Contraception is a tool that you can use to prevent unwanted or impossible pregnancies. For example, when a woman’s body condition does not allow her to get pregnant.
In general, pregnancy can occur when there is a meeting between sperm from a man and an egg in a woman’s uterus. Contraceptives can also prevent this.
The use of this tool also aims to stop the production of egg cells, as well as stop the combination of sperm cells and fertilized egg cells from attaching to the uterine lining.
In addition, there are also types of contraception that are also useful for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, for example condoms.
When Should Contraceptives Be Used?
In general, you can use this tool to prevent pregnancy or prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases .
Contraception should be used before having sex to prevent pregnancy or transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The timing of use depends on the type of contraception chosen.
For example, condoms must be used before intercourse, while birth control pills must be taken according to a specified schedule, usually starting a few days before intercourse.
So, it is important to know how and when to use each type of contraception to be effective.
Types of Contraceptive Devices
There are many types of birth control that you can choose. Before making a choice, make sure to always discuss it first with your partner.
In addition, it is important to know the various types of birth control to adjust them to your desires and needs.
Here are some types of contraception that you need to know:
1. Natural contraception
You can do this by calculating a woman’s fertile period manually by calculating the menstrual cycle.
This method can be done by checking body temperature, changes in vaginal fluid, and calculating using a calendar.
2. Birth control pills
This is the most widely used contraceptive. This pill contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone which function to prevent ovulation.
There are two types that you can find, namely combination birth control pills and pills that only contain progesterone.
Are you going to use birth control? Check out the recommendations in the following article: These are the Types of Birth Control Pills and Their Recommendations for Preventing Pregnancy.
In addition, there are also emergency pills that you can take to prevent pregnancy. Note, These Are the Side Effects of Taking Emergency Contraceptives Too Often.
3. Male condom
A male condom is a device that you need to put on a man’s genitals to prevent sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse.
The advantages of condoms are that they are affordable, provide protection from the dangers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and are very easy for you to get. However, condoms are only for single use.
Especially for those of you who want to use condoms, don’t worry. First, check out the benefits and recommendations for condoms in the following article: 3 Benefits and Recommendations for Ribbed Condoms for More Satisfying Sex .
4. Injection
Contraceptive injections are divided into two types, namely contraceptive injections which have a duration of three months to prevent pregnancy, and contraceptive injections which can only last for one month.
This method is said to be more effective than taking birth control pills. However, it is relatively expensive and does not provide maximum protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Implants
The implant is about the size and shape of a matchstick. You can insert this contraceptive under your skin, usually on your upper arm.
The birth control implant will release the hormone progestin slowly, and can prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
Similar to injections, birth control implants are expensive and have several side effects. For example, irregular menstruation , swelling and bruising in the skin area where they are installed, and they are not effective in preventing the transmission of STIs.
Tips for Choosing Contraceptives
1. Make sure you choose a type of contraception that is easy to use and also consider the time of use.
2. Make sure the contraception can protect you from the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Consider the side effects and safety factors.
2. Make sure the contraception can protect you from the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Consider the side effects and safety factors.
6. IUD
IUD or intra uterine device is a contraceptive device that is shaped like the letter T.
You can install this contraceptive device in the uterus to prevent sperm from the fertilization process.
In general, IUDs have two main forms, namely IUDs made of copper, for example ParaGard which has a durability of up to 10 years, and IUDs that contain hormones, such as Mirena which must be renewed every five years.
7. Female condom
Female condoms are a form of contraception in the form of plastic that you can put over your vagina.
At the end there is a plastic ring that functions to adjust the position of the male genitals during intercourse.
Like male condoms, female condoms also provide protection from STIs, but are less effective than male condoms.
8. Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a hormonal contraceptive, similar to the birth control pill. It slowly releases hormones that travel from the vagina into the bloodstream.
Using a vaginal ring can prevent pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
At least, the vaginal ring is 90 percent effective if you use it correctly.
However, if you are breastfeeding, the vaginal ring cannot be used until the baby is six weeks old.
Additionally, after the baby is born, doctors generally do not recommend using the vaginal ring until the baby is 3-6 weeks old.
9. Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent method of contraception. Usually this method is an option if a couple no longer has plans to get pregnant.
An example of sterilization in women is tubal ligation, while in men it is vasectomy .
10. Spermicide
This object is in the form of jelly, cream, membrane, or foam which contains chemicals to kill sperm.
You can use spermicide in the vagina before sexual intercourse.
You need to apply spermicide 30 minutes before intercourse.
In addition, the use of spermicide needs to be accompanied by other contraception, such as condoms. Because the failure rate is quite high, reaching 29 percent.
For more information, you can read this article: Get to Know the Explanation of Spermicide Contraceptive Devices .
11. Diaphragm
This type of contraceptive is made of dome-shaped rubber.
The diaphragm is placed over the cervix before you and your partner have sex. It is usually accompanied by spermicide.
12. Cervical cap
It is similar in shape to a diaphragm, but smaller in size. It is also commonly used in conjunction with spermicide and functions to block the sperm’s path into the uterus.
Cervical cap installation must be done by a doctor and must be removed during menstruation.
13. Ortho Evra patch
This contraceptive is unique, because its shape is similar to a patch. Its use is only by sticking it to the skin and you change it once a week for 3 weeks.
The effectiveness of the ortho evra patch is the same as birth control. So is the way it works, namely by releasing the same hormones found in birth control pills.
Those are the types of birth control that you need to know. Make sure you discuss it with your doctor and partner to choose the right type of birth control.
If you are still confused, here is How to Choose the Right Contraceptive Device .
Benefits of Using Contraceptives
Contraceptives have many benefits for women who want to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
However, hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, implants, and IUDs, provide other benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, including:
- Regulates the menstrual cycle.Hormonal birth control can balance the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle. This method can help overcome menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods, and even overcome symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) .
- Reduce menstrual pain.About 31 percent of women who use birth control pills experience a reduction in menstrual pain .
- Prevent hormonal acne.Hormonal fluctuations often trigger acne . Birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone (combination birth control pills) are the most effective acne medications.
- Reduces the risk of uterine cancer.The long-term benefit of using hormonal contraception is reducing the risk of uterine cancer . Women who take combination birth control pills are 50 percent less likely to develop uterine cancer.
- Reduce the risk of ovarian cysts.By preventing ovulation, hormonal birth control can prevent cysts from forming in the ovaries. In addition, it can prevent cyst scars from growing back.
- Managing endometriosis.Using hormonal birth control helps because it allows you to skip your period. Continuous use of birth control pills and IUDs are usually good options for managing endometriosis .
- Reduces the risk of anemia.Some women experience heavy bleeding during menstruation. Hormonal birth control can help by skipping menstruation, thus preventing anemia associated with menstruation.
You can read the full review here: Postpil – Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects .
