Contraception

20 Jun

Posted by Admin as Uncategorized

Contraception allows you to choose when and if you want to have a baby. Some forms of contraception also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are several types of contraception, which work in different ways. Barrier methods, such as male and female condoms, create a physical barrier against sperm. Women can also use hormonal methods of contraception, such as the pill, or mechanical contraceptive devices, such as an IUD (intrauterine device) that is placed in the womb.

Emergency contraceptive pills (here called “ECPs”), are an oral drug containing high doses of hormones found in regular oral contraceptive pills, which, when taken after unprotected sexual intercourse, may prevent pregnancy from occurring. There are several ways (”mechanisms of action”) by which such drugs may work. Depending on the time during the menstrual cycle that they are taken, this drug may inhibit or delay ovulation, inhibit tubal transport of the ovum or sperm cell, interfere with fertilization, or, in cases where it fails to prevent fertilization, prevent implantation. In this respect, emergency contraceptive pills work by triggering the same hormonal changes in the body as regular birth control pills or even breastfeeding but they require much higher doses and are less effective than ongoing hormonal contraceptives.

About the Oral Contraceptive Pill

Oral contraceptive pills, (OCs) are one of the most researched and reliable forms of birth control available. “The pill” has been a popular choice of contraception for women of all ages for the last 40 years! Since the oral contraceptive pill is only available by prescription from your doctor, he or she will help you determine if the pill is right for you. For many women, the pill is the ideal birth control choice. When taken as directed, it offers nearly 100% protection against pregnancy. It is one of the most convenient forms of birth control, and it has many benefits too.

How effective are the various methods?

Some contraceptive methods are more effective in preventing pregnancy than others, while only condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.The following figures will give you some idea of which kinds of contraception are the most efficient at protecting you against pregnancy.

Choose the method that suits you:

Choosing contraception that is right for you requires accurate information as well as negotiation and the ability to be able to communicate freely with your partner on this subject. Issues like effectiveness, safety and freedom from adverse effects need to be weighed up against convenience, cost and issues of trust and control.

The method you choose will depend on a range of factors such as your general health, lifestyle and relationships, your risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) and how important it is that you don’t fall pregnant.Some methods require more ‘motivation’ than others so you need to think about what suits you. For example, you need to remember to take the pill every day, but an implant can last up to three years.

Ortho Evra, Contraceptive Patch:

The Contraceptive Patch has the same properties as the oral birth control pill, but is applied to the skin of the lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or upper body. It is worn continuously for 7 days and then replaced with another patch every week for 3 weeks, followed by one week without a patch. When used as directed, the patch is also about 99% effective.