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Contraception has been used for thousands of years to protect from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) and unwanted children, one of the earliest forms of contraception date back to the 1500's which were linen condoms which were soaked in a chemical solution to act as a spermicide. Now adays there are many types of contraception and they are far more convenient and must be worn to prevent STD's which are now so commonly caught, but which to choose?
There are three main types of contraception - Oral Contraceptives, Barrier Methods and Implants/injectables. Different contraceptions can affect people in different ways, its a case of finding the right one for you.
Oral Contraceptives
The Pill
"The Pill" has been around for about 40 years its one of the most effective and most widely used form of contraception, they contain two hormones estrogen and progestin. When taken daily they will prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. Without eggs there is a lower chance of getting pregnant, "The Pill" is around 99% effective at stopping fertilization but there is still a chance of getting pregnant with it!
"The Pill" makes you periods more regular with less bleeding and pain, you can use it from your teens right until your menopause and once you stop taking it you are free to get pregnant as you wish. Before going on the pill you must consult your doctor and get tests done to make sure the pill is right for you and side effects will not occur. It must be stressed that using the pill will not protect you against STD's and a condom must be used.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception or "The Morning After Pill" is a last resort and should only be used in an emergency after accidental unprotected sex, they must be taken within 5 days of having unprotected intercourse. It does not protect against STD's and does not work if the woman is already pregnant. The lining of the uterus is thinned out thereby making it difficult for implantation of a fertilized egg, emergency contraceptives prevent or delay the release of eggs from the ovaries. The side effects may be nausea and vomiting and are obtained from your doctor or family planning clinic, they should only be used as a last resort when an "accident" occurs and should not be relied upon as a constant form of contraception.
Barrier Methods
The most common barrier methods are the Male Condom and the Female Condom, although there are some new barrier on the market which offer very similiar protection. These are usually made of rubber latex and either come with a sachet of lubricant or are already lubricated.
The Male Condom
The Male Condom comes in many different sizes and can have different textures, flavours and colours depending on what you prefer. They simply cover the penis when inside the vagina, stopping the sperm from entering the vagina and fertilizing the eggs, condoms are for one time use only and have a 3% chance to split which rises to 12% with incorrect use, that's why it is always best to use the male condom and the pill as it will protect against births and STD's. Condoms are highly effective at protecting against STD's, they can be bought over the counter at chemists and the only side effect will be if your allergic to latex - but there are also non-latex condoms avaliable.
The Female Condom
The Female Condom is made up of a lubricated polyurethane sheath shaped somewhat like the male condom. It works in exactly the same way but instead of being placed ontop of the erect penis, it has a ring which is placed inside the vagina. The female condom has a 5% chance to fail when used perfectly and therefore is less effective than the male condom, it also protects against STD's and can be bought over the counter. The only real problem with the female condom is that it is quite hard to insert.
Implants / Injectables
Implants
The implant consists of one or six match-sized rods inserted under the skin usually on the back side of the bicep. The rods release the hormone progestin. This hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs therefore stopping eggs being fertilized. The implant lasts 3-5 years before needing to be removed and is inserted by a doctor surgically with a needle. The implant may make periods lighter and may even make them dissapear completely. It is a perfect choice if you cannot take The Pill, there are rare side effects related to the implant but are fairly rare these can range from a headache to weight change. You must go to your doctor or the nearest family planning clinic to be done by a qualified nurse/doctor, the implant also does not protect against STD's and must be used with barrier protection.
Injectables
The injection form of contraception contains progestin hormones which interferes with your natural cycle but does not fully supress it. It is injected by a nurse or doctor into your upper arm, buttox or thigh and will last approximately 3 months before having to get another one done. This is the second most effective form of contraception with 3 in 1000 women becoming pregnant while using it, there are only two known side effects which are a possible weight gain and irregular bleeding. Once you decide to come off the injections it will take several months before you resume your menstrual cycles.
Hopefully this article has given you enough choice on which contraceptions are avaliable to you and which are far more effective at making sure you are safe from disease and are less likely to fall pregnant. If you have any worries or questions about a contraception that you are thinking about taking consult your doctor who will provide you with all the information you need.
Posted by Markeh
2006-03-18 02:03:36 |
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