Sexual intercourse is a very significant experience in our life, it has to be lived in the best way and without unpleasant and/or unwanted consequences, so it is necessary to know what is contraception and why it is so important.
Contraception has the purpose of controlling, in a temporary and reversible way, fertilization and then an unwanted pregnancy.
There are several different methods of contraception:
Condom
Condom is made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane, and is designed to stop a man’s semen from coming in to contact with his sexual partner. When used correctly during sex it is effective at 98% in preventing unintended pregnancy and is able to also protect from most sexually transmitted diseases.
The first time you use it you should read carefully the instructions contained in the package. They are a few lines, and there are even pictures.
It’s possible that a condom breaks during sex. In this case, you may need emergency contraception.
Combined pill
Combined oral contraceptive pill is usually called just the pill. It contains synthetic versions of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which women produce naturally in her ovaries. The hormones in the pill prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulating). They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb. The pill is usually taken to prevent unintended pregnancy, but can also be used to treat painful periods, heavy periods, premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis.
When taken correctly, the pill is over 99% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy.
There are several types of pills: your gynecologist, after an examination, will prescribe the right one for you.
You probably have heard so many things about the pill but never entrust to random information, always ask your gynecologist. For example, despite the various beliefs, there is no evidence that the pill increases the weight of women.
Remember that the pill, unlike the condom, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases; in a sexual relationship simultaneous use of condom does not expose you to sexually transmitted infections.
Apart from these, there are several methods of contraception which we list:
- Hormonal methods of contraception (contraceptive ring, transdermal, subcutaneous contraceptive)
- Intrauterine devices (IUD / coil, barrier methods, diaphragm)
- Chemical methods (spermicides, capsules, suppositories, jellies, creams)
- Natural methods (Ogino-Knaus, BBT, Billings method, coitus interruptus)
- Surgical methods (tubal sterilization for women and vasectomy for men)
WHO – Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR)
http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/en/