All Types of Contraceptive Methods

Types of Contraceptive Methods.Contraceptive or contraceptive methods are intended to avoid an unplanned pregnancy and/or prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as in the case of condoms.

Types of Contraceptive Methods

Contraceptive methods are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies by either inhibiting fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg. They can be broadly categorized into two main types: hormonal and non-hormonal methods.

Hormonal Methods:

1. Birth Control Pills: These are oral contraceptives that contain hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) to prevent ovulation and make the cervical mucus thicker, hindering sperm movement.
2. Birth Control Patch: A small patch containing hormones is applied to the skin, and it releases hormones that prevent ovulation and change cervical mucus consistency.
3. Birth Control Injection: This involves receiving a hormone injection every few months to prevent ovulation.
4. Birth Control Implant: A small rod containing hormones is inserted under the skin, releasing hormones to prevent ovulation and alter cervical mucus.
5. Intrauterine Device (IUD): A T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus. Hormonal IUDs release progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.

Non-Hormonal Methods:

1. Barrier Methods:
   • Condoms: Male and female condoms create a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
   • Diaphragm: A dome-shaped device inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
   • Cervical Cap: Similar to a diaphragm but smaller and covers only the cervix.
2. Intrauterine Device (IUD): Non-hormonal IUDs release copper, which creates an inhospitable environment for sperm, preventing fertilization.
3. Fertility Awareness Methods: These involve tracking your menstrual cycle to determine when you’re fertile and avoiding intercourse during that time.
4. Withdrawal (Pull-Out) Method: Involves the man withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.
5. Emergency Contraception: Also known as the “morning-after pill,” this is a high-dose hormonal pill taken shortly after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
6. Sterilization: Permanent methods include tubal ligation (female sterilization) and vasectomy (male sterilization), where the fallopian tubes or vas deferens are blocked or cut.
7. Spermicides: These are chemicals that immobilize or kill sperm. They can be used alone or in combination with barrier methods.

Each contraceptive method has its own advantages, disadvantages, and potential side effects. The effectiveness of a method can also vary based on correct usage. It’s important to consider factors such as health conditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences when choosing a contraceptive method. Consulting a healthcare provider will help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

Types of Contraceptive Methods

Contraceptive methods can be natural, barrier, hormonal, mechanical or even definitive (irreversible).

Types of contraceptive methods

The choice of method to be adopted should be made based on the woman’s profile and in agreement with the partner, in addition, medical guidance is recommended.

Each method has its own characteristics of use, advantages, disadvantages and a level of effectiveness that can vary.

Below is a list of contraceptive methods and their advantages and disadvantages.

Condom

The condom is a condom, which can be male or female, and is considered a barrier method .

They are considered the safest, as in addition to preventing pregnancy, they also protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as AIDS.

Male condom (male condom)

male condom

Considered one of the most popular contraceptive methods , the male bed protects against STDs, is inexpensive and easy to use. In addition, it has a high rate of effectiveness when used correctly.

It is a condom consisting of a thin rubber cover that covers the penis during sexual intercourse, preventing semen from coming into contact with the vagina, anus or mouth. The sperm is retained and the sperm cannot enter the woman’s body.

Check out in the table below some advantages and disadvantages of the men’s bed.

Female condom (female condom)

Female condom

The female condom can be placed up to 8 hours before the sexual act , and is also a barrier method, as it does not allow the sperm to enter the woman’s body. If used correctly, as instructed, it is highly effective.

Its plastic is thinner and more lubricated than the male condom and its use is not recommended simultaneously with the male condom.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the female condom.

Contraceptive pill

Contraceptive pill

Birth control pills are made with hormones similar to those produced by the body itself (estrogen and progesterone ). They act by preventing ovulation and making it difficult for sperm to pass into the uterus.

They are 99.8% effective when used correctly and regularly, that is, it is recommended to take one pill a day at the same time.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the contraceptive pill.

Injectable contraceptive

injectable contraceptive

The injectable contraceptive is similar to the pill and consists of applying an oily solution that releases the same daily amount of hormones as the pill. It can be applied monthly or once every three months.

Does not interfere with menstruation, which occurs normally. It is more practical than the pill, as it is not necessary to administer it daily, in addition to causing fewer side effects. It is one of the most effective contraceptive methods.

Check the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of injectable contraceptives.

contraceptive patch

contraceptive patch

The contraceptive in the form of an adhesive is similar to a plaster , being applied to the skin so that the release of hormones occurs, which happens continuously.

