For a long time, mankind has been trying to find ways to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. A few decades ago, barrier methods of contraception had an advantage. Now there are a lot of tools that help protect against conception. This article will tell you about them. You will learn what contraceptives are. What is it and how to use them - will be described later. It is worth recalling that for the correct selection of a protective agent, you need to contact a gynecologist and undergo an examination.
Contraceptives: what is it?
Protective devices or contraceptives are devices that protect against unwanted pregnancy. All of them are divided into male and female. The latter, in turn, have an additional classification.
Everyone should know about how contraceptives are used, what they are and why they are needed. Otherwise, an unwanted pregnancy and its consequences cannot be avoided. Consider what protective equipment exists and how to use them.
Barrier methods
Experts say about condoms (contraceptives), that such a tool is the most popular among young people. This method of protection is suitable for people who do not have a permanent sexual partner. Condoms are the only contraceptive that men use. This tool allows you to protect yourself from many sexually transmitted diseases. Plus a condom is also in cost. This method of protection against pregnancy is recognized as the cheapest.
The remaining barrier methods of protection are used by women. Their use does not have such popularity. Also, many people have a distrust of these methods of protection.
- Aperture or pessary. Devices are inserted into the vagina before sexual contact and close the cervix, preventing sperm from entering it. Using this method can lead to inflammatory processes in the urethra, damage to the mucous membrane. The device requires mandatory disinfection after use.
- Caps. The use of contraceptives of this type is contraindicated in women with various diseases of the cervix (cancer, erosion, the presence of polyps, dysplasia, and so on). Modern caps are available in three types. Duration of use should not exceed 4 hours. The device is held in the vagina by the walls.
Contraceptive hormones
This method of protection against unexpected conception is recognized as the most reliable. New generation contraceptives not only prevent pregnancy, but also have a therapeutic effect. They are often prescribed to correct the cycle and normalize the hormonal background. All hormonal drugs are divided into standard and mini-dosed. The latter are also classified: three-phase, two-phase and monophasic.
The peculiarity of using these funds is that they must be taken daily at the same time. Skipping another pill reduces the effectiveness of the drug. Medicines are prohibited for use in varicose veins, smoking, heart and vascular diseases.
There are also hormonal patches and contraceptive implants. What is this device? The patches are glued to a specific area of the body (usually the lower abdomen) and are not removed during the cycle. Implants are sutured under the skin at different times. The effect of these contraceptives is the same as that of tablets.
Intrauterine devices
The next most popular pregnancy protection products are spirals. Despite its name, the device looks like a stick with a bifurcation at the end. The intrauterine device is installed exclusively in the gynecologist's office. It has a different lifespan. There are also spirals with hormonal and therapeutic effects.
The device provides reliable protection, but there are recorded cases of pregnancy. It is contraindicated to establish a spiral in the presence of an inflammatory process, suspected pregnancy, some diseases of the cervix and tumors of the genital organ.
Chemicals
Similar contraceptives reviews are different. The inconvenience in their use is as follows. A woman needs to apply creams, gels, pastes or enter suppositories 10-15 minutes before sexual intercourse. In addition, the frequent use of these substances leads to the development of vaginal dysbiosis, disruption of microflora.
Chemical contraceptives have a spermicidal effect. They prevent sperm from entering the cervix. Substances can also protect against certain sexually transmitted diseases. Most often, these methods are used for insurance, for example, when skipping another hormonal pill.
Natural defense
This is considered the most unreliable method of contraception. The natural defense is to calculate the day of ovulation using different methods. After determining the dangerous period, a woman refrains from contact for a specified time. You can determine the period of ovulation using the calendar, temperature, cervical method. The woman’s own feelings are also taken into account.
Gynecologists do not recommend the use of this method of contraception. When using it, there is a very high probability of an unwanted pregnancy.
Emergency contraception
What is emergency protection? In this case, contraceptive pills have a high dose of hormones. They are taken after sexual intercourse. The term of use of drugs is no later than the completion of three days. Such funds block the work of the ovaries and cause menstruation. Their use is fraught with hormonal failure, deterioration of health and pain in the lower abdomen.
How often can such an emergency manipulation be performed? Contraceptives (tablets "Postinor", "Escapel" and others) of this tipane are suitable for frequent use. From their name it becomes clear that they are taken in exceptional cases for emergency prevention of pregnancy.
Summarize
All contraceptives have their own characteristics of use. Modern medicine provides a wide variety of ways to prevent pregnancy. To choose the most suitable for you, you should consult a doctor. Before the appointment of oral drugs, a study of the hormonal background is mandatory. The introduction of intrauterine devices requires you to take tests for infections and so on. Follow the doctor's recommendations and be healthy!