CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS

Which Contraceptive Method can I use?

A pregnancy is a decision and an option. All people have the right to plan their family and decide if they want to have children or not, how many and when to have them. The use of contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections is also a right.

We invite you to know all the contraceptive methods that exist, the proper way to use them and the importance of the correct and consistent use of the condom as a double protection method , because only you are responsible for ASSUMING THE CONTROL OF YOUR SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH. Contraceptive methods will be part of the tools so that your life plan is fulfilled as you want, and you can live your life before giving life to another being.

The more you know about the contraceptive options available to you, the better you can make an informed decision about which one meets your needs. Used correctly, all are highly effective contraceptives that offer more than 99 percent reliability ... But which method is best suited to your life and your needs? Compare its most important characteristics with the frequency of actions that you require. Consult with your trusted doctor to guide you on these options. Do you know where to go? Here you have options.

According to Article 50 of the LOPNNA, from 14 years of age you have the right to ask for a sexual and reproductive health consultation for you and to respect your confidentiality.

Remember that ... The male contraceptive methods already approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are condoms and vasectomy. All the others that have been mentioned as injections or pills are in an experimental phase, they do not exist, there is not in Venezuela. (They usually sell injections for women as a male contraceptive, which will have no protective effect).

Implants

The hormonal contraceptive implant offers women three or five years of protection against an unplanned pregnancy. Once inserted correctly, it does not require any daily action on the part of the user and is very reliable. Nothing to remember, Nothing to forget! It contains a progestogen hormone called etonogestrel and does not contain estrogen. 99% effectiveness

APPLICATION

The hormonal contraceptive implant is approximately 4 cm long and 2 mm thick. It is a soft flexible plastic rod. The implant is placed under the skin on the upper arm by your doctor. Usually, the implant is placed or removed by a minor outpatient procedure in your doctor's office. A mild anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort for both insertion and extraction. Most women can not see the implant after insertion. Only you and your doctor will know that you are using it. Once inserted, the implant can be left in place for up to three years, although it can be removed earlier, if desired.

EFFECT

The implant prevents pregnancy in different ways. The most important is suspending the release of an ovum from the ovary. It also changes the mucus in the cervix, which allows it to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus and changes the lining of the uterus, so that an egg is not nested or implanted.

DISADVANTAGES

Possible changes in the bleeding pattern \ u2013 the bleeding tends to be irregular \

Not suitable in case of acute thrombosis, embolism or severe liver disease

Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

It can not be placed on overweight women

Not recommended for women with a history of ovarian cysts or breast nodules

ADVANTAGE

Up to three or five years of continuous contraception

Very reliable method

Low dose of hormone

Suitable in cases of intolerance to estrogen

Discreet

Immediately reversible

Vaginal Ring

The contraceptive ring offers you one month of protection against an unwanted pregnancy. Imagine just having to think about contraception once a month! And also: The ring releases hormones directly through the walls of the vagina without going through the gastrointestinal tract. This allows the dose of hormone delivered by the ring to be lower than that provided by the pill and means that gastrointestinal disorders do not reduce the reliability of this contraceptive method. 99% effectiveness

APPLICATION

It could not be simpler: The contraceptive ring is flexible and measures around 5.4 cm in diameter, placed by the woman herself in the vagina as if it were a tampon. The exact position of the ring in the vagina is not important for it to be effective. Stays in place for three weeks; then it is extracted. Exactly one week later, a new ring is placed. During the seven-day break without a ring, most women experience bleeding. 

This soft, flexible and comfortable ring is easy to attach and remove.

EFFECT

In the vagina, the ring continuously releases low doses of the hormones estrogen and progestogen, thus preventing ovulation. In addition, it also makes the mucus of the cervix thicker, thus preventing the passage of sperm to the uterus.

DISADVANTAGES

It is not suitable for smokers older than 35 years, women with high blood pressure, tendency to thrombosis or liver disease

Rarely: Foreign body sensation inside the vagina

Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

ADVANTAGE

It is used only once a month

As easy to place as a tampon

As reliable as the pill

Low dose of hormone

Good cycle control

Gastrointestinal disorders do not impact their reliability

Decreases the risk of uterine cancer

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception is also known as the pill of the day after. 

If your condom broke ... 

If you had an unprotected sexual relationship ... 

If you forgot two or more pills ...

You still have options to continue having control of your life: Remember that there is Emergency Contraception. Emergency Contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancy because it prevents or delays ovulation, if you take it as soon as possible after the unprotected relationship. The faster you take it better: Its effectiveness is 95% if you take it the first day, 85% if you take it the second day and 58% if you take it the third day.

You can not use it every month as a routine contraceptive because its doses are high and its effectiveness is lower than that of other contraceptive methods. You should use it only in case of emergency. Experts from the World Health Organization clarify that the mode of action of the emergency pill is to prevent ovulation. No effect on the uterus or progesterone level has been detected if there is ovulation. It is NOT abortive.

Effectiveness: varies between 85% and 90%

Female Condom

The great advantage of the female condom is that it can be placed up to 8 hours before having sex, so it is not necessary to interrupt the sexual act.

