Nowadays we live in a world where almost everyone has access to different contraceptive methods. Even though alternative contraceptive measures are being used since the dawn of history, therefore the health care system is constantly working on developing more efficient measures and with less adverse reactions.
Last week we focused on non-hormonal contraceptive methods. Today we will talk about hormonal contraceptive methods❤️.
What are hormonal contraceptives?
Hormonal contraceptive measures release substances derived from the natural hormones estrogen and progestogen that inhibit the normal cycle of hormones, thus preventing pregnancy. These methods stop the ovulation process or thicken the cervical mucus making it difficult for the sperm cells to go through the cervix and reach the eggs.
Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant is a small medical device that is implanted under the skin of the upper arm by a nurse or a doctor. It contains progestin (a synthetic form of hormone progestogen), a substance that stops the ovulation process and thickens the cervical mucus, therefore, preventing pregnancy. The birth control implant has an effectiveness of 99%. Unfortunately, the combination with other medication can weaken the effectiveness of the implant. This kind of implant can be left inside the body for a period of 5 years. If a woman wants to get pregnant, the implant simply needs to be removed by a doctor or a nurse.
It can be used with condoms.
The Birth Control Implant does not protect you from STDs!
Birth Control Implant
Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot is an injection given every 3 months by a nurse or a doctor. The shot contains progestin (a synthetic form of hormone progestogen), a substance that stops the ovulation process and thickens the cervical mucus, therefore, preventing pregnancy. If used correctly, it is 99% effective. It can be used with condoms.
The Birth Control Shot does not protect you from STDs!
Birth Control Shot
Birth Control Pill (Oral Contraceptives)
The birth control pill contains substances (synthetic forms of the hormones progestogen and estrogen) that stop the ovulation process and thicken the cervical mucus, thus preventing pregnancy. The birth control pill can have either one substance or a combination of multiple ones. The pill needs to be taken EVERY DAY, and if used correctly, it has a 99% effectiveness. Unfortunately, some incidents (vomiting, diarrhea for more than 48 hours) or the combination with other medication can weaken the effectiveness of the pill. It can be used with condoms.
The Birth Control Pill does not protect you from STDs!
Examples of Birth Control Pills
Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch contains substances (synthetic forms of the hormones progestogen and estrogen) that stop the ovulation process and thicken the cervical mucus, preventing pregnancy. The patch is applied on certain parts of the skin and it releases its substances in the bloodstream. If used correctly, the birth control patch is 99% effective. Unfortunately, the combination with other medication can weaken the effectiveness of the patch. A patch is used for 7 days, then it needs to be replaced with another one. It can be used with condoms.
The Birth Control Patch does not protect you from STDs!
Possible spots to place the Birth Control Patch
Birth Control Vaginal Ring
The birth control vaginal ring is a small flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. The ring releases substances (synthetic forms of the hormones progestogen and estrogen) that stop the ovulation process and thicken the cervical mucus, preventing pregnancy. If used correctly, the vaginal ring is 99% effective. Unfortunately, the combination with other medication can weaken the effectiveness of the vaginal ring. The ring can stay inside the vagina for up to 5 weeks, afterwards, it needs to be replaced with another one. It can be used with condoms.
The Birth Control Vaginal Ring does not protect you from STDs!
Birth Control Vaginal Ring
Hormonal IUS (Intrauterine System)
The hormonal IUS is a small medical device that is inserted inside the uterus by a doctor or a nurse. It has the shape of the letter “T” and it’s made from a flexible plastic material (similar to the copper IUD, click here to learn more). This device releases a substance (a synthetic form of the hormone progestogen) that modifies the texture of the cervical mucus, preventing the sperm from reaching the eggs. With this method the ovulation process still continues. The hormonal IUS has an effectiveness of 99%! This kind of device can be left inside the body for a period of 5 years. If a woman wants to get pregnant, the hormonal IUS simply needs be removed by a doctor or a nurse.
It can be used with condoms.
The hormonal IUS does not protect you from STDs!
Hormonal IUS
Morning After Pill
Although it is not a usual contraceptive method, the morning after pill acts as an emergency contraceptive after non-protected vaginal sex. This type of pill contains one or more substances (synthetic forms of the hormones progestogen and estrogen) that prevent or delay the ovulation process, preventing pregnancy. If the morning-after pill is taken within 24 hours, the effectiveness is 95%. The success decreases over time (89% after 72 hours). Due to its side short and long term effects, it is advised to not use this kind of method more than 3 times a year.
The Morning After Pill does not protect you from STDs!
Example of the Morning After Pill
Male Birth Control Pill
Although the idea of developing an alternative contraceptive pill for men has been discussed for decades, up until now there is nothing fully developed. The Male Birth Control Pill (also known as ‘11-Beta-MNTDC’ or simply ‘DMAU’) suppresses two male hormones (FSH and LH) to simultaneously decrease the production of testosterone and sperm without causing symptoms of low testosterone. The future seems promising, as last year the DMAU pill passed the first phase of clinical trials. We are looking forward to hearing news about a possible male pill on the market👨.
Male Birth Control Pill
If you plan to use a contraceptive, discuss this topic with your doctor in order to find the suitable method for your body and to be aware of the possible side effects.
Keep posted 🌺🐝!
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