Contraception methods are various, and each of them describes the principle of preventing pregnancy. Some blockage methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg; others affect the activity of hormones that cause ovulation or make the environment unwelcoming for the egg or sperm. All this knowledge can be useful in choosing a method that will help you in the future.
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Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraceptive methods work by introducing various hormones into a woman’s body to affect female physiology. The majority of such preparations contain a combination of estrogens and progesterone, female sex hormones. Some also have testosterone. Contraceptive patches, pills, implants, and vaginal rings are examples of this method of contraception, which mainly prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, the release of the egg from the ovary.
Yet another way in which hormonal contraception works to prevent pregnancy is through increased thickness of cervical mucus that hinders sperm from penetrating into the uterus. Besides, hormonal contraception can influence the endometrium in such a way that it becomes unsuitable for the embryo to implant. Different combinations of hormones in various preparations cause different effects.
Intrauterine Contraception
Intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs, are contraceptive devices that are implanted by a healthcare professional into the uterus. Hormonal IUDs contain progesterone, which increases cervix thickness, preventing pregnancies by impeding sperm mobility and capability of ovum to attach to the womb, and reducing egg production.
Copper IUD acts non-hormonally by creating an environment that is hostile to sperm and conception. IUD prevents pregnancy because it is placed inside the uterus and provides contraception for a relatively long period of time. The mechanism of action depends on the particular type of IUD.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods of contraception involve the creation of a barrier that keeps the sperm from reaching the womb. The condom is placed on the male reproductive organ, and the internal condom is worn inside the female reproductive organ. This will ensure that there is no meeting between the sperm and the ovum, thereby preventing conception.
Diaphragms and cervical caps are other barrier contraceptive methods, covering the cervix and preventing the sperm from entering the uterus. Some of them are used with spermicides, which eliminate sperm activity. A barrier method requires a condom-compatible lubricant to reduce friction, but it should be checked if it is suitable for the material of the diaphragm or cervical cap to prevent damaging it.
Permanent Contraception
Permanent contraceptive procedures prevent conception by blocking or interrupting the pathways necessary for fertilization. A vasectomy is a procedure that involves the interruption of sperm delivery tubes in order to prevent sperm from exiting with ejaculate. Following the procedure and the required follow-up tests, sperm is prevented from entering the semen normally.
Tubal surgery is a procedure that involves the removal, ligation or blocking of the fallopian tubes, thereby preventing an egg and sperm from joining. The procedures are meant to provide a permanent form of contraception and one has to consider the long-term implications before undergoing them.
Choosing A Suitable Method
The effectiveness of a particular contraceptive method is only one of the factors to consider when choosing a method of contraception. Contraceptives’ convenience, side effects profile, cost, duration of contraceptive effect, and individual characteristics of the female body are also essential. Some of them might appear a better option due to a variety of reasons. For instance, some women will favor implants or hormonal pills due to their convenient use whereas others will prefer barriers such as condoms which can be used at the time of intercourse.
No method of contraception is perfect, and each has its own indications and contraindications. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a physician who will thoroughly examine the interaction of possible methods with the patient’s body and outline the characteristics of the proposed options. In addition, correct and consistent use of the selected method improves the results of contraception.
Various contraceptives operate using different mechanisms: hormonal contraception interferes with the synthesis of specific hormones in a woman’s body and blocks ovulation; barrier contraception prevents the encounter between the sperm cell and the egg; and implant contraception blocks attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus wall. Knowledge of the basics of the functioning of contraceptive technologies is necessary in order to communicate with your doctor and select the proper way to avoid pregnancy.
