Contraception, there are many options, but what are they?
What types do you have?
- Contraceptive pill
- IUD (hormone or copper)
- Implanon
- injection pill
- NuvaRing
- Condoms
- Sterilization
How do the types of contraception work?
The contraceptive pill:
How does the contraceptive pill work:
The contraceptive pill, often simply called the pill, is a form of hormonal contraception used to prevent pregnancy. How does the pill work?
- Hormones in the pill: The pill contains synthetic versions of female hormones, these hormones play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and reproduction.
- Preventing ovulation: The main way pregnancy is prevented is by preventing the egg from being released (ovulation). The artificial hormones suppress the natural cycle so that ovulation cannot occur.
- Changes in the lining of the uterus : The hormones in the pill change the structure of the lining of the uterus, making it less suitable for a fertilized egg to implant in.
- Regulating menstrual cycle : In addition to contraception, the pill often helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce menstrual pain, and relieve symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis.
Reliability:
When used correctly, the contraceptive pill is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, that is, taking into account human error such as forgetting a pill, the effectiveness is about 91%. The pill also does not protect you against STDs, which is why the use of condoms is recommended for changing and new sexual partners.
IUD:
The IUD, also known as an intrauterine device (IUD), is a long-acting, reversible form of contraception that is placed in the uterus. There are two main types of IUDs: the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD.
How does the coil work:
Copper IUD:
- Copper as active substance: The copper IUD contains a small amount of copper. The copper has a spermicidal effect and prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.
- Prevention of fertilization: Copper changes the composition of the uterine lining and the fluids in the uterus and fallopian tubes, creating an environment unfavorable to sperm and eggs.
- Long-term effectiveness: A copper IUD can remain effective for 5 to 10 years, depending on the specific type.
Hormonal IUD:
- Progestogen as active substance: The hormonal IUD contains the hormone progestogen (usually levonorgestrel), which is slowly released into the uterus.
- Preventing ovulation : In some cases, the hormonal IUD can also suppress ovulation, although this is not its primary mechanism of action.
- Long-term effectiveness : A hormonal IUD can remain effective for 3 to 6 years, depending on the specific type.
Placement and removal:
- Insertion : The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a trained healthcare provider during a short procedure in a clinic or doctor's office. This may cause some discomfort or cramping, but it usually passes quickly. From personal experience, we recommend having an IUD inserted under sedation.
- Removal : The IUD can be removed at any time by a health care provider. Fertility usually returns quickly after removal.
Reliability:
Both types of IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy, with an effectiveness rate of over 99%. They provide long-term protection without having to think about contraception every day. Like the contraceptive pill, the IUD does not protect against STDs.
Implanon:
The Implanon is a form of hormonal contraception that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm in the form of a rod. The rod gradually releases the hormone progestogen.
How does the Implanon work:
- Progestogen release : The implant contains etonogestrel, a synthetic progestogen. This hormone is released slowly and continuously into the bloodstream in small amounts.
- Preventing ovulation : Etonogestrel suppresses ovulation, which means that no egg is released from the ovaries. This is the main way in which Implanon prevents pregnancy.
- Changes in the uterine lining : The uterine lining becomes thinner, making it less suitable for a fertilized egg to implant in.
- Placement : The Implanon is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a trained healthcare provider. This is done under local anesthesia and is a short, relatively painless procedure.
- Duration of action : The Implanon is effective for up to three years. After this period, the implant must be replaced.
The Implanon is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is one of the most reliable forms of contraception. Like the contraceptive pill and the IUD, the Implanon does not protect against STDs.
Injection pill:
The injection is a form of hormonal contraception that is administered by injection. The injection contains the hormone progestogen and offers long-term protection against pregnancy.
How does the injection work:- Progestogen Release: The injection contains a synthetic progestogen, usually medroxyprogesterone acetate. This hormone is released gradually into the bloodstream.
- Preventing ovulation : The progestogen suppresses ovulation, which means that no egg is released from the ovaries. This is the main way in which the injection prevents pregnancy.
- Thickening of cervical mucus : The hormone causes the mucus in the cervix to thicken, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg.
The injection provides protection against pregnancy for three months without having to take it every day. The injection is very effective when used correctly, with an effectiveness of more than 99%. With typical use, which takes into account possible human error such as receiving the injection too late, the effectiveness is about 94%. Like the hormonal contraceptives mentioned earlier, the injection does not protect against STDs.
