Contraceptives for women: which ones to choose? Part 1

The issue of protection from unwanted pregnancy and protection from sexually transmitted diseases is relevant for women of different ages. But which contraceptive to choose, taking into account individual needs? We tried to understand this topic and invite you to get acquainted with a series of reviews of contraceptives with a full description of the product, its pros and cons.

Birth control pills

The standard package contains 21 tablets, each containing the hormones estrogen and progestin, and 7 placebo capsules (“pacifiers”), which should be taken during menstruation. Nowadays, there are special pills that are taken continuously for three months, as a result, critical days occur four times a year. Doctors say that irregular menstruation while taking birth control pills is normal.

Regular use of birth control pills is 91% effective, a win-win option - taking the pills every day at the same time is 99.7% effective.

Pros: Women who take the pill prevent diseases such as uterine fibroids, and it helps reduce endometriosis as well as the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. Recent studies have proven that the pills have no effect on weight gain.

Contraindications and disadvantages:

1. smokers and women with high blood pressure should not take the pills due to the risk of raising it further;

2. forgetfulness can lead to unwanted pregnancy - if you take pills irregularly, their effectiveness is significantly reduced.

Contraceptive injections

Contraceptive injections are injections of progesterone, a hormone that suppresses ovulation and improves cervical mucus (fills the cervical canal). An injection is given by a doctor into the arm every 12 weeks. It does not contain estrogen, which poses cardiovascular risks, although experts say this requires further study.

Pros: This is the smartest way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and it is effective. The injection also helps relieve menstrual cramps and reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and endometrial cancer.

Cons: Menstruation may become irregular. If you are planning a pregnancy, after using progesterone you need to give your body time to recover. The injections are also associated with weight gain, as progesterone is an appetite stimulant. A decrease in estrogen levels (also a group of progestins that includes progesterone) is directly linked to an increase in acne.

Condoms

Pros: they are available, fairly inexpensive, do not require a prescription and, very importantly, protect against many sexually transmitted diseases.

Cons: Condoms are not reliable in terms of strength. One in 50 cases of condom protection results in pregnancy.

Hormonal ring

This is a plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina. The ring contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone; Its effect is similar to birth control pills in that it prevents ovulation and sperm from entering the uterus.

This ring can be left on for four full weeks before replacing it with a new one. It contains enough active hormones, so it can be used by women who want to prevent menstrual periods. The ring, like the pills, is available with a prescription. But you can remove and insert the ring yourself.

Pros: It's not as troublesome as taking pills, which if you forget to take, you put yourself at risk of getting pregnant. A very effective remedy.

Contraindications and disadvantages: you may experience discomfort. There is a possibility that the ring may fall out after sex or bowel movement, but such cases are rare. If this does happen, you should rinse it with cold water and reinsert it within three hours. Smokers over the age of 35 and women with heart disease should discuss the use of this drug with their doctor.

Read the continuation of the topic on Monday, November 19, 2012.