In recent years, the market for contraceptives It has expanded its offer more than considerably. Today there are multiple methods of contraception that exist, each with its advantages and disadvantages. In the same way, not all alternatives are equally effective when it comes to preventing a possible pregnancy.
The gynecologist, sexologist and member of the Spanish Contraception Society Modesto Rey Novoa emphasizes that “there is no contraceptive method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy”, although some of them are practically completely effective. Regarding the method to be used, he emphasizes that it depends on different variables, but clarifies that “there are contraceptive solutions” suitable for each person.
Long-acting reversible methods of contraception
They are, according to the expert of the Spanish Contraception Society, “the most effective methods in the long term when it comes to avoiding pregnancy”, since with them there can be no errors or forgetfulness, nor can their use be altered by a disease.
Contraceptive implant. It consists of the placement under the skin of the arm of cylinders or small and flexible capsules that contain progestin. It thickens the mucus in the cervical canal, which prevents the sperm from meeting the egg and prevents ovulation. They present an efficiency of 99%.
Intrauterine device or IUD. It is a small ‘T’ shaped device. There are two types: the copper one, which does not contain hormones and can be used for up to ten years, and the hormonal one, similar to birth control pills, which can last three to five years.
Irreversible methods of contraception
Vasectomy. It prevents sperm from being in the man’s semen. It is a permanent contraception (although there are some by which the tubes (vas deferens) that transport sperm from the testicles are blocked or cut. Effectiveness of 99% according to the WHO, three months after the operation.
Tubal ligation. Permanent female contraception by which the fallopian tubes are blocked or cut. Efficacy of 99% according to the WHO.
Although in both cases these are methods considered permanent, it is possible through an intervention to try to perform a reversal.
Short-acting methods of contraception
These are methods for daily, weekly or monthly use that are highly effective if used correctly, although effectiveness is considerably reduced due to poor compliance with treatment.
The pill. Combination oral contraceptives (the ‘pill’ or ‘pill’). It contains two hormones (estrogen and progestin). Prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).
Progestin-only pills ‘minipill’ or ‘minipill’. According to the WHO, it contains only progesterone (no estrogen), which thickens the mucus in the cervix duct, and prevents sperm and egg from coming together, and prevents ovulation.
Vaginal ring (monthly) or patch (weekly). It continuously releases two hormones, a progestin and an estrogen, directly through the skin (patch) or through the ring. It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation).
other methods
Preservative. “This is a highly effective method if it is used consistently and from the beginning of the relationship and if the morning-after pill is taken as ‘plan B’, in case of condom breakage or slippage,” according to Novoa.
Local chemical methods. This classification includes spermicides, sponges and diaphragms, which are also very ineffective methods because some must be supplemented and others, such as the diaphragm, involve placing them correctly to prevent the passage of spermatozoa,” says gynecologist Rey Novoa.
natural methods
temperature method. The woman should record her body temperature at the same time every morning before getting up, paying attention to an increase of 0.2ºC to 0.5ºC. She prevents pregnancy, if unprotected intercourse is avoided during the fertile days, according to the WHO.
Cycle control method. “We try to identify the moment in which ovulation occurs, so very regular women are needed. Sperm can last up to 5 days. On the 14th day you ovulate until the 19th, but no matter how regular it is, it is not guaranteed that it will be,” says the SEC spokesman.