Use contraception can and should be. The only question is how to do it correctly. After all, few people know that the abuse of methods of protection increases the percentage of cases of unwanted pregnancy. Here the principle operates: more does not mean better.
The percentage of reliability of various methods of contraception
• Implants and injectable contraceptives - 95-99%
• Oral contraceptives - 90-99%
• Diaphragm and cervix of the capitalization - 70-90%
• Condoms - 95-99%
• The calendar method is 50-60%
• Interrupted sexual intercourse - 25%
• Spermicides - 28%
The data are valid taking into account the proper use of the above methods of contraception. That is, the efficiency is reduced many times, if the method is used incorrectly or not by purpose.
Success and failure in using contraception
Success or failure in this case varies and depends on several key factors. According to statistics, the risk of unwanted pregnancies in unmarried women under the age of 20 with one partner is about 47% in the first year of contraceptive use. For comparison: for married women aged 30 and over, this figure is only 8%.
For black women, the failure to use funds to prevent unwanted pregnancies is about 20%, regardless of their social status and standard of living. For women of Hispanic origin - 16%, while among white women - only 11%. The results of the last two groups differ depending on the financial situation and social status.
Why is contraception not always effective?
The reasons for the inefficiency of contraception are always individual and vary depending on the method used. It is possible that oral contraceptives do not work if a woman forgets to take them every day at the same time. Or, for example, a woman takes two or more tablets during a cycle and does not use an alternative method of preventing unwanted pregnancy in parallel.
A special diaphragm and caps that are inserted into the cervix can be moved from the place when entering the penis into the partner's vagina. If you enter them not deep enough or wrong, they shift during intercourse and cease to protect from unwanted pregnancy.
Sometimes condoms slip or tear, which leads to the sperm entering the vagina. Sexual abstinence or the calendar method can fail if the woman is not able to accurately determine her period of ovulation. This method is generally suitable only for women. The cycle of which is stable and does not change for several years. In other cases, it is almost impossible to calculate ovulation.
Intrauterine contraceptives often shift from the place on which they should in principle be located. Interrupted intercourse can be an ineffective method, if pre-ejaculation partner sperm has time to get into the vagina.
Tips for effectively preventing unwanted pregnancies:
• Be persistent and consistent in using preferred types and methods of contraception - the effectiveness of different methods manifests itself at different times.
• Carefully follow the instructions for using your chosen birth control.
• If you forget to take two or more tablets during the ovulation period, use an alternative method of protection, such as condoms.
• Antibiotics and other drugs can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It is important to get advice from a specialist on combining specific drugs and devices to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
• Take oral contraceptives at the same time each day.
• Using a condom and spermicides in combination with a diaphragm, for example, can lead to 100% success in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
• When using intrauterine contraceptives, try to track changes in their position. If you find any flaw, you need to use alternative remedies to avoid pregnancy. And always consult a doctor.
• Call your doctor immediately after participating in unprotected sex.
• If you have any questions about using birth control products, contact your doctor. Proper use of different types and methods of contraception will increase your chances of preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Remember that even one sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives is sufficient for the onset of an unplanned pregnancy.