NuvaRing:
The NuvaRing is a form of hormonal contraception that is placed in the vagina. It is a flexible, clear ring that slowly releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
How does the NuvaRing work:- Hormones in the ring : NuvaRing contains two types of hormones: estrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (etonogestrel). These hormones are continuously released in small amounts and absorbed by the vaginal mucosa.
- Preventing ovulation : The hormones in NuvaRing suppress ovulation, which means that no egg is released from the ovaries. This is the main way NuvaRing prevents pregnancy.
- Thickening of cervical mucus : The hormones cause the mucus in the cervix to thicken, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg.
- Changes in the lining of the uterus : The hormones make the lining of the uterus thinner, which reduces the chance that a fertilized egg can implant.
Using the NuvaRing:
The NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina by the user himself. This is done once a month. The ring remains in the vagina for three weeks and is then removed for a week, during which a withdrawal bleed occurs that resembles a menstruation. After the ring-free week, a new ring is inserted. Please note that the ring is in place before and after sex, otherwise it may be less effective.
Reliability:
When used correctly, NuvaRing is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. With typical use, taking into account human error such as forgetting to insert a new ring after the ring-free week, it is about 91% effective. Like the hormonal contraceptives mentioned above, NuvaRing does not protect against STIs.
Condoms:
Condoms are a popular and effective form of contraception that can prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are two main types of condoms: male and female condoms
How do condoms work:
Male condoms:
- Material : Male condoms are usually made of latex, but can also be made of other materials such as polyurethane or polyisoprene for people with latex allergies.
- Placement : The male condom is rolled over the erect penis before sexual contact. It catches sperm during ejaculation, preventing it from entering the vagina and reducing the risk of pregnancy and the transmission of STDs.
- Barrier function : The condom acts as a physical barrier that prevents sperm and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses from being transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Female condoms:
- Material : Female condoms are usually made of nitrile (a synthetic rubber) or polyurethane.
- Insertion : The female condom is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. It has a flexible ring at both ends: a closed inner ring that helps with insertion and keeps it in place, and an open outer ring that remains outside the vagina and covers the vulva.
- Barrier function : Like the male condom, the female condom acts as a physical barrier that prevents sperm and pathogens from being transferred during sex.
Reliability:
Male Condoms : When used correctly, male condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. With typical use, which takes into account human error such as improper application or breakage, they are about 85% effective.
Female Condoms : When used correctly, female condoms are about 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. With typical use, they are about 79% effective.
We actually only offer male condoms because they are much easier to use and also more reliable.
We have them in sizes: Small , normal , large and huge . If you don't know what size you have, you can take our try out package .
Sterilization:
Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception that can be performed on both men and women. It is intended to prevent pregnancy for the rest of a person's life.
Vasectomy (male sterilization):
- Procedure: During a vasectomy, the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are cut or blocked. This prevents sperm from becoming part of the ejaculate.
- Recovery : The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes and is often performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, some mild pain and swelling may occur, but these usually disappear within a few days.
- Effectiveness : Vasectomy is over 99% effective following a semen analysis confirming that there is no sperm present in the ejaculate, which is usually checked several months after the procedure.
- Permanence : Vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control. Although it is sometimes possible to reverse the procedure, it is not always successful and is considered a permanent decision.
Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilization):
- Procedure : During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes, the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are cut, tied off, or closed off. This prevents the eggs from reaching the uterus and sperm from reaching the eggs.
- Recovery : Recovery time varies, but women can usually return to normal activities within a week. Mild pain and discomfort in the abdomen are common after the procedure.
- Effectiveness : Tubal ligation is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Permanence : Like vasectomy, tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of birth control. Although there are procedures to repair the fallopian tubes, they are not always successful and are considered a permanent decision.
Considerations:
- Permanence : Both procedures are considered permanent and are intended for people who are certain that they do not want (any more) children.
- Protection against STDs : Neither procedure offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For STD protection, the use of condoms is recommended.
Sterilization is a very effective and reliable method of contraception for people who are certain that they do not want to have children (anymore). It is important to consider this decision carefully and discuss it with a health care provider.
How do you choose the best option for yourself?
To choose the best option for you, you should consider whether you want a permanent or temporary solution. It is also wise to look carefully at the risks of each contraception, this can differ per person depending on your medical history. Please note that hormonal contraception and sterilization can still infect you with an STD, the advice here certainly remains to use condoms for new and alternate contacts. Play safe, stay safe!
