There are many methods to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and each one has its characteristics. Let’s look at the differences between them.
Microbiologist and science communicator
Anna Surroca (Granollers, 1996) graduated in Microbiology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. He is currently a student of the Master in Specialized Communication with a mention in Scientific Communication from the University of Barcelona. Passionate about human sexuality and photojournalism, she has found in the world of communication her true vocation. She is currently an editor at Médicoplus, AZ Salud and Estilo Next.
Today, people have a wide range of options when it comes to taking care of their sexual and reproductive health. There are many contraceptive methods and each one adapts to the different ways of living and experiencing sex. But for that to happen, it’s critical that people are well informed.
Everyone deserves to enjoy sex in a full way and for thatit is vital not to have to worry about one of its consequences: pregnancy. For this reason, today’s article aims to expose and describe the characteristics of the most effective contraceptives.
- We recommend you read: “Why don’t I get my period? The 10 most frequent causes”
Which contraceptive methods are more effective?
Let’s see the characteristics of the 10 most popular contraceptive methods and what differences exist between them. As we will see, not all are equally effective or protect us from sexually transmitted diseases.
1. The male condom
Better known as a condom, it is one of the most popular contraceptive methods and it is not surprising: it is an effective and economical way to prevent unwanted pregnancies andalso protects against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Condoms are usually made of latex, although there are also those made of polyurethane or nitrile. The latter are an alternative for those allergic to latex and usually provide better sensations because they are thinner.
They are placed when the penis is erect and it is important that they are used throughout the course of sexual intercourse. One of the main advantages is that they are very accessible and can be used on demand.
Therefore, it is ideal for those who do not have a stable partner or for those who have more than one sexual partner. However, it is always recommended tocheck that they are not expired , otherwise they could break during sex.
2. The female condom
Also called an internal condom, it is another barrier method that not only prevents pregnancy, but also prevents STIs. It is a thin synthetic latex sheath with a ring at each end and is put on before intercourse.
The closed end is inserted into the vaginanear the cervix while the open end should stick out. For correct use, it must be ensured that it is not turned over and that the closed ring covers the cervix well. In addition, it can be placed up to eight hours before intercourse.
Like the male one, it can only be used once and is a good option for those allergic to latex. Also, did you know that the internal condom can also be used for anal sex?
Notice to Boaters: While condoms not only prevent pregnancy but also STIs, the methods discussed below only prevent pregnancy. For this reason, they are methods that are recommended for those who have only one stable sexual partner and both are aware of their health status. Otherwise, the use of condoms is recommended.
3. Birth control pills
They are a type of hormonal contraceptive in pill format that must be taken daily. They contain a combination of estrogen and progestin andprevent the ovaries from releasing an eggtag. In turn, they also cause changes in the cervical mucus and in the endometrium (membrane that covers the uterus), thus making it difficult for the sperm to join the egg.
There are different types of contraceptive pills on the market, which differ in hormonal doses in order to adapt to the needs of each woman. For example, there is the “mini-pill”, which only contains progestin and is indicated for those women for whom estrogen causes many side effects.
If taken correctly (every day at the same time), they are over 99% effectiveand some can have positive effects on period pain and acne. However, it is a method that can cause changes in mood, headaches and fluid retention, among others. Therefore, it is key to take them under the supervision of a doctor.
It is a small plastic device with hormones that is implanted in the womb, so a health worker is required to insert ittag. It is a long-lasting method that continuously releases progestin. This makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, making it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg. It also works by partially inhibiting ovulation.
It is one of the most effective contraceptive methodssince it prevents pregnancies in 99% of cases. The main advantage is that it can remain inside the womb for 5 years. In addition, it is reversible and does not compromise fertility once it is no longer used.
Menstruation may become less heavy and painful, and side effects may be less than hormonal methods with estrogen. The cons are that some women may experience discomfort and there is a small risk of infection.