Women are 4 times more vulnerable to HIV infection than men; The area of ​​the female genitalia exposed to semen and other sexual fluids is larger than that of a man. In addition, semen contains more viruses than vaginal fluids. Despite this, women have very little control over choosing a way to protect themselves. The female condom, which is put in the vagina, can give a woman more control in protecting herself and her partner. The female condom makes it possible for women to make a decision about condom use.

The female condom is made of polyurethane and have no side effects. Polyurethane is not affected by changes in temperature and is also stronger than latex. This condom is wider than the male condom and has two rings, an open ring and a closed ring. The female condom protects more against STIs because it covers a large part of the female genitals and the base of the penis. The price of a female condom is higher than a male condom: polyurethane is a more expensive material than latex and manufacturing is more expensive.

Always put a condom before each penetration (can be up to 8 hours before). Verify that the packaging is not damaged and that the expiration date is not passed.

Male Condom

The condom or condom is the ideal method, since it fulfills a dual function: it protects you from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (HPV that causes cancer of the uterus and penis, Chlamydia that causes infertility and miscarriage, HIV and Hepatitis B and C that are only transmitted sexually, among others).

Effectiveness 98%

THE CONDOM, IN ADDITION TO PROTECTING YOU BY DOUBLE DEGREE, OFFERS YOU MANY OTHER ADVANTAGES:

You gain time to satisfy your partner: The main consultation in adolescents is about premature ejaculation. The female sexual response is slower than that of man. Be a good lover: Using a condom will allow her to have better lubrication, and may help you to control yourself better to delay your ejaculation a bit. In fact, there are condoms with retardants to prolong pleasure.

It can be used together with other contraceptive methods, so you will enjoy the peace of mind that you are doubly protected. There are condoms with flavors for oral sex. Does not merit a prescription. Using contraceptives increases the pleasure in your sexual relationships, since you will feel free of fears.

#PLAFAMTIPS:

Remove the condom with the erect penis to prevent the semen from spilling.

Use the condom in ALL sexual relationships, regardless of the day of the cycle. Failures occur when couples try to calculate the supposed fertile days: recent studies have shown that sperm can last up to 32 days in the fluid of the woman's tubes and that there are regular women who ovulate up to three times on different days in a cycle.

If you are going to use a lubricant with a condom that is water-based, not oil-based.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

Plastic device, (sometimes with an alloy of copper or silver), which is placed in the uterus, whose mechanism of action consists of thickening the cervical mucus and generating an inadequate environment for the mobility and vitality of the sperm, in order to avoid fertilization.

Effectiveness 98%

New criteria of the World Health Organization (2009) and the CDC, Center for Disease Control (USA, 2010) consider that the IUD is an acceptable option for young people who have not had babies. It has been shown in a study, conducted by the World Health Organization in 23,000 patients, that the IUD does not cause infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. On the contrary, the IUD called Mirena prevents pelvic inflammatory disease (Committee of Experts of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2007, Toivin 1991)

HOW IS AN IUD PLACED?

The doctor places the IUD inside the uterus, in the office, in a procedure that lasts less than 5 minutes and does not require anesthesia. The IUD can be placed immediately after delivery and is safe during breastfeeding.

ADVANTAGE:

It's economic.

It can last up to 10 years.

DISADVANTAGES:

In some women, menstrual bleeding may increase.

Contraceptive injection

Monthly contraceptive injections contain a dose of a progestin hormone and an estrogen hormone, and quarterly contraceptive injections contain a fairly high dose of a progestogen hormone, similar to the natural progestogen produced in the ovaries. Because with these methods the hormone is injected into the body, any side effects can continue as long as the injection lasts and sometimes longer. 

99% effectiveness

APPLICATION

The hormone is injected into a muscle, usually the woman's buttocks, although it can be injected into the leg or arm. After the injection, the hormones are gradually released into the bloodstream. The injection must be repeated every month or every three months. The first time should be placed before the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.

EFFECT

The injections act mainly by inhibiting ovulation, but also thicken the mucus of the cervix and thin the lining of the uterus.

DISADVANTAGES

The injections must be administered by a doctor.

The return of fertility may be delayed for up to one year after injections have been suspended in the case of quarterly injections.

Irregular and unpredictable bleeding

Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

ADVANTAGE

You do not have to think about contraception as long as the injection lasts

Quarterly injections, by releasing only progestogen can be used during lactation

Gastrointestinal disorders do not affect you

Quarterly injections are suitable for women who can not take estrogen

It is a very discreet and safe method

With very low probability of forgetting

It may be that you do not have menstruation, but do not worry because this does not affect your health at all

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is an outpatient surgery that is done to interrupt the passage of sperm through the tubes and prevent the occurrence of fertilization. In PLAFAM it is done by laparoscopy. Under anesthesia, the surgeon will barely make one or two small incisions in the abdomen, usually around the navel, and with the help of a tiny camera will perform the procedure in less than 30 minutes.

