digestive system, which is important.
There are some drawbacks to this method. Plasters are not recommended for women weighing more than 90 kg, because the thicker the fat, the worse it passes through it hormones. In addition, recent studies have shown that, thanks to patches, more hormones enter the body of the woman than during the swallowing of tablets by as much as 60%!
Hormonal vaginal ring
Absolutely new is the hormonal ring - the first type of vaginal contraception. It looks like a soft, transparent, silicone bracelet. It should be aligned with your fingers and inserted into the vagina. The advantage of this method is that you should insert it once - and you can forget about contraception for three weeks. After three weeks, the woman removes the ring and within the next seven days, subsequent bleeding occurs. The ring is absolutely not felt in the vagina. There is also concern that it falls out. Do not worry! It is designed so that it keeps even during intense physical exercises or in the pool. And even if it comes out, it can be washed with water and inserted again. The ring should not remain outside the body for more than three hours. It is also not felt during sexual intercourse.
Hormones contained in it act as birth control pills, but are more relevant, as they pass the digestive tract. They can be used for women weighing more than 90 kg. The high content of active estrogen has a positive effect on the composition of the bacterial flora of the vagina - fungal infections are rare. There are disadvantages - it is difficult to get it in pharmacies. We must also record the date of the introduction of the ring, because after three weeks it is easy to forget that it is inside.
Intrauterine device
At present, these barrier methods of contraception are experiencing a revival around the world, as it is convenient and extremely effective. Spirals are usually made of plastic, copper and polyethylene, sometimes with the addition of silver. They can also contain a reservoir of hormones. They work either mechanically (for example, the copper from which they are made reduces sperm motility, so that they do not have the chance to exit into the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg), or at the hormone level - in a similar way as tablets but only placed locally in the the uterus. It is best to inject the spiral on the last day of menstrual bleeding. It is introduced into the uterus through the applicator. When the spiral is already in place, it assumes the appropriate shape and position.
Spirals are available without a prescription, but they can only be administered by a gynecologist. Most of them have a work guarantee for 5 years. They have very high efficiency. What are the disadvantages? This is not a good way for women who have not yet given birth. Also, too much menstrual bleeding may be a problem, which can increase the risk of sexual infections.
Hormonal injections and implants
Injection contraceptives are already on the world market. There is a formula of the drug, which is introduced once every three months. Novelty - injections once a month. It is similar to tablets. Reducing the time of injection per month can improve its effectiveness and improve control of the menstrual cycle.
Also, subcutaneous implants are becoming popular. In the world of them there are only two kinds - one works about three years, the second - five years. The convenience of this method is obvious - the duration of the action. It is possible to replace hormonal and barrier methods of contraception with implants, but this can only be done by qualified medical personnel. Some women also face such problems as a long time without menstruation. They do not always accept this because their presence is still associated with health and femininity. Implants are painless and invisible. The ability to get pregnant is returned after it is removed.
Condoms
Condoms are still a very popular means of contraception, recommended for young people. But it's not so easy to use it right. Young people often make mistakes that can lead to tearing or slipping of the condom from the penis.
The condom protects against unwanted pregnancy, but also has another important advantage - it protects against HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea to a large extent.
Attention! Measures such as petroleum jelly, olive oil or cosmetic creams can destroy latex, from which a condom is made. To moisten the condom, you can use only products that are associated with water, and not with fat (lubricants are available in pharmacies).
Condoms are best bought at a pharmacy. Then we are sure that the product is of good quality. Before use, check the date of manufacture and whether the packaging is intact and not damaged. Condoms should be stored in a dry, dark place at a constant, moderate temperature.