5. The Intrauterine Device – IUD
Like its brother SIU, it is small and T-shaped, but this one is covered by a fine copper wire. It is inserted into the uterus andinstead of releasing hormones, it releases small copper ionstag. These ions “immobilize” the sperm, making it more difficult for them to move within the womb. Containing no hormones, the ovaries continue to produce an egg each month.
Once placed inside the womb, it can remain implanted for 10 years, and once the user decides to remove it, fertility returns to previous levels. Its effectiveness is 99% and it is a good alternative for those who do not feel good about estrogen. It can also be used as an emergency method if inserted a few days after unprotected sex.
One of the cons is that it can cause cramping or irregular bleeding, and like the IUS, there is a small risk of infection during insertion or removal.
6. The contraceptive ring
It is a flexible plastic ring that, once placed in the vagina, slowly releases progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulationtag. Like other hormonal methods, it also thickens the cervical mucus and thus prevents sperm from being able to “swim” freely.
It is very comfortable to use and it is the same user who puts it on (it is inserted like a tampon). The ring must be inserted on the first day of the menstrual cycle and must remain in the vagina for three weeks. After this period, the user removes it, takes a week off and replaces it with a new one. It is 99% effective.
One drawback is that you must be aware of the number of weeks since its placement. It can also cause discomfort in the vagina and cause the hormonal imbalances of other hormone-based methods.
It is a method very similar to the ring but its application is even easier: it is put on as it would be done with a dressing. Placed on the abdomen, buttocks, arm or back; This releases hormones that enter the circulation through the skin and prevent ovulation.
You should use a new patch every week and rest on the fourth, and then repeat the process again. It is highly effective and does not require daily attention. The drawbacks are that it can cause some itching and redness at the application site, it can cause headaches and menstrual and mood changes.
8. The contraceptive implant
With an efficiency of 99%, it is a long-term hormonal method (lasts 3 to 5 years). This is a smallsilicone wand that a medical professional places under the skintag. The implant constantly releases small amounts of progestin into the circulation, a hormone that prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs.
It is very suitable for those women who want a long-lasting option but want to avoid a daily regimen. At the moment that the person wants to interrupt this method, it will be enough to go to a health center so that a professional removes the implant. In addition, it can be a good alternative for those who do not tolerate estrogen well, although it can also cause changes in menstruation and mood.
9. The contraceptive injection
This is an injection of progestin and/or estrogen, and in the same way that other hormonal methods do, it causes the body to stop ovulating. The method consists of receivingan injection every month or every three months .
It is ideal for clueless people, it has an effectiveness of 94% and can help reduce heavy periods. However, it must be taken into account that the effect of the injection cannot be reversed, which means that in the event of suffering any unwanted effect, it cannot be stopped.
It is helpful to know that once this method is discontinued, it may take a year for fertility levels to return to normaltag. Finally, it has been seen that prolonged use over the years can cause loss of bone density.
10. Diaphragm
And finally, we will talk about a barrier method that can be an alternative to hormonal methods. The diaphragm is a small piece of silicone or rubber that the woman herself places inside the vagina. The intent of this method is to create aphysical barrier between the sperm and the entrance to the womb .
It is placed before intercourse and for its effectiveness to be 88%, it is essential that it be used in conjunction with a spermicide (a product that affects the mobility of sperm). Another thing to keep in mind is that, after having sex, you should keep it on for at least 6 hours. Likewise, it is important that it is not inserted into the vagina for more than 24 hours as there is a risk of toxic shock (a rare but serious infection).
Another disadvantage is that its use requires some practice and that it is not always suitable for women who have had children. Before starting to use it, it is important to seek advice from your gynecologist so that you can find the diaphragm size that best suits each body.
Bibliographic references
- US Food and Drug Administration. (2011) “Guide to Contraceptive Methods”. FDA.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2019) “What are the different types of contraception?”. NIH.
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). “Contraceptive Method Options: Things to Consider.”
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.