The adhesive lasts for one week and must be replaced for 3 weeks, thus reaching 21 days. Just like the pill, the orientation is to take a week break for the process to start.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the contraceptive patch.

intrauterine device (IUD)

The IUD is a mechanical contraceptive method and can be copper or hormonal (IUS).

copper DIU

copper DIU

The copper IUD has a metallic structure with intrauterine spermicidal action , preventing the sperm from reaching the egg and showing an effectiveness against pregnancy of 99.6%.

Inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional, the copper IUD releases copper ions that immobilize sperm that reach close to the uterus.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the copper IUD.

hormonal IUD

hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD (IUS) features soft material and T-shape that has a reservoir of hormones , which are released in low doses in the uterus.

Showing a high level of effectiveness, it is important to check with a health professional which method is most suitable for the profile presented.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the hormonal IUD.

Diaphragm

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a mobile barrier method , which can be placed and removed from the vagina and consists of a latex structure combined with spermicidal gel. It is necessary to consult a doctor to check the size to be used.

It should be placed two hours before sexual intercourse and removed after 4 to 6 hours, and it needs to be washed with soap and water after use and its durability is about 2 years.

Hormone-free and low-cost, the diaphragm does not have a high level of effectiveness, which is why its combined use with spermicide is recommended.

Check the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the diaphragm.

vaginal ring

vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a hormonal method that has a formulation similar to that of the contraceptive pill, with an appearance similar to a bracelet, it is flexible and transparent.

It is introduced into the vagina and accommodated in the cervix on the 5th day of menstruation, where it remains for 3 weeks releasing hormones that prevent the release of eggs.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the vaginal ring.

See also: Menstruation

Spermicide

Spermicide

The spermicide is considered a contraceptive supplement , which must be used in conjunction with other methods, such as the diaphragm and condom. Its main action is to create an environment that hinders sperm motility.

They are marketed in different formats, and can be in cream, gel and even foams. They must be inserted into the vagina 5 to 90 minutes before sexual intercourse and, after the act, it is necessary to wait at least 6 hours for hygiene.

Check the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of using spermicide.

Definitive Contraceptive Methods

Definitive contraceptive methods consist of permanent sterilization and can be performed in both men and women, thus preventing sperm from reaching the egg.

According to the Family Planning Law, people over 25 years old and who have at least 2 living children, or when there is a risk of life for the woman or the baby, can use definitive contraceptive methods.

tubal ligation

tubal ligation

It is sterilization in women , which consists of ligating the fallopian tubes.

A surgical procedure is performed in which the doctor uses an instrument that blocks the passage of the sperm to the egg. In some cases, a piece of the tube is removed.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is male sterilization . It consists of blocking the deferent ducts, responsible for transporting sperm to other glands, so that the semen does not have more sperm.

From this procedure, it is considered that the body takes 3 months to get rid of all sperm.

Check the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of the permanent contraceptive method.

Pill of the next day

Pill of the next day

The emergency contraceptive pill should only be used exceptionally and should never be adopted as the usual contraceptive method.

Each dose consists of two pills that must be taken 12 hours apart. They contain a high dose of hormones (the equivalent of 8 long-term contraceptive pills) that delay ovulation, thus making pregnancy difficult.

Frequent use of the morning after pill can cause changes in the menstrual cycle.

Check out the advantages and disadvantages of the morning after pill in the table below.

table

table

The little table is a natural contraceptive method that allows the woman to know her fertile period, that is, the period of the month in which she is ovulating and can get pregnant.

By adopting this contraceptive method, the woman chooses to have sex only on non-fertile days of the menstrual cycle. It is a method that requires regularity, as in cases of error the effectiveness of use reaches 76%.

To use this method, you need to record the first day of menstruation, in at least six months to know the length of the cycle.

The menstrual cycle is considered to start on the 1st day of menstruation and end on the eve of the next menstruation.

It is important to highlight that in adolescents the menstrual cycle undergoes many changes, but most cycles are between 28 and 31 days.

The fertile period corresponds to the middle of the cycle, for example if your cycle is 28 days, the 14th day will be the fertile day, considering two days before and two days after the fertile day.

See below the main advantages and disadvantages of the table.

See also: Ovulation and Fertile Period

coitus interruptus

coitus interruptus

Coitus interruptus is a method with a low rate of effectiveness because it requires self-control and experience from the couple, especially from the man, who must remove the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, so that the sperm does not reach the uterus. It is important to note that before ejaculation a small amount of sperm can be released through the seminal fluid.

See the table below for some advantages and disadvantages of coitus interruptus.