Hormonal contraception refers to consuming pills or other hormonal doses to prevent pregnancy. In this method, oestrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) are charged in different forms to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal methods include implants, pills, injections, skin patches, intrauterine devices and vaginal rings.
These methods are discussed in brief.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are pills or medicines that women need to take every day at the correct time following a specific regime. These pills contain oestrogen and progestin or only progestin. The pills are extremely effective (99% effective) for preventing pregnancy and should always be used with a doctor’s prescription.
Benefits of Using Oral Contraceptives:
- These medicines prevent ovulation effectively.
- A pill makes the mucus layer in the cervix thicker so that sperm can not penetrate.
- These pills are also helpful in reducing period cramps.
- They make the period flow more regularly.
- They reduce iron deficiency.
- Oral contraceptives are also helpful in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.
Tips to Use Oral Contraceptives:
Tip 1: Use it with the instruction manual given in the medicine.
Tip 2: Take pills every day at the correct time for achieving the best results.
Tip 3: Contact your doctor if you face severe health issues by taking the pills.
Tip 4: If you suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting after taking the pill, the pill’s effectiveness will reduce. You should use additional contraceptive measures (like condoms) during these days.
Injectable Birth Control
Injectable birth control is one of the most effective forms of birth control that one should take only with a physician’s guidance. This is an injection of hormones that women need to follow up within 3 months.
Benefits of Using Injectable Birth Control:
- The injections last 8 to 13 weeks, and it does not create any problems during intercourse.
- It is helpful in treating painful, heavy periods.
- It is safe for breastfeeding.
The tips for injectable birth control are as follows.
Tips For Using Injectable Birth Control:
Tip 1: Consider taking injectable birth control within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle.
Tip 2: A couple should use an additional protection measure if the injectable birth control has been taken on any other day in the menstrual cycle.
Tip 3: The effectiveness of birth control shots can be affected by the use of certain herbs or medicines like antibiotics. One must consult a medical practitioner before using it.
Contraceptive Patches
Contraceptive patches are another safe and painless option that women wear on their bodies. The patch is generally worn on the abdomen, buttock or upper arm. These patches contain oestrogen and progestin that get released into the bloodstream.
Benefits of Using Contraceptive Patches
- Contraceptive patches are extremely effective in preventing pregnancy with their high doses of oestrogen.
- These patches are helpful for reducing menstrual cramps.
- Contraceptive patches help with iron deficiency and reduce the chances of cancer by decreasing menstrual blood loss and making the period flow regular.
The tips for using a contraceptive patch are as follows:
Tips to Use Contraceptive Patches
Tip 1: Women should wear it from the first day of their period.
Tip 2: In exceptional cases, one should start using patches as per the physician’s prescription.
Vaginal Ring
A vaginal ring is a flexible, thin, ring-like device that women insert into their vaginas. This ring releases hormones continuously for 3 weeks and should be replaced in the 4th week. Women can use vaginal rings at any time of their menstrual cycle; however, if they insert them after 7 days of their period, extra protection will be needed to prevent pregnancy.
Benefits of Using Vaginal Rings:
- You can leave the ring out for a few moments and put it back without losing its effectiveness.
- It is also helpful for reducing iron deficiency, anaemia, cramps and certain cancers.
Tips to Use Vaginal Rings:
Tip 1: Try to insert the vaginal rings on the first day of your periods.
Tip 2: While inserting, squeeze it, make it smaller and gently push inside your vagina until it becomes comfortable.
Tip 3: You should always insert a sterilised vaginal ring with clean hands to avoid any infection.
Birth Control Implant
Birth control implant is a surgical method where a physician inserts a thin rod (similar to the size of a matchstick) containing progestin under the skin of the upper arm of a woman. It is long-lasting and one of the best birth control methods for women.
This implant generally stays effective for 3 years; however, women can take it out with the help of a healthcare provider if they wish to get pregnant.
Benefits of Using Birth Control Implant:
- It is effective, long-lasting and convenient to use.
- The method is highly cost-effective.
- It makes the menstrual cycle more regular, cramp-free and reduces menstrual bleeding.
Tips to Use Birth Control Implant:
Tip 1: Do not stop using other birth control methods, such as condoms or taking pills before the insertion of this implant.
Tip 2: Take proper guidance from physicians, get informed after the pros and cons; and inform them about your current medications or medical history.
Tip 3: Eat a balanced diet before inserting this implant and follow up with a nutritious, balanced diet after.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
It is one of the best ways for birth control and is reversible. In this system, either an implant or an IUD is inserted into a woman’s body. As discussed earlier, an implant is inserted under the skin of the upper arm of a woman.
On the other hand, an IUD is a T-shaped device that physicians insert into the uterus of a woman. There are 2 types of LARCs, copper IUD and hormonal IUD.
Benefits of Using LARCs:
- IUDs are safe and effective.
- The surgical processes are very cost-effective and low-maintenance.
- LARCs do not interrupt your sexual spontaneity.
- It is a reversible contraceptive and women can get the devices removed if they wish to get pregnant.
Tips to Use LARCs:
Tip 1: LARCs involve surgical processes, so women should inform the concerned physician of underlying medical conditions, if any, and decide accordingly.
Tip 2: Women should eat a light meal before surgery to avoid dizziness.
Tip 3: A pregnancy test before surgically inserting a LARC is a must.
