Selecting the right contraceptive may not be an easy task, given the huge range of choices available on the market. Many people don't like traditional condoms, primarily because of the strong decrease in sensitivity. And who wants to spoil a minute of passion feverish search for a tutu? Female contraception is devoid of these drawbacks. Every year, at least 16.7 million unwanted pregnancies occur worldwide. 15 million of them (i.e. almost 90%!) could have been prevented if women had used modern contraceptive methods correctly. Surprisingly, in the 21st century, millions of people are ignoring or misusing them. Recent research has shown that women are afraid of side effects, have different prejudices or simply lack information. CopperNews has examined how (and whether) the most popular contraceptive methods work.
The most common method of hormonal contraception. When used correctly, it is considered one of the most reliable. The tablets contain two types of hormones: estrogens and progestins. They suppress ovulation and pregnancy becomes impossible. There are many hormonal contraceptives, and they work differently. In general, they can be divided into two types: those that contain estrogen hormones (or rather their analogues) and those that do not.
Today, every couple can control their sexual lives and consciously plan their pregnancies. This freedom of life is a great achievement for scientists and pharmacists, who regularly invent increasingly sophisticated contraceptive methods. Hormonal pills are one of the most reliable contraceptive methods. Their main feature is the mechanism of action on a woman's body. They have a complex effect on the female reproductive system: ovulation is suppressed, the mucus in the cervical canal is condensed, the layer of endometrium in the uterus is thinned. When taking ovarian pills, women's ovaries "rest", and the necessary dose of hormone is provided by the drug. Thickening of cervical mucus in the cervix prevents penetration into the uterus, not only sperm but also bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of infectious diseases. However, it should be understood that oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. This method of contraception also reduces women's blood loss during menstruation by reducing the inner uterus layer. This effect has a positive impact on health in general, especially for women suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
Qualitatively different from other hormonal contraceptives, as different tablets contain different dosages and combinations of hormones. This allows for an individual approach and choice of those pills that can solve the problems of a particular woman.
Emergency contraception refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after intercourse. It is recommended that these methods be used within five days of sexual intercourse, but they are more effective the sooner they are used. Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation and do not cause abortion. Copper IUDs prevent fertilization by causing chemical changes in sperm and egg cells before they come into contact with each other. Emergency contraception cannot interrupt a pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.
Emergency contraception may be needed for any woman or girl of reproductive age to avoid unwanted pregnancy. There are no absolute medical contraindications for the use of emergency contraception. There are also no age limits for its use. When using copper-containing MCI for emergency purposes, the same eligibility criteria as when using it as a permanent method are taken into account.
After ECP use, the woman or girl may return to or start using a permanent method of contraception. If an emergency contraceptive method is based on copper IUD, no additional contraceptive protection is required. After taking ECPs containing levonorgestrel (LNG) or combined oral contraceptive pills (COC), women or girls may resume their practice of contraception or start using any method, including copper CBM. After using ECPs with ulipristal acetate (UPA), women or girls may continue or begin using any progestagen-containing (hormone combination or progestagen-only contraceptives) on the sixth day after UPA. They may be immediately injected with LPG if they can be determined to be free from pregnancy. They can be immediately injected with copper IUD.