Contraceptives: advantages and disadvantages of the 9 most common methods

There are several contraceptive methods that help prevent unwanted pregnancies, such as the contraceptive pill or the implant in the arm, but only condoms prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases at the same time and, therefore, should be used in all relationships, especially when the partner is not known.

Before choosing and using a contraceptive method, it is important to consult the gynecologist to decide which option is the most appropriate, and the best method is always the most appropriate to the conditions of women and men, such as age, cigarette use, illnesses or allergies, for example.

1. Birth control pill

The oral contraceptive, also known as birth control pill, is the most used method by women to prevent pregnancy, because it has hormones that are similar to those produced by the ovaries, making ovulation not to occur and there is no egg ready to be fertilized.

The types of oral contraceptives that exist are the combined pill, which contains estrogen and progestin, and the mini-pill, which contains only progestin, which is more common during breastfeeding, in women who smoke or in those over 35 years of age.

The contraceptive pill can be purchased free of charge at a health center, however it depends on the contraceptive brand as some have to be purchased at the pharmacy. The most common brands of birth control pills are Selene, Yasmin, Ciclo 21 and Diane 35. In addition, there are other brands like Yaz, Minima, Microvlar or Cerazette, for example.

• Advantages: in addition to helping prevent pregnancy, it can also be used to decrease PMS symptoms, reduce menstrual flow and pain during menstruation, regulate the menstrual cycle, improve acne and excess hair and help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease, cysts or ovarian cancer; Disadvantages: although it is a very effective and safe method, women need to be responsible and take a pill at the same time every day, without forgetting, to avoid pregnancy; Possible side effects: the most common include nausea, breast pain, small blood loss outside menstruation, decreased blood flow and symptoms of depression.

How to take the contraceptive pill correctly

In most cases you have to take 1 tablet a day, always at the same time, for 21 days until the end of the pack and when you finish taking a 7-day break, which is when your period should go down and on the 8th day, start a new card. If this is your contraceptive method read all about the birth control pill.

2. Contraceptive implant

The contraceptive implant, such as Implanon or Organon, is a method that helps prevent pregnancy through a small plastic tube that is introduced into the inner part of the arm, under the skin, by the gynecologist and that releases hormones into the blood in a way slow, preventing ovulation and making it difficult for sperm to enter the woman's uterus.

This device can remain on the woman's arm for up to 3 years, but it can only be placed and removed by the gynecologist and, after removing fertility, it returns to normal after 1 month.

• Advantages: in addition to avoiding pregnancy it can be used to decrease abdominal pain caused by menstruation. In addition, the implant does not interfere with intimate contact or breastfeeding and is an excellent method for women who often forget to take the pill, have mental illnesses or gastrointestinal problems. Disadvantages: it is a more expensive method and needs a health professional to be placed under the skin. Possible side effects: it can cause irregular blood loss, the appearance of spots on the skin, nausea, headache and mood swings.

When and how to place the implant

The implant must be placed in the hospital by the gynecologist until the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle, or at any time during the cycle if it is certain that the woman is not pregnant. To place and remove the implant, it is necessary to have a small surgery with local anesthesia that is applied to the arm, being normal in the first 3 days after the intervention, having pain or having a small purple spot.

Learn more about the implant to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

3. Intrauterine device (IUD)

The intrauterine device, known as an IUD, is a T-shaped plastic contraceptive method that is introduced into the uterus by the gynecologist and can remain for about 5 years while maintaining its effectiveness.

This contraceptive technique is very effective and does not cause discomfort, preventing pregnancy through the action of copper or the release of hormones that make fertilization difficult.

• Advantages: it is a method that does not interfere in the sexual act and is a good method for those who forget to take the pill every day and at the same time, as it can remain in the womb for several years. Disadvantages: needs to be placed by a healthcare professional and in some cases can lead to anemia. Possible side effects: it can cause pain for a few days after placement, lead to small blood losses in the following months, and can also increase the risk of vaginal infections.

See how the IUD prevents pregnancy.

4. Male and female condoms

The condom is an excellent contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy, in addition to being the only method that protects against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS or syphilis.

