- Which method to choose
- 1. Combined pill
- 2. Mini pill
- 3. Adhesive
- 4. Vaginal ring
- 5. Implant
- 6. Injectable
- 7. IUD
- Benefits of hormonal contraceptives
- Who should not use
- Remedies that interfere with the contraceptive
- Possible side effects
- Most common questions
Before starting any contraceptive, it is important to go to the gynecologist so that, based on the person's health history, age and lifestyle, the most suitable person can be advised.
It is important for the person to know that contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, implant or ring, prevent unwanted pregnancies but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and therefore it is very important to use an additional method during intimate contact, like the condom. Find out what are the most common STDs.
Which method to choose
The contraceptive can be used from the first menstruation to around 50 years of age, as long as the eligibility criteria are respected. Most methods can be used without restrictions, however, it is important to be aware of contraindications before starting to use the medicine.
In addition, the contraceptive may have advantages beyond its action as a contraceptive, but for this it is important to know how to choose the one that is more adapted, and, in younger adolescents, preference should be given to pills with 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, for have less impact on bone mineral density.
The choice must take into account the characteristics of the person, who must be evaluated by the doctor, as well as their preferences, and the specific recommendations of some contraceptives can also be taken into account, for example, in the treatment of hyperandrogenism, premenstrual syndrome and dysfunctional hemorrhages, for example.
1. Combined pill
The combined contraceptive pill has two hormones in its composition, estrogens and progestatives, and is the contraceptive most used by women.
How to take it: The combined pill should always be taken at the same time, every day, respecting the interval mentioned in the package insert. There are, however, pills with a continuous administration schedule, whose pills should be taken daily, without taking a break. When the contraceptive is taken for the first time, the tablet must be taken on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the first day that menstruation occurs. Clarify all doubts about the birth control pill.
2. Mini pill
The mini-pill is a contraceptive with a progestative in its composition, which is generally used by women and adolescents who are breast-feeding or by people with an intolerance to estrogens.
How to take it: The mini-pill should be taken daily, always at the same time, without the need to pause. When the contraceptive is taken for the first time, the tablet must be taken on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the first day that menstruation occurs.
3. Adhesive
The contraceptive patch is especially suitable for women with difficulties in daily intake, with problems swallowing the pill, with a history of bariatric surgery or even with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhea and in women who already take many medications.
How to use: The patch should be applied on the first day of menstruation, weekly, for 3 weeks, followed by a week without application. The application areas are the buttocks, thighs, upper arms and abdomen.
4. Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is especially indicated for women with difficulties in daily intake, with problems swallowing the pill, with a history of bariatric surgery or even with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhea and in women who already take many medicines.
How to use: The vaginal ring should be inserted into the vagina on the first day of menstruation, as follows:
- Check the expiration date of the ring packaging; Wash your hands before opening the packaging and hold the ring; Choose a comfortable position, such as standing with one leg raised or lying down, for example; Hold the ring between your index finger and thumb, squeezing it until it is shaped like an "8"; Insert the ring gently into the vagina and push lightly with the index finger.
The exact location of the ring is not important for its operation, so each woman should try to position it in the place that is most comfortable. After 3 weeks of use, the ring can be removed by inserting the index finger into the vagina and gently pulling it out.
5. Implant
The contraceptive implant, due to its high efficiency, associated with the convenience of use, represents a viable alternative, particularly in adolescents who want effective long-term contraception or who have difficulty using other methods.
How to use: The contraceptive implant must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be inserted and removed by the gynecologist. It should be placed, preferably, up to 5 days after the start of menstruation.
6. Injectable
The progestative injectable contraceptive is not advised before age 18, as it can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density. Its use for periods of more than 2 years should be limited to situations where other methods cannot be used or are not available.
How to use: If the person does not use another contraceptive method and is using the injection for the first time, they should receive the monthly or quarterly injection until the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, which is equivalent to the 5th day after the first day of menstruation.
7. IUD
The copper IUD or the IUD with levonorgestrel can be a contraceptive alternative to consider, especially in adolescent mothers, since it has a high contraceptive effectiveness, of long duration.
How to use: The procedure to place the IUD takes between 15 and 20 minutes and can be done by the gynecologist, at any period of the menstrual cycle, however, it is more recommended that it be placed during menstruation, which is when the uterus is most enlarged.
Benefits of hormonal contraceptives
The non-contraceptive benefits that a combined hormonal contraceptive can have are regularizing menstrual cycles, decreasing menstrual cramps, improving acne and preventing ovarian cysts.
Who should not use
Contraceptives should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, genital hemorrhage of unknown origin, history of venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, liver-biliary diseases, migraine with aura or history of breast cancer.
In addition, they should also be used with caution in people with high blood pressure, smokers, with obesity, diabetes, who have high cholesterol and triglyceride values or who are taking certain medications.
Remedies that interfere with the contraceptive
The process of absorption and metabolization of combined hormonal contraceptives can be affected by certain drugs or alter their action:
| Medicines that reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives | Medicines that increase contraceptive activity | Contraceptive increases the concentration of: |
|---|---|---|
| Carbamazepine | Paracetamol | Amitriptyline |
| Griseofulvin | Erythromycin | Caffeine |
| Oxcarbazepine | Fluoxetine | Cyclosporine |
| Ethosuximide | Fluconazole | Corticosteroids |
| Phenobarbital | Fluvoxamine | Chlordiazepoxide |
| Phenytoin | Nefazodone | Diazepam |
| Primidona | Alprazolam | |
| Lamotrigine | Nitrazepam | |
| Rifampicin | Triazolam | |
| Ritonavir | Propranolol | |
| St. John's wort (St. John's wort) | Imipramine | |
| Topiramate | Phenytoin | |
| Selegiline | ||
| Theophylline |
Possible side effects
Although side effects vary between contraceptives, those that occur most frequently are headache, nausea, altered menstrual flow, increased weight, changes in mood and decreased sexual desire. See other side effects that may occur and know what to do.
Most common questions
Does birth control make you fat?
Some contraceptives have the side effect of swelling and a slight weight gain, however, this is more common in continuous use pills and subcutaneous implants.
Can I have intercourse during the break between cards?
Yes, there is no risk of pregnancy in this period if the pill was taken correctly during the month.
Does contraception change the body?
No, but in early adolescence, girls start to have a more developed body, with larger breasts and hips, and this is not due to the use of contraceptives, nor to the beginning of sexual relations. However, contraceptives should not be started until after the first menstruation.
Is taking the pill straight for harm?
There is no scientific evidence that continuous contraceptives are harmful to health and can be used for a long period of time, without interruption and without menstruation. The implant and the injectable are also contraceptive methods in which menstruation does not occur, however, bleeding may occur sporadically.
In addition, taking the pill directly does not interfere with fertility, so when a woman wants to become pregnant, just stop taking it.
