Hormone-Based Contraceptives

27.08.2012 | By: S. K.

Here, we present the last part about the methods for preventing pregnancy. This time, about hormonal contraception ...

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The first part describes the mechanical methods of contraception for men and women, the second part describes natural methods, and now we will present hormonal methods. And not only contraceptive pills. There are several hormonal methods. Although we may soon witness the contraceptive pill for men, for now hormonal contraception is solely intended for women.

Hormonal contraception – contraceptive method for women: contraceptive pills, hormonal injections, and contraceptive implants and patches belong to this type of contraceptives. All the hormonal methods can only be prescribed by a gynaecologist or physician.

Contraceptive pills

Contraceptive pills are far the most popular method of contraception and, at the same time, they are also the most frequent one. The pill prevents ovulation, that is, monthly release of eggs from the ovaries, which prevents pregnancy. Along with numerous advantages, the pills also have some disadvantages. One of the advantages is a regular menstrual cycle. They also alleviate menstrual pains and the premenstrual syndrome, reduce the risk of the inflammation of reproductive organs, reduce greasiness of the skin, protect against ovarian cancer and womb (endometrial) cancer, protect against ectopic pregnancy, and hinder the development of cysts in the ovaries. It is the most effective form of contraceptives. The disadvantages of the pill: in the first months of taking pills there can be some unpleasant side-effects, such as depression, an increase in body weight, tenderness of the breasts and retention of water in the body. The pills need to be taken regularly. Once again, we emphasise that gynaecologists should not prescribe the pills to regulate the woman’s menstrual cycle. This can hide abnormalities that can come to light in severer forms later. The negative side of the pills is also the fact that they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and a condom should therefore be used together with the pill. The same goes for all the remaining forms of hormonal contraceptives.

Contraceptive patch

This patch contains similar hormones as hormonal contraceptive pills, only hormones are entered in the body through the skin.

The patch has to be replaced once a week, namely, three consecutive weeks, followed by a one week break in which bleeding occurs. An advantage of the patch over the pills is the fact that they hormones are not entered through the stomach. The patch is especially recommended to women who often forget to take the pill as well as those whose stomach rejects the pills. Yes, this can also happen.

Contraceptive injections

They contain female sex hormones that temporarily prevent ovulation. The contraceptives are effective three months.

The negative characteristic if injections is that they can cause frequent bleeding from the vagina. Injections are appropriate for women who do not want, or should not, use the pills. They are also appropriate for women who find the everyday use of the pill inconvenient.

Intrauterine device

The intrauterine device is made of plastic, copper, or it contains hormones. It is fitted by a gynaecologist. It can be used for one to five years and mainly by women who already gave birth. If you have an intrauterine device, it is possible that your period will last longer and the menstrual cramps will be more distinct. It can cause an allergy and increase the risk of the inflammation of reproductive organs. It is only appropriate for certain women.

So, this is the end of the presentations of contraceptives. Further information on the mechanical and natural contraception can be found in the archive of the Health and Sex section. We hope that we were at least a little bit helpful in choosing the right contraception. One way or the other, such knowledge cannot do any harm.