What is the best contraceptive?
There are several options for contraceptive methods that can adapt to the routine of each person, whether male or female
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The best contraceptive does not exist. In fact, there are several options that can adapt to each person's routine, whether male or female. But the only contraceptive method that protects against sexually transmitted diseases is condoms, whether the male or female version. Male contraceptives, also popularly called condoms or male condoms, are more easily found free of charge in Brazil. Check out different types of contraceptive methods, their effectiveness and their health risks:
Male condom (male condom)
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A condom, also called a male condom, is a barrier contraceptive method that is placed on the penis, preventing the passage of sperm into the vagina. It also prevents sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, which is caused by the HIV virus, making it the safest option for anal sex.
Condoms are usually made of latex and can be found in flavored versions to be used during oral sex or in textured versions to increase sensitivity and pleasure. Condom effectiveness is 82%. If it breaks, the woman can take the morning-after pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy. But to prevent the condom from bursting, it is necessary to put it on correctly, holding the end when putting it on the penis so that no air bubbles are left.
Condoms can be found free of charge at health clinics and in some public places such as subways. But there are also versions sold in pharmacies.
Female condom (female condom)
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The female condom is a contraceptive similar to a condom. It is also cylindrical and made of latex, protects against some sexually transmitted diseases, and acts as a barrier mechanism for sperm, but it must be inserted into the vagina. The woman must press the ring so that it enters the vaginal canal and then open it for the passage of the penis. This contraceptive method has an efficacy of 79%, being easily found in pharmacies. Like the male condom, the female condom can break. If this happens, the woman can take a morning-after pill to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Intrauterine devices (IUD) are T-shaped objects that are placed in the uterus by a doctor or gynecologist. A single IUD is used for years without the woman removing it. But there are two types of IUD:
copper IUD
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A copper IUD prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. It has an effectiveness of 99%. But it can cause side effects such as skin blemishes, increased intensity of menstrual cramps and PMS.
- What is menstruation?
hormonal IUD
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The hormonal IUD is similar in shape to the copper IUD and is also 99% effective, but the contraceptive mechanism of action is through the release of the hormone progesterone, which affects ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, blocking movement of sperm. The side effect of this contraceptive method is to stop menstruation.
Hormonal implant
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The hormonal implant is a plastic rod about half the size of a matchstick placed under the skin, which releases the hormone progesterone, achieving the same effect as the hormonal IUD: interfering with ovulation to make the cervical mucus thicker, blocking the movement of sperm. It is 99% effective, but it can stop menstruation and cause side effects such as acne, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
Diaphragm
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The diaphragm is a soft, flexible disk that acts as a contraceptive through the barrier mechanism for sperm. Before being introduced, it is still covered with spermicide. It has an efficacy of 88% and is a safe option for anyone suffering from the side effects of pills or other methods. It can be used for multiple intercourses in 24 hours if you add more spermicide every six hours. After penetration, it should be left for at least six hours in the vagina.
The disadvantages of this contraceptive method is that it is at risk of causing toxic shock syndrome, a fatal urinary tract infection, and can cause an allergic reaction.
vaginal ring
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The vaginal ring is a flexible object about two inches wide that is placed in the vagina. The woman inserts it and leaves it for three weeks. Then you need to remove it and not insert it again for a week. This contraceptive method releases progesterone and estrogen to thicken the cervical mucus and prevent sperm movement. Its effectiveness is 92%, but it can cause breast tenderness and headaches.
combined pill
The combined pill is a mixture of estrogen and progesterone that prevents the release of eggs and sperm from entering the uterus, thickening the cervical mucus. Its effectiveness is 91%. If you forget to take it on time every day, you will have to use another contraceptive method, such as a condom. Antibiotics can cut off the effect of the pill, so you need to be careful and use a condom when taking this type of medicine.
hormone pill
The hormonal pill uses progesterone to thicken the cervical mucus and, to a lesser extent, affects the way the ovaries release eggs. Its effectiveness is 91%. If you forget to take the pill at the right time every day, you will have to use another contraceptive method, such as a condom. The hormonal pill can also increase some effects of menstruation, such as breast tenderness. The effect of this pill can also be blocked by antibiotics. If you are taking this type of medicine, use a condom.
