2 Sterilization
Female sterilization is also called tubal occlusion or “tubal ligation.” As a result of the operation, an artificial obstruction of the fallopian tubes is created: the female egg is isolated from sperm and fertilization becomes impossible. In Russia, this method of contraception is legally permitted only for women over 35 years of age who have at least one child.
BEHIND Almost 100% protection against unwanted pregnancy; the operation does not entail changes in health, hormonal levels, does not affect sexual desire, and sometimes even increases it; the risk of ovarian cancer is reduced.
AGAINST Sterilization is almost irreversible, surgery to restore fertility is very expensive and there is no guarantee of a successful outcome; the operation is performed under anesthesia, and these are associated risks; does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection.
PEARL INDEX 0.15 (in an extremely small percentage of women, pregnancy occurred in the first year after surgery).
3 Vasectomy
Type of male sterilization. During the operation, part of the man's vas deferens is ligated or removed so that sperm do not enter the ejaculate.
BEHIND Relatively simple operation; local anesthesia; libido, erection, ejaculation, sexual desire, orgasm do not undergo changes.
AGAINST You must carefully consider your decision as reconstructive surgery is much more complex, expensive and success is not guaranteed. Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
PEARL INDEX 0.4 pregnancies per 100 women.
4 Intrauterine device
The spiral is a fairly common method of contraception in women 25-30 years old. This is a small device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent conception. Today there are about 50 types of spirals: round, spiral, T-shaped, copper or silver, hormonal, etc. The IUD prevents the implantation of the egg into the uterine wall, has a detrimental effect on sperm (copper-containing coils), and affects their ability to pass through the cervix (hormonal). Average term use - 2-5 years.
BEHIND High protection against unwanted pregnancy. Using an IUD, you can forget about other methods of birth control for several years. The spiral does not affect lactation, is easily removed by a doctor and is inexpensive.
AGAINST May cause heavy menstruation in some women. Prolonged stay of a foreign body in the body reduces immunity and can also cause inflammatory processes. The IUD is not recommended for nulliparous girls.
PEARL INDEX 1 pregnancy per 100 women.
Hormonal contraception
5 Hormonal implants and capsules
This type of contraception is a small plastic stick (the size of a match) or a thin capsule filled with hormonal drugs and injected subcutaneously, usually at inner side left forearm. After installation, implants regularly release a hormone that interferes with and also changes the cervical mucosa, making it difficult for sperm to pass through. In 2018, a new progressive product is expected on the American market - a hormonal contraceptive chip, which will be implanted under the patient’s skin and controlled using a smartphone and a special application.
BEHIND There is no need to frequently replace the implant. The effect lasts approximately 5 years. The operation is quite simple and painless.
AGAINST Side effects: nausea, headaches and possible allergic reactions. Implants are not widely represented in Russian market, from here high price. In addition, gynecologists do not recommend installing implants for girls who have not yet given birth.
PEARL INDEX 0.3 pregnancies per year per 100 women.
6 Combined oral contraceptives
AGAINST There is a risk of developing thrombosis if there is a predisposition. It takes discipline and regular application. In addition, COCs can reduce libido, cause allergies, nausea, increased sensitivity breasts, pigmentation and mood swings.
PEARL INDEX About 0.5 pregnancies per year per 100 women for combination oral medications.
7 Hormonal injections
BEHIND Availability and ease of use, wide choice. Condoms provide the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
AGAINST Protection against pregnancy is only 82% for male and 79% for female condoms. Many women complain that female condoms feel a bit awkward and that they can make inappropriate noises during sex. Allergy to latex is a contraindication.
PEARL INDEX From 5 to 12 pregnancies per 100 women.
11 Contraceptive caps, vaginal diaphragms and sponges
A contraceptive cap is a reusable contraceptive, which is a silicone cup with a loop that is placed on the cervix. The caps are recommended for use in conjunction with spermicides. The contraceptive is inserted immediately before sexual intercourse and can be worn for about 48 hours.
The vaginal diaphragm has the shape of a cup with a metal spring along the edge; it is inserted before sexual intercourse so that the rim is in the walls of the vagina and the dome covers the cervix. The spring presses lightly on the walls of the vagina and urethra. The size of the diaphragm is selected by a gynecologist; you can wear the contraceptive for no more than 24 hours.
