The woman really became the mistress of her destiny only when she had an opportunity to make important decisions on her own: whether to build her career or become a mother, how many children and so on. This freedom of choice came about thanks to the invention of contraception. The emergence of barrier, hormonal and other means designed to prevent ovulation and fertilization, has revolutionized not only fertility issues, but also the minds of the fair sex. Finally you can relax and enjoy the joys of life!
Meanwhile, like all pharmaceutical products, the contraceptive should be chosen after consultation with a doctor: it will not only pick up the best option, but also tell you how to use the chosen method correctly.
So-called chemical (spermicidal) contraceptives are a variant of the most reliable methods of contraception for those partners who do not doubt each other, as well as for young mothers or women who are contraindicated for other types of contraception. All spermicides have antiseptic effect, besides they are additional lubricant. The effect of these means is that they destroy the membranes of spermatozoa and they lose their fertilizing ability. The reliability of the method is up to 85%. It is important to follow the rules: administer the remedy 10 minutes before the sexual act, use a new dose of the drug before each intimacy, etc. There are several forms of spermicides: cream, candles, tampons, sponges.
Barrier methods
About 40% of Ukrainian women choose a condom as a permanent remedy. If you hardly know your new lover or you do not trust each other, this is the method that will help you to enjoy intimate pleasures and at the same time avoid unwanted health problems. After all, only a condom can protect against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases!
Barrier methods are ideal as a single contraceptive. These remedies are easy to use, convenient, do not require preliminary preparation, are suitable for almost everyone and, as a rule, do not have side effects. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for their use. The effectiveness of protection is about 75% (25% of "misfires" due to improper use). Also, barrier means include cervical caps, vaginal diaphragms and sponges with spermicide (remember that their reliability is lower than that of a condom).
Hormones: Pros and Cons
Has decided to stop on the most reliable methods of contraception - hormonal contraceptives? Remember that there are a number of contraindications to their use: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, the tendency to form blood clots, breast tumors, liver or kidney function disorders, etc. Therefore, having made your choice in favor of hormonal protection, be sure to undergo a comprehensive examination of the whole organism. Find out everything "for" and "against", find out the opinion of a competent gynecologist and only after that try this method.
The principle of action of hormonal drugs at first glance is simple: the estrogenic and gestagenic components imitating estrogen and progesterone contained in them suppress the processes of formation and release of the oocyte from the follicle. As a result, ovulation does not occur and conception becomes impossible. Hormonal contraceptives can enter the body not only when taken orally in the form of tablets. "Arsenal" of modern hormonal contraceptives is quite wide: ampoules (injected); Implants implanted under the skin (flexible capsules), which gradually release hormones and create a constant concentration in the body of a woman; contraceptive patches (attach to a specific area of the body); special intrauterine spirals.
Some drugs along with contraceptive also have a curative effect and are successfully used in cases of menstrual cycle disorders, with hyperplastic processes and some other conditions. Against the background of receiving these funds, the cycle is regulated, the cosmetic effect is manifested (acne is reduced, the skin becomes smoother). So there is a chance to solve several problems at once.
Despite the fact that modern hormonal contraceptives contain very low doses of hormones in comparison with their predecessors, their use is not so harmless. Therefore, the selection of a hormonal drug should be strictly individual! Do not buy tablets, guided by the advice of friends or advertising. Only a doctor has the right to appoint you the right tool - based on the constitution, health status, age and a number of other indicators. In addition, this method of preventing unwanted pregnancies can be relatively safe to use only up to 32-35 years.
Optimal protection
The most innovative method of female contraception today is the vaginal ring. From now on, you do not need to worry every day, thinking about protection. Unlike tablets, the ring is applied once a month, it is injected independently (easily and painlessly), contains twice less hormones than tablets, and allows you to make a planned conception in the next cycle. In this case, a uniform release of hormones, providing a stable menstrual cycle without unplanned bleeding. The ring is noticeably more convenient than a spiral: it is inserted into the vagina, and not into the uterus. At the same time, a woman installs and removes it herself, which saves her from having to visit the gynecologist regularly.
This method improves the condition of the vaginal microflora, increases the number of lactobacilli and improves local immunity, thereby reducing the likelihood of pelvic disease. In studies conducted in Europe, it was found that the vaginal ring positively affects sexual life, as it provides additional positive feelings from sex (by stimulating first-order erogenous zones).
And what is the reaction of men? According to the survey, 94% of gentlemen do not object to the use of a woman's vaginal ring, while 71% do not notice him during intercourse. Of those men who felt the vaginal ring, 40% called the sensations felt pleasant, the rest - neutral.
The vaginal ring is a modern, reliable (99% protection), safe and convenient method of contraception, recognized throughout Europe.
The choice of Ukrainian women
According to the international research project Choice, after consultation with a qualified gynecologist, women choose:
contraceptive vaginal ring - 47,8%
combined contraceptive pill - 24,3%
contraceptive cutaneous patch -10.9%
other - 17%.