Contraception – Is it a harm or a benefit we really need?

1. General

The contraception, or birth control, a process quite painful, now as it was before, no longer physically, but psychologically above all, is the constant effort of man to determine the time for the arrival of its descendants.

If we want to give a definition, we will say that it can be any action or measure that may be taken by one or both of the companions to prevent pregnancy.

It has created huge problems mainly for women who were obliged to follow a specific procedure each time to avoid the fertilization of the sperm.

The continuous search by the companies to find the safest method of contraception that would satisfy the family planning and would be a part of the design models perpetuating human kind was in the past and even now, a huge social and moral problem.

State and Church clashed repeatedly on the approval or rejection of the principle of contraception and birth control in general. Large religious schemes such as, the Catholic Church, reject the idea of any birth control even today.

2. Contraception – History

A large number of methods and types of contraception have been tested or applied for thousands of years.

Ancient texts record herbal prescriptions to avoid conception. Plants such as lemongrass, willow and ivy are reported to exhibit sterilization properties when used as infusions. Natural substances could be applied to the genitals before or after sexual activity, creating a chemical barrier that could effectively neutralize sperm.

Substances could also form solid plugs, vaginal suppositories or regular suppositories that could be used by the woman and by introducing them to create a natural and chemical barrier.

Purification of the vaginal area, in earlier times with various solutions, is part of the ways to prevent the sperm fertilization.

An unwanted pregnancy or an unaccountable child has led to much more drastic measures such as abortion, infantile or abandonment.

In cultures such as those in Ancient Greece or Rome, there is evidence that unwanted children or those suffering from some disabilities were murdered in some cases.

One of the most common practices was, the abandonment of the newborn in predetermined places where it became a prey for wild birds or beasts or simply succumbed to hunger if it had not previously been seized by some persons for the purpose of selling it.

Nowadays, a wider survey is required for contraceptive methods controlled by the woman and which will protect her from sexually transmitted infections and birth control by men.

However, barriers to access to reliable contraception by women across the globe remain.

3. Methods of contraception

There are many different methods of contraception (birth control), but not all of them are appropriate.

Known birth control methods are categorized as follows:

• Reversible long-term contraception
• Hormonal methods
• Barrier methods
• Emergency contraception
• Sterilization

We examine each of these categories below and see what they include and how they act on birth control

3.1 Reversible long-term contraception

Endometrial Methods

An IUD or an IUD is a T shaped small coil inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The import is made by someone with a health and medical relevance. After a certain period of time, or when the woman no longer needs contraception, a similar person removes or replaces the coil.

• A hormonal coil (IUD), or (IUS), releases progestin hormone (levonorgestrel) to the uterus. The released hormone causes thickening of the cervical mucus, prevents semen from reaching or fertilizing the egg, thinning the lining of the uterus and can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. The failure rate of hormone (IUD), or (IUS), is less than 0.5%. However, 4% of women who use it may have the experience of expelling and re-importing it. This method can also be used to treat severe bleeding of the period, as the hormone often reduces or eliminates uterine bleeding.
• Copper (IUD) coil inhibits the approach and fertilization of the egg and may also prevent the egg from sticking to the uterus. If, however, fertilization of the egg is achieved, the natural presence of the coil prevents the fertilized egg from being implanted in the uterine lining. The failure rate of this system is less than 1 in 100. However, 4% of the women who use it may have the experience of eliminating and re-introducing it.

Implants

The implants are implantable bars. Each rod has match size, is flexible and plastic. The method exhibits a failure rate of less than 0.5%. A skilled physician inserts the bar under the skin of the woman’s arm with surgery.

3.2 Hormonal methods

Short-term hormonal methods

Hormone birth control methods are nothing more than the use of hormones that regulate or stop ovulation in order to prevent pregnancy. Ovulation is the biological process in which the ovary releases an egg, making it available for fertilization.

Hormones can be introduced into the body through different methods including pills, injections of transdermal patches, transdermal jellies, vaginal rings, endometrial systems and implantable bars.

Short-term hormonal methods are effective if used in a perfect way, but typically their failure rate is between 7% and 9%.

• Injection birth control. This method involves infusion of progestin by injection into the arm or posterior once every 3 months. The method may cause transient loss of bone density, particularly in adolescents. However, bone density is recovered after discontinuation of the method.

Most patients using this method should consume meals rich in calcium and vitamin D, or take vitamin supplements during its lifetime.

• Progesterone only pills. The woman receives a pill a day, preferably at the same time of the day. Pills may interfere with ovulation or sperm function. They crush the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to penetrate into the womb, or to enter the fallopian tube.

Combined Hormonal Methods

The combined hormonal methods contain a synthetic estrogen and one of the many approved progestins. All products in the class operate by inhibiting ovulation and thickening of the cervical mucus.

Estrogen / progestin-associated pills may be marketed as pills, as pads, or as vaginal rings. However, combined hormonal methods involve some risks, such as blood clots, which are associated with the synthetic estrogen of the product.

