If you are going to talk to your children, whether they are men or women, about contraceptive methods, it is good that you show them All possibilities. Some are more recommended than others according to age, but it is recommended that you weigh the maximum options. And if it is about using them with your partner, and avoiding unwanted pregnancies or planning the next one better, then the same, the more options the better known.
Contraceptive methods are those methods that prevent the egg from being fertilized by a sperm. Therefore, the morning-after pill is not exactly contraceptive.
Types of contraceptive methods
Contraceptive methods are usually classified according to their type in:
- De barrier, prevent the arrival of sperm to the ovum physically. The best known is the female or male condom, which also protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Hormonal, at the moment only female ones are marketed. They work by inhibiting ovulation so that, in each menstrual cycle, the ovary does not mature the ovum and pregnancy cannot occur.
- Intrauterine. They get that name because They are placed inside the uterus. We can find two types: the IUD with progestogen, with what we could say that it is hormonal, and the copper IUD that works as a barrier.
- Surgical. They are contraceptive methods that aim to achieve a permanent and non-reversible contraception. However, both tubal ligation and vasectomy can be reversed. In this article we will not discuss them, but you have information here.
Types of condoms and other barrier methods
El male condom or condom is perhaps the best known contraceptive method. The vaginal condom prevents sperm from reaching the egg also protecting against sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Both condoms can be used at any time, without having to anticipate penetration as in other contraceptive methods.
El diaphragm It is shaped like a half moon, it is inserted into the vagina, covering the cervix. Its use is recommended together with spermicides. To guarantee its effectiveness, it must be inserted half an hour before starting penetration and you cannot remove it until 6 hours after ejaculation. The cervical cap It has the same principle, and operation as the diaphragm. Both methods are reusable as long as they are stored and preserved properly.
The spermicides They are ideal in combination with other barrier methods, but they are not recommended for use alone.
Hormonal contraceptive methods
Hormonal birth control methods are very effective. Let's say there are two types, combined hormones that contain two types of hormones: estrogens and gestagens, such as birth control pills or the vaginal ring. And those that contain a single type of hormone, gestagen, among which are minipills, the subcutaneous implant or hormone-releasing IUD.
El vaginal ring It is inserted into the vagina on the first day of menstruation and is maintained for 21 days, resting for the next 7 days, which is when menstrual bleeding occurs. If for any reason the ring comes out, it is important that it is not out of the vagina for more than 3 hours, so that its contraceptive effect remains.
All the contraceptive pills are taken orally. It is one of the safest methods, as long as it is taken every day. The minipillProgesterone-only pills are very mild and are allowed in situations such as breastfeeding or women suffering from migraines.
El patch is a hormonal contraceptive that is placed on the skin on the arm, back, hip. It works by slowly releasing hormones through the skin, so it is very important that it does not peel off during the time of use. Depending on the type of patch, it is replaced every month, every three or every six months. The subdermic implant it is a small plastic rod that is inserted under the skin. It is a very effective contraceptive method that lasts for 3 years. The quarterly injection is given intramuscularly every three months. For all these methods, medical advice and monitoring is necessary.