However, to be effective it is necessary to put the condom on correctly before each intimate contact, preventing direct contact between the penis and the vagina, preventing the sperm from reaching the uterus.

See how to properly apply a condom in the following video:

• Advantages: they are generally inexpensive, easy to put on, do not cause any type of alteration in the body and protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Disadvantages: Some people may be allergic to condom material, which is usually latex. In addition, the condom can cause discomfort in some couples or tear during intimate contact, increasing the chances of becoming pregnant. Possible side effects: in addition to the risk of allergy to the type of condom material, there are no side effects for condom use.

5. Vaginal diaphragm

The diaphragm is a ring-shaped rubber contraceptive method that prevents sperm from entering the uterus, preventing the fertilization of the egg. The diaphragm can be used several times for about 2 years and therefore, after use, wash and store in a clean place.

• Advantages: it does not interfere with intimate contact and can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse. In addition, it further reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Disadvantages: it must be placed no later than 30 minutes before intimate contact and removed 12 hours after intercourse, and must be repeated every time you have intimate contact, otherwise it is not effective. Possible side effects: there are no side effects associated with the use of the vaginal diaphragm.

Better understand what the diaphragm is and how to fit.

6. Vaginal ring

The ring is a rubber device that is inserted into the vagina by the woman and its placement is similar to the introduction of a tampon. The woman should remain with the ring for 3 weeks and then remove and take a 7-day break for her period to come down, replacing a new ring.

• Advantages: it is easy to use, it does not interfere with intimate contact, it is a reversible method and it does not alter the vaginal flora. Disadvantages: it does not protect against STDs, can lead to weight gain and cannot be used in several cases, such as liver problems or high blood pressure. Possible side effects: in some women it can cause abdominal pain, nausea, decreased libido, painful menstrual periods and increase the risk of vaginal infections.

See more about the vaginal ring, how to put it and possible side effects.

7. Injectable contraceptives

The contraceptive injection, such as Depo-Provera, should be applied to the arm or leg muscle once a month or every 3 months by a nurse at the health center.

The injection slowly releases hormones that prevent ovulation, but its prolonged use can cause delay in fertility, increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain, in addition to headaches, acne and hair loss, for example. It is a great method for women with mental illness, with tuberculosis or epilepsy who cannot take birth control pills or have many vaginal infections and cannot use a ring or IUD.

8. Tubal ligation or vasectomy

Surgery is a definitive contraceptive method, preventing women or men from having children for the rest of their lives, so in most cases this method is only used after deciding not to have more children, being more frequent in women or men over 40 years old.

In the case of the woman, the tubes are ligated with general anesthesia, where a cut or tourniquet is made in the tubes, which are closed, preventing the sperm from meeting with the egg. Definitive sterilization of the woman requires hospitalization for about 2 days and recovery usually takes about 2 weeks.

Vasectomy is the surgery performed on men, with general anesthesia that takes about 20 minutes, and a cut is made in the channel through which sperm pass from the testicles to the seminal vesicles, however the man, although he is no longer fertile, continues to ejaculate and does not develops impotence.

9. Natural methods

There are other methods that can also help prevent pregnancy, but they should not be used individually because they are not fully effective and pregnancy can occur. Thus, some methods can be:

• Calendar method : this method requires knowing how to calculate the fertile period, by subtracting 11 days from the longest cycle and 18 days from the shortest cycle. Temperature Method: the body temperature is higher after ovulation and, to know the time of the month that the woman is most fertile, she must measure the temperature with a thermometer always in the same place; Mucus method: during the most fertile period the woman has thicker mucus, similar to egg white, which indicates that the chances of becoming pregnant are greater. Withdrawal method : this method involves withdrawing the penis from the inside of the vagina at the moment when the man is going to ejaculate. However, it is not safe and is not recommended. Understand why clicking here.

According to these methods, it is necessary to avoid intimate contact during the fertile period, which is when the woman is most likely to be able to become pregnant and, to understand the profile of the woman, it usually takes 3 to 6 cycles.

Here's how to calculate your fertile period and avoid becoming pregnant: