Know everything before choosing your method of contraception

Most women use different types of contraception methods without knowing the right thing about these methods.  Knowing the best method which suits each individual will help to prevent complications.

What are contraceptives ?

 

The methods used by fertile couples to prevent conception. Both male and female parties use these methods. One member of a couple will be enough to use one of this method to prevent conception.

Other than avoiding pregnancy, there are some other benefits of contraception they are listed as fallows.

• For family planning - proper spacing between kids are essential to maintain maternal health as well as the well being of the living children.
• To prevent unsafe abortions - Abortions are not legally approved in some countries. So this contraceptive methods helps to prevent unsafe abortions.
• Prevent maternal complications - Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to anemic conditions and the mother will not be physically as well as mentally ready for the next pregnancy.
• Reduce infant mortality rate - As mother is not physically ready for a pregnancy this can lead to unhealthy infants and birth defects.
• Slows population growth.

Some people prevent using any contraceptive method due to their religious believes, lack of knowledge about contraceptives and fear to experience the side effects.

Types of contraceptive methods  

Mainly there are two methods as Natural contraceptives and Artificial contraceptives. 
In Natural contraceptive methods the women will not use any medication or invasive devices.

Artificial contraceptive methods 

You can have temporary or permanent artificial methods.

Temporary contraceptive methods 

There are several types of temporally methods. most people use this method of contraception. 

Oral contraceptive pills - Oral contraceptive pills composite of synthetic hormones like estrogen and progesterone.  Oral contraceptive pills are not only used for contraceptive methods they are used as a solution for irregular menstruation , Painful and heavy menstruation, Acne . 
There are two types.

Combined oral contraceptive pills ( COCs) - These pills contain both estrogen and progesterone. This prevent release of eggs and prevent ovulation.
Progesterone only pills (POPs) -  This only contain synthetic progesterone. This make the cervical mucous more thicker and act as a barrier , prevent sperms reaching the egg.

There are another two types called monophasic and biphasic pills . Monophasic pills contain even amount of hormones throughout the 21 day cycle while remaining 7 days contain placebo.Biphasic pills contain same amount of estrogen throughout the cycle while progesterone increase half way through the cycle. Most people use monophasic pills as they contain fever side effects.
                                                   
Side effects of oral contraceptive pills 

•  Inter menstrual spotting - This will resolve naturally after about 3 month period.
• Nausea - This can avoid by taking the pill with the food.
• Breast tenderness and breast enlargement.
• Head ache , Migraine.
• Weight gain - weight gain as fluid accumulate in breast and around hips.
• Mood changes
• Vaginal discharge 
•  Vaginal dryness - Use a lubricant to avoid this.
                 

Long term use of oral pills can cause some complications like blood clot formation which can lead to thrombosis, embolism, DVT , Stroke, Heart attack . as well as this can be a course for breast, cervical and liver cancer.
So these methods are contraindicated for the people suffering from diabetes, smokers over 35 years, severe migraine, Obesity.

Emergency pills are available now to use in emergencies .

Long acting reversible methods -This method provide contraception for a long period of time. They are the Intrauterine devices (IUD)  hormonal injections , sub dermal implants ( jadelle). 

There are two types of IUDs   
IUD s which contain copper destroy sperms and prevent fertilization. Levonorgestrel IUDs release levonorgestrel everyday and make cervical mucous thick , making sperms unable to swim above the cervix. 

IUD

There are two types of injections as progesterone only injections and combined injections. These injections provide contraception for 2-3 months depending on their brand. Progesterone only injections thicken the cervical mucous while the combined injections prevent ovulation.

Sub dermal implants last about 5years. side effects include head ache, breast pain and irregular menstrual period.

Birth control patches can be used by women . they contain estrogen and progesterone. You can place once a week.
Vaginal rings release drugs slowly for a long period. This comes in different sizes.

Barrier method - Barrier methods are the diaphragm, condoms, spermicide forms,cervical caps,sponges and films. Barrier methods provide good protection against sexually transmitted diseases. This method is safer to protect the future fertility.,and these methods can be used even during breast feeding period. 
This method is 100% , will not affect any other heath conditions like hypertension, diabetes etc. 

Be alert about the UTI as spermicides alter the vaginal normal flora.

 

Permanent contraceptive methods

Vasectomy - This is a male contraceptive method. this prevent sperms reaching urethra. by blocking or cutting the vas deference . This is reversible but 100% this cant be reversed. make sure that you don't want to father a child before going for this method. 
This is done in the out patient department and very less complications are there. 

Tubal ligation  - This is a surgical procedure.where the Fallopian tubes are blocked. 

Natural contraceptive methods

 Basal body temperature method - Measure your body temperature everyday before getting up in the morning. during the ovulation period there will be increase in 0.2 - 0.5 celcious of body temperature. so you can prevent inter cause during this period.

Calendar method - Women are able to calculate their fertile and infertile period based on their length of the menstrual cycle.

coitus interrupts - Take the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.