In general, methods that use hormones to prevent ovulation – and therefore pregnancy – are considered the most reliable. The contraceptive pill, for example, is more than 99% effective when taken correctly. The vaginal ring and the transdermal patch, which release hormones when applied to the skin, are part of the same family. However, these methods have a weakness: none of them stop the so-called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially AIDS. For now, the only way to prevent is to use male and female condoms, which are around 95% efficient at preventing pregnancy. Far less reliable are the so-called “natural” methods. The first of them, coitus interruptus, consists of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation – the problem is that the liquid that lubricates the penis may already contain sperm.
The second, the “little table”, depends on the woman always menstruating at a certain time, but this often does not happen and puts all planning on the ground. There is still a last group of far more radical contraceptives: surgeries. They can interrupt the path of the egg to the uterus (tubal ligation, in the case of women) or prevent spermatozoa in the ejaculation (vasectomy, for men). “They are definitive options, because the reversal operation is difficult and not always successful”, says gynecologist Jorge Villanova Biazús, from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the Mãe de Deus hospital, in Porto Alegre (RS). ).
IUD
What it is: T-shaped plastic with copper inserted into the uterus through the vaccine. It makes it difficult for sperm to pass through and prevents the fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus.
Advantages: Inhibits menstruation in 80% of cases. It may be a good option for women who experience nausea on the pill.
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STDs and can leave the uterus without the person realizing it. For some women, placement is uncomfortable
“NATURAL” METHODS
What they are: The most famous are coitus interruptus, when the man removes the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, and the “table”, which consists of not having sex during the woman’s fertile period
Advantages: They are natural methods, without the presence of hormones or physical barriers
Disadvantages: They do not protect against STDs and are very unreliable. In the case of withdrawal, there may be sperm before ejaculation in the liquid that lubricates the penis. For the little table, the margin of error for the fertile period is large and failures are common.
VAGINAL RING
What it is: A ring placed deep in the vagina that leads hormones to prevent pregnancy. Each month, the ring is removed for a week, allowing for normal menstruation.
Advantages: High efficiency. Side effects and occurrence of irregular bleeding are small
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STDs. Some women may experience irritation in the vagina, with increased secretion
DIAPHRAGM
What it is: A ring with a rubber film that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and removed up to 12 hours later.
Advantages: It does not require a break in sexual intercourse to be placed. The woman can put the diaphragm hours before the date
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STDs. It has low effectiveness if not used with another contraceptive, such as a spermicide (which kills sperm)
PILL
What it is: Pill that stops ovulation through the action of two hormones. The most common are the continuous-use pill, taken for three weeks each month, and the morning-after pill, taken within 72 hours of intercourse.
Advantages: When well used, it has an efficiency greater than 99%, in addition to reducing bleeding during menstruation
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STDs. Some women experience headaches and nausea, especially with the morning after pill, which contains a stronger dose of hormones.
CONDOMS OR CONDOMS
What they are: Latex covers that prevent sperm from contacting the egg
Advantages: If well used, they prevent pregnancy in 95% of cases, they also protect against STDs, such as AIDS
Disadvantages: They lose efficiency when applied improperly. If the condom is placed on the penis with air at the tip, it may burst and rub off.
TRANSDERMAL PATCH
What it is: 8-inch patch that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. It is changed every seven days for three weeks. In the fourth week, the patch is not used
Advantages: Simple placement. Another option against pill side effects
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STDs and cannot be removed even on the beach
SUBDERMAL IMPLANT
What it is: Rod inserted under the skin of the arm, which leads an anti-ovulation hormone. Its effect lasts up to five years.
Advantages: In addition to high efficiency (the risk of pregnancy is only 0.05%), it stops menstruation, cramps and premenstrual tension (PMS)
Disadvantages: Does not protect against STDs. To remove the implant, minor surgery is required.
Read too:
– How does the morning after pill?
– How is a condom made?
– How not to get pregnant if the condom breaks?
– How does the male pill work?