Choosing the Best Contraceptive Method
Adequate information will help you in your decision
What options do I have:
There is no perfect contraceptive method. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle
There are 5 major groups:
BARRIER METHODS such as the condom and diaphragm.
They prevent sperm from entering the vagina and uniting with the egg. They also help prevent sexually transmitted infections as long as they are used from the beginning of the relationship. They do not contain hormones and must be used with each sexual encounter. If you don't have a stable relationship or change partners, this might be your method.
HORMONAL METHODS such as the pill, the patch, the vaginal ring, implants, or the hormonal IUD.
How are they similar?
All of them work in a similar way: they inhibit ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus, preventing pregnancy
How are they different?
· In the route of administration: they can be administered orally like the contraceptive pill, transdermally like the contraceptive patch, vaginally or transmucosally like the vaginal ring, subcutaneously like the implant, or intrauterinely like the hormonal IUD.
There are methods now almost obsolete that involve monthly intramuscular administration.
· In their composition: The pill, patch, and ring are combined methods, meaning they contain estrogen and progestin and block ovulation. The hormonal IUD, progestin-only pill, transdermal implant, intramuscular preparation, and the morning-after pill contain only progestin and generally do not inhibit ovulation, acting instead by producing changes in the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, as well as in the cervical mucus
· In the frequency of administration: the pill must be taken daily with a protection margin of 12 hours if you forget, the patch is applied weekly with a protection margin of 48 hours, and the vaginal ring is applied monthly with a protection margin of 3 hours.
The hormonal IUD is effective for 5 years, and the implant for 3 or 5 years depending on the brand.
What advantages do they have?
In general, hormonal methods are very effective in preventing pregnancy (their effectiveness is over 99%). Additionally, they have added advantages; combined hormonal methods improve premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea, heavy periods, premenstrual breast tension, polycystic ovary syndrome, reduce acne or hair growth, regulate the cycle, and have even been shown to have a beneficial effect in reducing the incidence of ovarian cancer.
What disadvantages do they have?
Most side effects of hormonal contraceptives are mild and infrequent due to the use of preparations with lower doses and more modern compositions, but sometimes there can be variations in body weight (increase or decrease), reduced sexual desire, light spotting between periods that usually disappear after a few months of use. The most serious but fortunately rare side effect of contraceptives is thromboembolism, which is why we should advise against them in patients with risk factors. This type of method should always be taken under medical supervision.
If you are young, in a stable relationship, and have no risk factors (smoking, obesity, hypertension, history of thromboembolism) and also want a method with high efficacy, a hormonal contraceptive method administered through the route that best suits you may be ideal.
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE or IUD non-hormonal is a T-shaped plastic device about 3cm in size with a copper wire that, once placed, hinders the passage of sperm, preventing fertilization and implantation in the uterus. It is generally placed in women who have already had children but can also be used in those who have not had any pregnancies. You should keep in mind that they do not regulate the cycle, may increase menstrual flow, and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
It lasts for 3, 5, or even 10 years, depending on the device and copper load
It is a good method if you have a stable partner, do not want to take hormones, and desire long-term contraception
NATURAL METHODS such as withdrawal (coitus interruptus), the rhythm method, the basal body temperature method, or the cervical mucus method are less effective at preventing pregnancy. They may be suitable for couples who are not overly concerned about a potential failure of the method.
SURGICAL METHODS are recommended in cases where permanent and irreversible contraception is desired. These include tubal ligation in women, vasectomy in men, or the placement of titanium devices in the fallopian tubes.
How to make the best decision?
Talk to your gynecologist, ask any questions you may have. They will analyze your profile, assess your risk factors, and help you make the best decision with professional guidance, as well as provide follow-up according to the method you choose.
