Contraceptives

What Are Contraceptives

Contraceptives are birth control the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of Contraceptives. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs.

Different types of Contraceptives

1. Reversable.
2. Permanent. 

Reversable Contraceptives

They are Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is defined as any method of contraception that does not have to be used or applied more than once a cycle or once a month. 

Examples of Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

•  Non-hormonal - copper intrauterine devices (IUD).
• Progestogen-only methods: intrauterine systems (IUS).

What Are Intrauterine Device (IUD)?

IUD is a small, T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted into the uterus and left inside to prevent pregnancy. People should also knot that the IUD does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases it only prevents pregnancy when correctly used. 

Types of IUDs:

• The hormonal IUD releases the hormone progestin into the uterus. There are different brands of hormonal IUDs that last for different lengths of time. Depending on the brand, they are approved for up to 3 to 10 years of use.
• The copper IUD releases copper into the uterus. This IUD does not contain hormones. It is approved for up to 10 years of use. They are highly recommended since it does not contain any hormone. Most of the ladies use it. 

How do the IUDs Work

IUD prevents the fertilization of an egg by sperm. The progestin in the hormonal IUD thickens mucus found in the cervix. Thicker mucus makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg. Progestin also thins the lining of the uterus. The copper in the copper IUD interferes with the sperm’s ability to move. When sperm stop acting normally, it is harder for them to enter the uterus and reach an egg.

How is the IUD placed?

An obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) trained health worker is the one stop place for an IUD. Fast the obstetrician takes your medical history and you should have a pelvic exam. Then IUD is inserted after the pelvic exam. The IUD is inserted through the vagina and the cervix and then into the uterus.

Do I feel any pain while the IUD is being inserted?

-When the  IUD is being inserted it may cause some temporary discomfort. Taking painkiller relief medication such as ibuprofen before or after placement may help.

-The IUD has strings made of thin plastic threads. obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) will use the strings to remove the IUD when you decide to stop using it. After placement, the strings are trimmed so that they extend just past the cervix into your vagina.

-The strings should not bother you since are not painful. However,  in rare cases, your sexual partner may feel them during sex. If this happens and it is a concern, your health care professional may be able to trim the strings.

After how long will the IUD be effective? 

In case you what to use the hormonal IUD, it should be inserted more than 7 days after the start of your menstrual period. You should avoid intercourse or use a backup method, such as a condom, for the next 7 days. If it is fewer than 7 days since the start of your menstrual period, you do not need to use a backup method.

In case you are using a copper IUD, it protects against pregnancy right away and you do not have to use a backup method or avoid intercourse.

Effects of IUDs

• Well, everything that has an advantage must also have a disadvantage. Some of its effects are 
• Heavy bleeding.
• Painful period.Spotting.
• Headache.
• nausea.
• breast tenderness.
• mood changes.

Benefits of IUDs

• The IUD is easy to use. Once it's inserted you have nothing to worry about. 

• The IUD IS NOT visible. No one can tell that you are using birth control.
• It does not interfere with sex or daily activities. 
• It can be inserted immediately after an abortion, a miscarriage, or childbirth. It can be used while breastfeeding.
• It is favorable to breastfeeding mothers since it does not interfere with milk production. 
• Almost all women are able to use an IUD since it does not have a lot of side effects mostly non-hormonal ones.
• If you want to get pregnant or if you want to stop using it, you can have the IUD removed. 
• The hormonal IUDs help decrease menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding when used for quite a long time.

Risks of using IUD.

• Severe pelvic pain.
• Unexplained fever.

• Unusual vaginal discharge.

• Feeling the IUD in the cervix or vagina.

•  Pregnancy: positive home pregnancy test, missed menstrual period, or other signs of pregnancy. in addition to a missed period, such as nausea or breast tenderness.

How is the IUD removed?

The IUD is removed by a healthcare professional during a pelvic exam. The strings are grasped with an instrument and used to gently pull out the IUD. Removal of an IUD usually takes less time than IUD placement and it is less painful only a little discomfort.

Types of Contraceptives

• The Condom.
• The Oral Contraceptive Pill.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD).
• The Contraceptive Implant. 
• The Contraceptive Injection.
• Emergency Contraception Pill (The 'Morning After' Pill).
• Contraceptive Ring.
• Diaphragm.