A sponge soaked in spermicidal solution looks like a small donut with an indentation that should fit snugly against the cervix. The sponge combines both mechanical and chemical protection. The sponge is a universal size, and in the USA you can buy it in a regular supermarket.
BEHIND The caps and Co. are reusable, they do not change hormonal levels, and are suitable for breastfeeding women and for those for whom hormonal medications are contraindicated.
AGAINST If administered incorrectly, the effect is extremely weak. They do not protect against infections, and the quality of sex sometimes decreases. In addition, there are a number of contraindications.
PEARL INDEX From 6 to 20 pregnancies per 100 women.
12 Spermicides
Spermicides are chemical substances, destroying sperm within a short period of time (up to 1 minute). They contain special creams, jellies, suppositories, vaginal tablets, foams and films - all of this is sold freely in pharmacies. Spermicides themselves have a low contraceptive effect, so gynecologists advise combining them with barrier methods of protection.
BEHIND Ease of use, protection against certain infections.
AGAINST Low contraceptive effect. Spermicides can negatively affect vaginal flora. And one more thing: make sure that you are not already pregnant, since in this case there is a high risk to the fetus.
PEARL INDEX 25-30 pregnancies per 100 women per year.
Natural methods of contraception
13 Interrupted coitus and others
Coitus interruptus, the calendar method, a method that involves tracking basal temperature, monitoring the consistency of discharge and other methods that we inherited from our grandmothers and mothers are all natural methods of contraception. Even modern methods contraception does not provide a 100% guarantee, and the reliability of “folk” methods is even more out of the question: out of 100 women who use interrupted coitus as protection, on average, 19-20 become pregnant within a year. Moreover, none of natural methods does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
In conclusion, an important disclaimer: before choosing a method of contraception, be sure to consult with your gynecologist.
Text: Yulia Oleynikova.
For the right choice method of preventing unwanted pregnancy in this topic we will tell you what methods and methods of contraception exist. Having learned about methods of contraception, you can independently choose a more convenient contraceptive for yourself and enjoy love games without fear of getting pregnant. The term contraception refers to the prevention of pregnancy different ways: Mechanical, Chemical, etc., moreover, some methods prevent the transmission of sexual diseases.
To determine the reliability of a particular method of contraception, we will use the Pearl index, which indicates how many women out of a hundred became pregnant using one of the types of contraception for a period of time.
NATURAL TYPES AND METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION
SEXUAL INTERRUPTION: It consists in the fact that a man, at the moment of receiving pleasure, removes the penis from a woman. The Pearl index for this type of contraception ranges from 4 to 18. In most cases, the unreliability of this method of protection lies in the man’s insufficient self-control when receiving pleasure, which leads to untimely removal of the male organ from the woman and her fertilization. Also, at the time of sexual intercourse, pre-seminal fluid is released from the male organ, which may contain live sperm, and even if the man managed to remove his organ at the moment of pleasure, this does not mean the absence of pregnancy, the woman could be fertilized with pre-seminal fluid, which is of course very rarely occurs and has no basis scientific evidence. Moreover, after a man has had pleasure, part of the ejaculate remains in the canals of his organ, which, when re-entering a woman, can lead to the release of ejaculate and pregnancy, so that the remaining ejaculate does not enter the woman, the man is advised to urinate. This type of contraception is psychologically negative for a man.
CALENDAR METHOD OF CONTRACEPTION: With this method of protection, it is necessary to calculate the days of ovulation of the egg; read how to do this here: . The Pearl index with this method of contraception ranges from 9 to 40. Remember that male ejaculate can live inside a woman from several hours to 7 days, and the average lifespan is 2-3 days. Moreover, this type of contraception is not suitable for women whose menstrual cycle is irregular.
TEMPERATURE TYPE OF CONTRACEPTION: It consists in the fact that a woman measures her basal temperature and keeps a chart, almost the same as the calendar method, but based on temperature. The pearl index ranges from 0.8 to 3.
CHURCH TYPE OF CONTRACEPTION: The woman monitors her vaginal discharge using tests, somewhat similar to the calendar method. The pearl index is 15.
