2023-06-12 15:26:48
Outdated, hormonal contraception? It is still today the most widely used contraceptive method in France, nearly 40% of women take it daily. But since 2012, the figures show us a decline in the contraceptive pill in favor of other methods such as the contraceptive implant, the IUD or the condom. In question: the scandal of the 3rd and 4th generation pills. According to a recent Ifop study1Currently, 6 out of 10 women, i.e. 60% agree that the pill is a binding method of contraception and near 8 out of 10, or 79%recognize thatshe is not safe and that it can cause serious health problems. Globally, 38% of women having stopped the pill did so to avoid the risks it may have on health. According to the study, 23% of women currently taking the pill would opt for condoms with their partner, 21% for the IUD et 14% for the implant. alone 7% of women would choose a so-called traditional method of contraception instead. Beyond this type of contraceptive method, there are other means of contraception which are more and more common and alternative to the pill and the condom. Which ones to choose? A brief overview of the contraceptive methods available and their use.
Le stIt iscopper IUD or IUD (intra-uterine deviceIt isrin)
The copper IUD is a contraceptive device inserted into the uterus. It is T-shaped and regarding 3.5cm long. Once inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist, GP or midwife (usually 2 minutes is enough to put it in, no matter when in the menstrual cycle), these are its copper sleeves which ensure its contraceptive effect. For medical reasons, it is even possible to insert one as emergency contraception! Despite some prejudices, the IUD is very effective since the risk of becoming pregnant is less than 1%. Depending on the IUD model, its lifespan varies between 4 and 10 years. An annual visit to the doctor is necessary, just to check that he is still well positioned. This hormone-free method is also preferred in cases of serious illness or breast and endometrial cancer because hormonal contraception is contraindicated.
Le stIt isrilet hormonal
Unlike the copper IUD which does not contain hormones, the hormonal IUD contains a progestin hormone (levonorgestrel) delivered in small quantities for 5 years. This hormone has a contraceptive effect since it thickens the secretions of the cervix to make it impassable by sperm. This hormone also decreases the duration and volume of periods as well as the pain in the lower abdomen that accompanies them. In the same way as the copper IUD, the healthcare professional, usually the gynecologist, inserts the hormonal IUD into the woman’s uterus. It is also very effective and you can remove it when you want, when you want a child for example. Before making any decision, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor for a gynecological opinion.
The male condom
No need to present it anymore, the male condom remains one of the most effective methods to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STI) and unwanted pregnancy. Although it has its pros and cons, if used correctly, it is effective in 98% of cases.
The female condom
Rarer than its male cousin, yet it is 95% effective. It also protects once morest pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) formerly called sexually transmitted diseases (STD), female condoms have one big drawback: they are rarer to find in pharmacies and more expensive than male condoms.
the patch
The patch looks like a stamp that sticks directly to the skin. He releases 2 hormones (estradiol and a progestogen) that enter the blood through the skin. Effective for a week, women who choose the patch as a means of contraception must stick one per week on their skin (stomach, shoulder, lower back but never near a breast) for 3 weeks out of 4. Its effect contraceptive is thus guaranteed for 4 weeks. Well used, the contraceptive patch is effective up to 99,7%. If we forget to change it, we remain protected for 48 hours. Be careful, on the other hand, the patch can come off and you must then re-glue one within 24 hours.
L’vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a porous plastic ring that fits deep inside the vagina and releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) through our body heat. It is these hormones that ensure the contraceptive effect of the vaginal ring. Inside the body, its position is of no importance, what matters is to insert it as far into your vagina (like a tampon), that it holds and that you don’t feel it . It keeps for 3 weeks, the rules appear the 4th week, then we put a new vaginal ring. Well used, this contraception is effective since it protects 99.71%. On the other hand, user errors are common with the vaginal ring and the current effectiveness of this method of contraception rather close to 91%.
L’implant
Big as a match, contraceptive implant is a small cylindrical rod containing the same hormones as progestin-only pills. Gynecologist, doctor or midwife are authorized to give their medical opinion depending on the case and to insert the implant under the skin of the arm of the patient who wishes to adopt this method of contraception. Effective for 3 years (it can also be removed earlier), the skin is put to sleep with an anesthetic cream to insert or remove contraceptive implant painless. He is 99.9% effective.
The diaphragm and the cervical cap
The diaphragm and cervical cap are silicone or latex contraceptives that slip inside the vagina. It’s a bit the same principle as a condom, a little less restrictive if you master the pose well: you place diaphragm or cervical cap in the vagina, on the cervix, at the time of intercourse (or up to 2 hours before) and it is removed 8 hours following intercourse (24 hours at most). They are not for single use, the diaphragm and the cervical cap are contraception ways which can be reused many times. Used systematically with spermicides, the effectiveness of the diaphragm is 94% and that of the cervical cap is 91%. But as for the vaginal ring, the bad uses of these means of contraception are numerous and their current effectiveness is rather respectively of the order of 88% and 84%.
spermicides
Spermicides take the form of gel or ovules to be inserted deep in the vagina. They can be used alone but for better contraception, it is advisable to use them with another barrier method such as a condom or diaphragm. However, their contraceptive efficacy remains very uncertain, between 18% and 29% failures. To release their contraceptive effect, spermicides must melt in body heat for at least 10 minutes and their duration of action is variable: 60 minutes for eggs and 8 hours for creams.
Injectable progestins
The goal: a synthetic progestogen (medroxyprogesterone) is injected by intramuscular injection every 3 months. Contraception is then guaranteed for 12 weeks. Doctor, nurse or midwife take care of the injections at regular intervals. The current effectiveness of this method of contraception borders 94%. It is an effective alternative if one does not wish to ingest hormonal treatment.
1 Contraception: why do women abandon the pill?
Read also:
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Male contraception: what are the possibilities?
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How to use the female condom?
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