Tubal ligation can be done immediately after having a baby. Tubal ligation is recommended for women who are sure they do not want another pregnancy. Although if you change your mind in the future and want to have another baby, there are two options: tubal recanalization and in vitro fertilization.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REALIZATION OF THE TRUMPEL BLOCK ARE:

Gynecological Consultation (Compulsory in PLAFAM)

Cytology (Valid, no more than two months)

Eco Transvaginal (TV)

Pre-Operative Profile (Fasting urine sample, before 9:00 a.m.)

Cardiovascular Evaluation (External Medicine, Monday and Friday attention)

Psychological evaluation (one month)

X-ray of the thorax (external)

Pregnancy test (Perform it 3 days before the intervention)

You are the author of your life. You have the right to autonomy, you have the right to decide about your body. The only one who has to sign the consent to make the ligature is you.

Within a few days, you can begin to fully live your sexual relationships, without worrying more about whether you are ovulating or if you forgot to take the pill or buy condoms. When we are calm we have better orgasms.

Vasectomy

It is a minor surgery that is done in the office to cut the vas deferens, which are the ones that carry the sperm to the outside. After the vasectomy, the sperm continue to be produced, but they do not come out with the semen. The immune system is responsible for reabsorbing or eliminating them. The semen will be examined in the weeks after the operation to verify that it does not contain sperm.

Vasectomy is done using local anesthesia, with which you will be awake but you will not feel any pain and you will be able to return to your home immediately. Vasectomy does NOT affect a man's ability to have an erection or orgasm, or to ejaculate semen. It is considered that the complications are practically nonexistent. Vasectomy is recommended for men who are sure they do NOT want to have more children. Although if you change your mind in the future and want to have children, there are two options: recanalization of the vas deferens and in vitro fertilization. Most couples are satisfied with vasectomy and enjoy the fact that they do not have to use more contraceptive methods.

There are no excuses! Vasectomy is much simpler than tubal ligation.

Hormone patch

The hormonal patch is the only weekly method of contraception. Like the combination pill, it releases both estrogen and progestin, although women should know that their exposure to estrogen is slightly higher than with the combined low-dose pills (estrogen and progestogen).

APPLICATION

The patch 4.5 x 4.5 cm applies directly to the skin clean and dry the woman herself. It should be pressed firmly on the patch with the palm of the hand for 10 seconds to ensure that the edges adhere well and thereafter check every day to make sure all edges are adhered. The patch can be placed on the buttocks, abdomen, upper arm, or upper torso - except for the breasts. The patch is replaced seven days later, and after three patches, patch is not used for a week during which menstruation occurs. Then, a new application cycle begins.

EFFECT

The patch has a contraceptive effect due to the hormones estrogen and progestogen, which pass to the blood through the skin. This combination of hormones not only prevents ovulation from happening, but also changes the thickness of the cervical mucus that blocks the entry of sperm!

DISADVANTAGES

Not suitable for smokers and / or over 35 years, women with high blood pressure, tendency to thrombosis or disease

Contraceptive pills - Daily contraception The combined pill

Doctors call the classic pill "combination pill" because it contains small amounts of two hormones: estrogen and progestogen. It is the contraceptive that most people really mean when they refer to the pill.

APPLICATION

It is usually taken daily for three weeks, followed by a week without a pill during which suppression bleeding usually occurs. Ideally, it should be taken at the same time every day although a delay of 12 hours does not affect its reliability. However, a delay greater than 12 hours requires the temporary use of another contraceptive (condom).

EFFECT

Its most important mechanism of action is the inhibition of ovulation (egg release), but also increases the thickness of the mucus of the cervix and thinning the lining of the uterus.

DISADVANTAGES

Requires medical prescription.

It is taken daily.

It is not suitable for smokers and / or over 35 years, women with high blood pressure, tendency to thrombosis or liver disease.

Gastrointestinal disorders can impact their reliability.

Sometimes it can cause bleeding between periods.

ADVANTAGE

Very effective and easy to use.

It improves acne and hirsutism (excessive hairiness).

It protects against certain types of cancer.

Decreases menstrual pain.

Does not interfere with the sexual act

Contraceptive pills - Daily contraception The pill without estrogen

The pill without estrogen is as reliable as the combined pill but only contains small amounts of a progestogen (75 ug of Desogestrel). The absence of estrogen makes it suitable for women who are breastfeeding, who are intolerant to estrogen or who experience side effects related to estrogen with the combined pill.

APPLICATION

The pill without estrogen is taken daily without interruption, which results in a very easy-to-use pill. Ideally, it should be taken at the same time every day although a delay of 12 hours does not affect its reliability. However, a delay greater than 12 hours requires the temporary use of another contraceptive (Condom).

ADVANTAGES OF THE EFFECT

It is the first and only pill without estrogen that offers a constant inhibition of ovulation. Studies indicate that it is very reliable.

ADVANTAGE

Very trustful.

It does not contain estrogen.

It can be used during lactation.

It can be used by women who can not tolerate estrogen.

DISADVANTAGES

Irregular and unpredictable bleeding

Gastrointestinal disorders can impact their reliability.

It should be taken every day.