Contraception is the method or techniques used to prevent pregnancy and protect the male and female from sexually transmitted diseases. There have been a lot of contraceptive methods that has helped women around the world to protect themselves. These types of contraception vary depending on the need of women; they also come in different shapes and sizes. All these methods have the same goal: to prevent women from unwanted pregnancy.
Here are some of the contraceptive methods that women can use to prevent pregnancy:
Oral Contraceptive Pills. One of the widely used methods among women and one of the most prescribed over the years. Oral contraceptives contain combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin. The combination prevents pregnancy by halting the release of hormones. Pills are known to be the most suitable for women of all ages. The pill regulates the menstrual cycle, reduces menstrual flow, and reduces the number of periods a year.
The Depot Injection. Depot injection is for a long-term contraception, which protects a woman from pregnancy for a span of 3 months. This is injected into the vaginal muscle that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate. It contains progestogen, a substance that copies the natural hormone progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate stops the expulsion of an egg from the ovary each month therefore prevents a woman from getting pregnant. One or more injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate can result to regular monthly period, and ovulation can be delayed up to 18 months. Therefore, depot injection is not advisable for women who want to get pregnant after stopping the use of contraceptive.
Contraceptive Implants. The contraceptive implant is inserted beneath the skin of a woman’s upper arm. The implant is made up of impregnated plastic, which is 2 mm wide and 4 cm long. This is similar to the size of a matchstick. This implant disrupts fertility by thickening cervical mucus and prevents ovulation and interrupts menstrual cycle; this means no egg will be available for fertilization, so pregnancy is avoided. It provides a woman 3 to 5 years protection from pregnancy. Unlike other contraceptives, a woman who smokes can use the implant. This can also be safe for a woman who has a cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure. A woman can also breastfeed while using the contraceptive implant. Weight gain, acne, nausea and headache are just some of the reported side affects of this implant.
The Vaginal Ring. The vaginal ring is also known as the Nuva Ring, a thin, transparent ring that measures 54 mm in diameter and is inserted into the vagina to protect a woman from pregnancy. You place the ring for 3 weeks then replace it with a new ring a week later. The Nuva Ring stops the release of egg from the ovaries each month and thickens cervical mucus so that the sperm would not enter the uterus. Women who smoke and have a high blood pressure and have had blood clot incidences are not advisable to use this ring.
September 21, 2024