What is a contraceptive method and how to choose the ideal one for you

Contraceptive methods not only serve to prevent pregnancy, but also help women choose when they want to become mothers or extend their family. Due to the increasing demand for these products, medicine has developed several options for contraceptive methods ranging from pills, injections, to IUDs. Given the large number of options, it is normal that a woman may feel confused and not know which one is right for her. Consequently, in this article you will learn more about what a contraceptive method is and how to choose the right one for you with the help of a doctor.

What is a contraceptive method?

A contraceptive method is any medication or device aimed at preventing a woman from becoming pregnant. There are several types and choosing the right one is not a task to be taken lightly. In fact, it is always recommended that before starting to use a contraceptive method, you make an appointment with a gynecologist. This is so that he/she can review your medical history, risk factors and lifestyle so that he/she can advise you on the method that best suits you.

If you follow the instructions for using your chosen method to the letter, the chances of pregnancy are very low. Just keep in mind that preventing pregnancy is not the only purpose of these treatments. In fact, the use of a condom during sexual intercourse eliminates the risk of possible infection.

In some countries, some methods are provided free of charge. In addition, there are several forums and talks with medical experts on the importance of using them to reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancies and STD infections.

What types of contraceptives are there?

Contraceptives are divided depending on their type. These are:

• Hormonal methods: these use hormones to regulate ovulation so that pregnancy is prevented. Injections and progestin pills fall into this category. Patches and the vaginal ring also fall into this category.
• Barrier methods: Barrier methods are small devices that are designed to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. In case you can‘t or don’t want to use hormones, these are a great option. Male condoms, spermicides or diaphragms are barrier methods.
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives: the intrauterine device (IUD) is the method that falls into this category. This is a device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus, thus preventing fertilization. The IUD is one of the most recommended methods because of its low error rate. There are some that work only as a barrier and others that release a certain amount of hormones. Another very common method that falls into this category is the subdermal implant, which can be used for 3 and 5 years.

How do I choose the right one for me?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among women who are about to start their sexual life or have already started it. This question is extremely important, since the misuse of these methods can cause hormonal imbalances which, in turn, could have long-term consequences.

A gynecologist is the right doctor to guide you on the type of contraceptive that best suits your lifestyle and medical history. It is important that you express your wishes about starting some type of method and be completely honest with the doctor. Wanting to avoid pregnancy is not an issue that should cause embarrassment or shame. For this reason, many women include contraception in their lives and can decide the right time to become a mother.