Contraception Methods and Their Importance to Health

Sexuality encompasses not only sex but also identity (personal qualities), sexual roles, orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, reproduction, and physical and psychological well-being. For this reason, methods for contraception are an essential component of being able to fully enjoy and live a healthy sexual lifestyle.

“Contraception” is the prevention of pregnancy, as well as the ability for couples to plan the timing of pregnancy after they become pregnant. Some strategies can also provide protection against infection when used in conjunction with others.

There are a number of factors that influence a woman's decision on which method of birth control to use, including her current and future medical history, age, level of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, and her desire to have children. In order to choose the best course of action, each person should consult with their doctor or healthcare provider. Prior to using any form of contraception, it is imperative that you discuss it with your partner(s).

What are contraceptive methods and their main differences?

Contraceptive measures are a critical component of Australian public health policy and practice. They are drugs, items, or processes that are used to prevent pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

These aid couples in deciding whether or not to have children, as well as when to start a family. They also help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, which helps to reduce the complications and deaths that can result from some of these disorders.

Mainly contraceptive methods are divided into:

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
• Intrauterine devices are either metallic or added with a hormonal load of local effect, subdermal hormonal implants and vaginal rings.
• Hormonal methods
• Oral hormonal contraceptives, injectables, contraceptive patches.
• Barrier methods.
• Male and/or female condoms, contraceptive sponges, spermicides, diaphragms and cervical caps.
• Emergency contraceptives (morning after pill).
• Sterilization, vasectomy and bilateral tubal occlusion or BTO.

Who decides which contraceptive method to use?

A couple's duty for contraception is a shared responsibility. Both should bear equal responsibility, but because the majority of contraceptive methods are used by women, the final decision on which method to employ should be made by them.

How to know which is the best contraceptive method for you?

Consider your lifestyle, the efficiency of the method, and your sexual preferences while deciding on the best form of birth control for you.

It's always a good idea to discuss your options for birth control with your doctor to make sure you're protected from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. When we have sexual interactions, we are engaging in an action that has the potential to have both positive and negative consequences for the rest of our lives.

Besides this, when selecting a contraceptive method, several other factors should be taken into account:

• Sexual partner(s).
• Frequency of sexual relations
• Level of organization and follow-up of medical treatments
• The present importance of the possibility of becoming pregnant (fertility)
• Ease and cost of obtaining your contraceptive methods
• Tolerance to hormonal methods
• Impact of the contraceptive method on the periodicity of the menstrual cycle
• Comfort
• Side effects

Our best guess is that the effectiveness of the procedure will rise if it is tailored to your own traits and way of life, which is the most significant component.

Conclusion

Complete knowledge about the correct use of a contraceptive technique, as well as the advantages of each method, can assist in making an informed decision about which method to use.

Additionally, assistance with orientation and counselling from a specialist who specializes in contraceptive techniques can help you make a better choice and reflect on the stages of life during which it is recommended that you use contraceptive methods.

FAQs

What happens if I stop taking birth control pills and my period does not return?

Post-pill amenorrhea, a medical issue, is most likely to blame if you haven't had a period in several months after taking the pill. To stop ovulation and menstruation, the pill blocks your body's production of the hormones necessary for these processes. After taking it for a long period, your body may have difficulty producing these hormones on its own again.

Three months after you stop taking the contraceptive pill, your menstrual period should return. You may have to wait several months before you may resume menstruation if you used the pill to regulate your cycles.

If you haven't had your period in three months, you should obtain a pregnancy test to make sure you aren't pregnant, and then talk to your doctor about it.

If I use the vaginal ring, can it fall?

It is possible for the contraceptive ring to come loose if it has not been properly put in, when changing tampons during sexual contact, or in cases of severe or persistent constipation, among other situations. In order to maintain your peace of mind and ensure the efficiency of the ring, it is essential that you check on it from time to time to confirm that it is still in place.

Can a hormone patch fall off?

Usual activities such as bathing, showering, going to the sauna, and exercising hard should not have an impact on how well the patch works. When participating in these types of activities, the patch is intended to remain in place. Although it is not necessary to confirm that it has not moved or become dislodged following these activities, it is recommended that you do so.

If I plan to have a baby, how long should I wait after stopping birth control pills?

It is normal for ovulation to begin again a few weeks after you stop using birth control tablets. You should wait to become pregnant as soon as your cycle restarts, but it is possible to get pregnant almost straight away even before you bleed.

During your first cycle without the pill, it is possible that you will not menstruate. If you have had unprotected intercourse and have not yet had your period, you should consider getting a pregnancy test done immediately.

What happens if I take birth control pills during pregnancy?

If you were pregnant and had been on birth control pills, do not be concerned. However, it has been going on for a long time, and there is no proof that birth control tablets contain hormones that can cause issues during childbirth in humans. Pregnant women should, however, cease using birth control immediately and seek medical attention.