In recent years, the use of contraceptives has become an integral part of the healthy lifestyle of one billion people, both women and men, but it remains one of the most important challenges for humankind.
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| Contraception |
This challenge is represented in the need to spread the use of contraceptives in the world in a controlled and organized manner, in an effort to counter the effects of population growth, as the World Health Organization projections indicate that the world population, which today is about six billion people, will continue to increase until It will reach nearly eight billion people in the year 2025, and more than nine billion in the year 2050.
To date, there is no perfect method of contraception that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, free of symptoms and side effects or health risks, easy and convenient to use and very low cost.
In the process of testing the efficacy of contraceptive methods (the table below), it is followed to measure the efficacy of the method when it is applied in an accurate, correct and integrated manner, and compare it with the efficacy of the method when the usual application.
That is, when taking into account, for example, that the contraceptive pill is sometimes forgotten, or the condom is torn due to incorrect use.
Types of contraceptives
Usually, contraceptives are classified into two main groups:
Reversible Contraceptives (Changeable)
Irreversible contraceptives
Many countries prefer to use reversible contraceptives, which are usually divided into five basic groups:
1- The first group: natural contraceptive methods
That is: the method of isolation (or: withdrawn intercourse - intercourse during which the penis is withdrawn from the vagina (Vagina) before ejaculation occurs - Coitus interruptus) and the method of safe days.
In this method (safe days) the expected date of ovulation is calculated by deducting 14 days from the average menstrual cycle during the last three menstrual cycles.
Abstain from sexual intercourse during the three days before and after the expected date of ovulation.
Other methods can also be adopted to determine the date of ovulation, such as:
Control and monitor temperature core (Basal temperature)
Pay attention to (and identify) changes that occur in cervical mucus, which becomes more fluid and thicker during the days of ovulation.
However, this method is not suitable for women whose menstrual cycle is irregular. Rather, it contradicts the woman's desire to have a sexual relationship on the days of ovulation, when libido is at its peak.
These natural methods do not have any side effects or any cost, but their use remains limited due to their low efficacy.
2- The second group: insulating means
This group includes several methods, including:
Condom : The most common method in this group is the condom. Condom use is especially important for couples who are having intercourse, due to its effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The female condom : It is a relatively new method, the advantage of which lies in the fact that the woman can insert it into the vagina by herself, which allows her to control it.
The female diaphragm : It is a method of condom that has been known for a long time. The female diaphragm (Diaphragm) takes the form of a flat cup, made of flexible material, and is inserted into the vagina together with a spermicide, which prevents the entry of sperm ( sperms ) into the cervix. The diaphragm is appropriate for the doctor.
Barrier contraceptives cause few side effects, but their efficacy is limited.
Contraceptive
3- The third group: Spermicide preparations
The most common spermicide is Nonoxynol 9, which affects the membranes of sperm cells.
Spermicides are marketed as vaginal pessaries, creams or foams.
Today it is recommended to use spermicides only in combination with barrier methods, due to their limited efficacy.
You can get a combined combination of a barrier method with a spermicide, the "vaginal sponge".
4- The fourth group: hormones
Today, hormones are one of the most important contraceptive methods.
The most well-known method in this group is the "combined oral contraceptive pill."
5- Fifth group: IUDs
The intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective and popular contraceptive method, especially for mothers 30 years of age and older.
Today, it is common practice to use effective IUDs, that is, the contraceptive effect of which depends on the secretion of copper or progesterone in the uterine cavity.
The contraceptive coil remains effective for five years or more.
In the early days of the IUD insertion - a procedure that the doctor must perform - there is a small risk of infection inside the uterus, but it (the IUD) does not involve any significant damage to future fertility.
Table: contraceptive efficacy during the first year
The odds of getting pregnant with the use of different contraceptive methods:
