Hormonal methods of contraception

Hormonal methods of contraception

Hormonal methods of contraception

Due to the variety of options available, woman experienced difficulty in which birth control method to use. In order to choose which the best one is, some factors are to consider. Affordability, convenience, efficacy, duration of action, advantages, side effects and protection from sexually transmitted diseases are some of these. Each woman, including their partners can decide which method to use. Hormonal contraception contains estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only.

Hormonal contraceptives can interfere with the normal monthly cycle when taken correctly. It works by: (1) preventing the lining of the womb from growing to avoid

implantation, (2) thickening the mucus in the cervix so it will be difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus, (3) preventing ovulation.  Some of the hormonal contraceptive available for women includes combined oral contraceptive pill, progesterone-only pill, contraceptive patches, injections, implants, vaginal contraceptive ring and intrauterine device (IUD).

Oral contraceptives are in a tablet form that has two types. First, the combined oral contraceptive pill (or “the pill”). It contains two hormones – progesterone and estrogen. The combined oral contraceptive can help manage menstrual cramps or pain (dysmenorrhea), iron-deficiency anemia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian and endometrial cancer. