Contraception

Contraception

Contraception is protection against pregnancy and STIs.

Popular types of contraception:

• Condoms
• Pills (combined oral contraceptives / progestin-only pills)
• IUDs
• Rings
• Implants

and many others.

Some methods protect only against unwanted pregnancy but do not protect against STIs (for example, pills or rings).

And some can hardly be called contraception at all (for example, withdrawal, the "calendar method" and lactational amenorrhea are more likely to lead to a pregnancy or to a visit to an STI doctor).

Condoms

Condoms are the most popular form of protection for any kind of sex.

Downsides:

1. They can break.

2. Some people dislike them because of reduced sensation.

3. They sometimes cause allergies and itching.

4. They interrupt the process (finding one, unwrapping it, putting it on).

5. They are mostly controlled by the person with the penis (there is a risk of the condom being removed without the other person noticing).

There are also vaginal condoms (a very unusual thing: a wide polyurethane tube 15 cm long).

Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives eliminate menstrual cycle problems: pain and irregular periods. They also help prevent acne and some conditions (cysts, fibroids, endometriosis).

Downsides:

1. They do not prevent STI transmission.

2. Getting a prescription requires an examination by a doctor to rule out contraindications.

3. There are side effects.

4. Smoking is a contraindication (increased risk of thrombosis).

A doctor's consultation is especially important when choosing a contraceptive and during the first period of use, plus an annual check-up.

Intrauterine contraceptives

Intrauterine contraceptives not only protect against unwanted pregnancy but also correct heavy periods and reduce the risk of uterine cancer, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, polyps and more.

Downsides:

1. They do not prevent STI transmission.

2. They are not recommended if the endometrium is thin.

3. Spotting is possible in the first 3 months.

Periods (the uterine signs of the cycle) often stop while using them, and that is safe! Female hormone levels in the blood stay the same. Intrauterine contraceptives are not contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers.

Diaphragms and caps

Diaphragms and cervical caps reduce the risk of transmitting some infections and can be reused many times (for 1-2 years).

Downsides:

1. They do not prevent STI transmission.

2. The size has to be refitted after giving birth and after significant weight change.

3. Wearing a diaphragm for a long time can increase the risk of inflammation of the cervix and vagina.

4. Caps are less effective for women who have given birth. They can also be uncomfortable for partners.

Female sterilization

Female sterilization protects against pregnancy 100%.

Downsides:

1. It is irreversible.

2. It is surgery that involves entering the abdominal cavity (more often it is not a standalone procedure but is done alongside a C-section, tumor removal, etc.).

But it is still possible to get pregnant after it, with IVF.

Male sterilization (vasectomy)

Male sterilization (vasectomy) is tying off the vas deferens. It does not affect any other processes in the body.

Downsides:

1. After a vasectomy you need to use other contraception for about three months, because semen can still contain active sperm during all that time.

2. Within 1.5 years after the operation the vas deferens can spontaneously become passable again. So you need to have your semen tested for live sperm.

Scientists are developing ultrasound vasectomy, a temporary sterilization that lasts a few months.