SYMPTOTHERMAL TYPE OF CONTRACEPTION: A method of protection that includes temperature and church type of contraception. Pearl index 0.3.
MEASUREMENT OF HORMONE LEVEL: Pregnancy using this method requires tests that measure the hormones LH and FSH in morning urine, indicating ovulation. Pearl index from 4 to 18.
LACTATION AMENorrhea METHOD: Method of protection in the form of an effect breastfeeding within 6 months after the birth of the child. Pearl index from 2 to 3.
MECHANICAL OR BARRIER TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION
CONDOM: A type of protection that involves placing a latex or thin rubber shell on the male organ, in which male ejaculate remains after pleasure. This type of contraception protects not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from sexually transmitted diseases. When using, beware of applying oily lubricants, as oils corrode latex and the contraceptive may tear. The pearl index ranges from 2 to 12.
FEMALE CONDOM: Unlike male contraceptives, they are not worn on the male organ, but are inserted inside the woman. In all other respects, the principle of action is the same as that of the male contraceptive. Pearl index ranges from 5 to 25.
FEMALE DIAPHRAGM: A type of contraception that is a latex dome-shaped cap with a flexible rim that covers the female cervix. Pearl index from 6 to 20.
FEMALE UTERINE CAP: The type of contraceptive is very similar to the diaphragm, the only difference is that it is half the size of the diaphragm and is worn at the entrance to the uterus. Pearl index from 9 to 20.
HORMONAL TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION
Hormonal contraceptives have various actions protection. Some hormonal pills suppress ovulation, which is reflected in the obstruction of the development and release of the egg, other hormonal pills change the structure of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the fertilized egg cannot attach to the walls of the uterus, others can thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents the passage of ejaculate. Independent choice of hormonal contraceptives is not recommended; it will be better if a doctor prescribes it to you with a preliminary conclusion based on the tests obtained. Frequently asked questions and general information You can read about oral contraceptives here: .
COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: These tablets contain the hormonal substances estrogen and progestin. Pearl index from 0.1 to 0.9.
MINI-PILI: They contain only progestin and do not contain estrogen, which, according to research, has a detrimental effect on a woman’s health. Pearl index from 0.5 to 4.3.
HORMONAL INJECTIONS: Intramuscular injections are given every 3 months and contain progestin. Pearl index from 0.3 to 1.4.
NORPLANT: A type of contraceptive inserted under the skin containing the substance levonorgestin. Pearl index from 0.08 to 0.09.
NOVARING RING: A type of contraceptive containing estrogen and progestogen. Pearl index from 0.4 to 0.65.
EURA PATCH: A type of contraception in the form of a patch attached to a woman’s skin and delivering hormones through the bloodstream to the woman’s body: Pearl index from 0.4 to 0.9.
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE: A type of contraceptive that is a plastic device with a copper coil inserted into the female uterus. It prevents the advancement of ejaculate, the attachment of the egg to the walls of the uterus and shortens the life of the egg. The pearl index ranges from 0.1 to 0.5.
TYPE OF POSTCOITAL CONTRACEPTION: Applicable this type during unprotected sexual intercourse and ejaculate getting inside the woman. It consists of urgently taking a hormonal pill after sexual intercourse. Due to the high harmfulness of this type of contraception, it should be used only in emergency cases, no more than once every six months. Pearl index 2.
CHEMICAL TYPES OF CONTRACEPTIVES
CREAMS, AEROSOLS, CANDLES, ETC.: They are inserted into the female vagina before sexual intercourse for about 10-15 minutes; see the instructions for the contraceptive for more details. Pearl index from 3 to 21.
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE: Yes, this type of contraception can be attributed not only to hormonal, but also to chemical methods protection, since the spiral may contain a metal that is harmful to the ejaculate.
SURGICAL TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION
The type of contraception in the form of sterilization is used for people who have children, since reverse restoration is almost impossible.
MALE CONTRACEPTION: This type of contraception is called a vasectomy or sterilization, which is a simple operation to block the seminal ducts. Pearl index 0.4.
FEMALE CONTRACEPTION: Sterilization of a woman is a more complicated operation than for men and involves tying the tubes to block the patency of the fallopian tubes. Pearl index from 0.01 to 0.1.