Research suggests that both forms of the pill slightly reduce the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer, but may slightly increase the risk of breast, cervical and liver cancer.
contraceptive patch
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The contraceptive patch is placed on the skin to release estrogen and progesterone, slowing the release of eggs and thickening the cervical mucus to stop sperm from moving. You need to wear a new patch every week for three weeks and not wear any for a week for menstruation. Its effectiveness is 92%, but it can cause side effects such as nausea, headache and breast tenderness. These effects are more significant in smokers, as cigarette smoking potentiates the effect of hormones.
Progesterone Injection
This contraceptive method should be administered every 90 days and with medical advice. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other methods that use hormones: it affects ovulation and the uterine lining, and it thickens the cervical mucus. Its 98% effectiveness, but most users, especially smokers, notice some effect on menstruation, nausea, headache and depression. The birth control effect can last up to a year after you stop taking the injection. Studies link the injection to loss of bone density, which can cause osteoporosis. But it is possible that this effect is temporary.
Vasectomy
This method of birth control is a type of surgery performed on men in which the tubes that carry sperm are cut and sealed so that no sperm are released during ejaculation. Its effectiveness is 99%, being one of the most effective methods of birth control. But it is only proven effective after three months, when the doctor or doctor verifies that no semen is passing through ejaculation. Although a vasectomy can be reversed, you should consider it a permanent contraceptive solution.
Morning-after pill (emergencies)
If the condom broke, or you forgot to use your birth control method, you may want to consider taking emergency contraceptives. It is important to note that these hormonal combinations are not a safe method of contraception for regular use, but they can prevent pregnancy in an emergency. There are two types: levonorgestrel (brands: Plan B and Next Choice) and ulipristal acetate (brand: Ella). These are pills made up of hormones that prevent an egg from implanting in the uterine lining. But they must be taken immediately after intercourse or a few hours later. The closer to the moment of intercourse, the greater the chance to act.
Attention to birth control pills
A study of 23,611 married women who used oral contraceptives and 22,766 married women who never used the pill showed that those who continued taking the pill became sicker and died sooner than those who stopped taking or never took birth control pills.
The specific disease categories that showed the greatest relative risk Among the users of oral contraceptives compared to the control group were: vascular diseases (coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, venous thrombosis and peripheral vascular disease) and also symptoms such as headache and loss of libido.
The categories with the greatest increase in absolute risk were: headache and migraine, vaginal discharge, urinary tract infection, depression, loss of libido, viral infection and eczematous skin conditions.
The increased mortality in women who used pills was mainly explained by an increased mortality rate from vascular diseases (coronary heart disease and cerebral hemorrhage) and suicide.
environmental problem
A study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in 1999 and 2000 found remarkable amounts of drugs in 80% of water samples from about 139 sources in 30 US states. Medications identified include antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones, heart medication and pain relievers, as well as large amounts of caffeine. These substances are dumped into the water and can contribute to fish contamination.
With estrogen pollution caused by the use of hormonal contraceptives, the fish population can collapse. Male fish exposed to hormones become femenized. Studies carried out by the USGS have proven the impacts of hormone pollution, some examples of contaminated fish were found in various bodies of water, such as the Potomac River in Washington (USA). Between 50% to 75% of the male sea bass population living in this river showed signs of hormone contamination and signs of feminization.
The use of hormones in cattle breeding is the most worrying of this type of pollution, and the amount of estrogen found in these animals is up to a thousand times greater than that found in humans. These hormones are also released in the animals' feces and urine.
In addition to harming the marine animal population, hormone-contaminated water can cause problems for humans. Exposure to high levels of estrogen increases the chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer for women and can lead to decreased genitals and reduced sperm levels for men.
Dispose of medication correctly
Discounts on larger medication packages are attractive, however, with the incorrect disposal of unused medication, the final destination of these substances is waterways. See if there is a drug return program in your city. Dispose of your medications correctly. Do not flush unused medications. Look for the correct disposal site closest to your region in our recycling stations section.