• Combined oral contraceptives. They contain synthetic estrogen and a progestin, which works to prevent ovulation. The woman receives a pill a day, preferably at the same time of the day. There are many available oral contraceptives and a specialist can advise who is most fit for her needs.
• Contraceptive patch. This is a thin, plastic pad that adheres to the skin and releases hormones into the bloodstream through the skin. The patch is placed in the lower abdomen, the buttocks, the outer arm or the upper body. A new patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks and is not used in the fourth week to allow the periodic period to appear.
• Vaginal ring. The ring is thin, flexible and about 5 cm in diameter. It delivers a combination of synthetic estrogen and a progestin. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where it releases hormones continuously for a period of 3 weeks. The woman removes him in the fourth week and reintroduces a new ring 7 days later. The method may not be recommended for women with certain health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, or certain types of cancer.

3.3 Barrier methods

• Male condoms. This is a thin casing that covers the penis so that it seizes the sperm and prevents it from entering the female body. Men’s condoms are usually made of rubber or polyurethane, with a natural alternative being lamb skin (made from the lamb’s membrane). Condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Men’s condoms are useless after a single use.
• Female condoms. They are thin, flexible plastic bags. A part of the condom enters the female bay before sexual intercourse to block the sperm from entering the uterus. The female condom also reduces this risk of sexually transmitted diseases. And these condoms are useless after one use.
• Contraceptive sponges. These are soft, single-use foam sponges containing spermicide. Such a sponge enters the vagina before the sexual act. The sponge helps to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and the spermicide kills the sperm cells. The sponge may remain in place where it was placed for at least 6 hours after the end of the sexual act and removed within 30 hours of sexual intercourse.
• Spermicides. A spermicide can kill the sperm cells. It can be used alone or in combination with a diaphragm or a cervical cap. The spermicide can be inserted into the vagina near the uterus no earlier than 30 minutes before sexual intercourse and may remain there 6 to 8 hours after the concussion to prevent pregnancy.

Methods requiring a visit to a specialist include the following:

• Diaphragms. Each diaphragm is a shallow, flexible cup made of rubber or soft rubber and inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse, blocking the entry of sperm into the uterus. A spermicide cream or gel should be used with the diaphragm. It may remain in this position 6 to 8 hours after surgery to prevent pregnancy but should be removed within 24 hours. Conventional bulkheads should be sized to work properly and a specialist can determine the appropriate size.

• Cervix covers. It is similar to the bulkheads, but they are smaller and more rigid. This is a thin silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. As with diaphragms, it is used with spermicide cream or jelly. They are available in different sizes and one expert determines the appropriate size of application. It may stay 6-8 hours after surgery, but should be removed within 48 hours.

3.4 Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be implemented after a sexual act where no protective measures are taken, or if a condom breaks.

• Bronze Thread (IUD). Bronze thread is the most effective method of urgent contraception. This device can be inserted within 120 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Emergency contraceptive pills are hormonal pills, taken either in one dose or in two doses with a difference of 12 hours. If taken before ovulation, it may delay or prevent ovulation for at least 5 days to make the semen inactive.

3.5 Sterilization

The sterilization is a permanent form of birth control that either prevents a woman from becoming pregnant, or prevents a man from releasing the sperm.

A specialist performs sterilization which involves surgery. These procedures are usually not reversible.

A sterile implant is a non-surgical method for permanently blocking the fallopian tubes. A thin tube is inserted through the vagina and into the uterus to place a flexible implant in each fallopian tube.

Connecting the Fallopian tubes. Surgical method in which a doctor cuts, bonds or seals the fallopian tubes. This process blocks the corridor between the ovaries and the uterus.

Vasectomy (vasectomy). Surgical method where vas deferens are cut or blocked. This process blocks the route between the testicles and the urethra. The semen can not escape from the testicles and thus can not reach the ovum.

4. How to choose the best birth control method for you

Birth control is not as we say a size fits all, not even that one size fits most of them.

So think about choosing it in the same way you think about a bra. So what works for your own unique body and way of life is not necessary to work for another person as well. There’s no choice that’s perfect, but there’s probably one that’s perfect for you. And this solution or option that works for you at this particular time, very likely will not work for your individual in 10 years.

So, as you would not go to a store and would not blindly buy any bra at the beginning, you should not assume that your doctor will know exactly which solution is right for you without some basic information.

With this in mind, we have written a guide to help you through a questionnaire to have some answers ready for your gynecologist to visit you about the method of contraception.

So follow the questionnaire and we think it will help you be as prepared as possible to talk to the expert and make the final decision.

1. Are you sexually active at the moment or are you planning to become active in the short term?

2. What methods of contraception did you use in the past?

3. What method of contraception could best suit your daily life?

4. Do you have specific medical reasons or situations that you suffer?

5. Smoke?

6. Do you suffer from migraines?

7. How is your period cycle?

8. Would you prefer to have periods omitted, or does that really scare you?

9. Do you have a personal or family history of blood clots?

10. Have you suffered in the past, or are you suffering from breast cancer at this time?

11. Do you have a family history of ovarian cancer?

12. Do you suffer from severe forms of depression or anxiety?

13. Have you ever had a major form of acne?

14. Do you have any mental problems or concerns?

15. What other medicines are you currently taking?

16. Would you prefer a complete non-hormonal method?

17. How would you act to minimize the risks of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV?

18. Would you like to get pregnant sometime during the next year?

So take a moment and get ready to give your gynecologist the information he needs for the selection he / she considers the most appropriate for you.

It is worth it. Believe me. And it is not a process that involves something simple. It concerns you and your future descendants. Be sure to behave as scientifically as possible.

And after choosing the method that suits you and the way you apply for it, think about it for a while.

Is contraception something good or something bad happening in our lives? And to which extent is it necessary?