Contraceptives -2 examples of categories of contraceptives
EXAMPLES OF CONTRACEPTIVES
Contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy and some types will also protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Such examples are:
- LONG ACTING REVERSIBLE
- Intrauterine System – IUS: This IUS is a small, T-shaped, flexible device that releases low levels of hormones (it contains the hormone progestin) and is placed inside the womb by a healthcare provider. The mucus of your cervix thickens which makes it harder for sperm to move fully and get to the egg. It can protect you from pregnancy for up to 3 or 5 years depending on the type.
- Contraceptive implant: Small hormone releasing silicone rods/ stick put under the skin by a healthcare provider. It is long-lasting reversible and easy to hide with 99% efficacy.
- Intrauterine Device – IUD: An IUD is a small, T-shaped, flexible device that is wrapped in copper and is placed inside your womb by your healthcare provider. It has 99% efficacy.
- SHORT ACTING
- The pill: This is a tablet that is taken once a day and should be taken at the same time the first one was taken, every day, whether you have sex or not. There are different types of pills— The mini-pills which contains progestin and one hormone that offers an alternative to people affected by the Hormone estrogen. Another one is the combined pill that contains both estrogen and progestin that stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. This one also thickens the cervical mucus that prevents the sperm from getting to the egg. Forgetting to take your pill means it won’t be as effective as it can be and you could find yourself getting pregnant. One should know their pill type, which is a suitable method for them by asking their healthcare provider. Some pills may reduce painful and heavy periods but can also change your fertility period. There are other types of contraceptive pills, and each of them is different in a slight way.
- Condom: There is the Male and Female condom. It is one of the most popular forms of contraception. It catches the sperm as it is released and stops it from entering the vagina.
- Contraceptive Patch: A contraceptive patch is highly effective, widely available and easy to use. the patch stickers to the skin and releases hormone that are highly effective at stopping pregnancy by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin, which enters the bloodstream through the skin.
- Contraceptive ring: A flexible plastic ring constantly releasing hormones that is placed in the vagina by the woman.
- Contraceptive Injection: The contraceptive injection is a shot taken either once a month or once in 3 months from a health care provider, that contains hormones (either a progestin alone or progestin and estrogen together), that stop your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix.
- Diaphragm: Ever seen a helmet? Yes, a diaphragm is a smaller representation of it. It is a small dome which blocks the entrance of the cervix and stops the sperm from getting anywhere near the uterus.
- Cervical cap: It works like a plug, pushed into the vagina and covers the cervix. Has 48hrs Max regimen.
- Sponge: Sponge is a Barrier method. It blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stop sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg. It is hormone-free, low cost and 76% efficacy. It simply soaks up the sperm.
- Spermicides: These are contraceptives add on. They don’t work alone except used with a diaphragm, a cervical cap or a condom, they suddenly start making an impact.
- Pull-out method: This is also the withdrawal method that does not require any additional device or hormones. Just timing and a lot of luck and is 78% efficient. It requires experience, trust and self-control.
- Sterilization: This is a permanent method of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce through surgery. This is for people who do not want children and are sure about it, or people who don’t want to have more children.
- Emergency contraceptives: Emergency contraceptives are hormone-based pills that are used in the event of accidental unprotected sex. With an efficacy of >58%, it is highly effective when used as directed and on time. They are often called the ‘morning-after pill’.
- Fertility awareness: This is just the method of having sex on the non-fertile days of your menstrual cycle.
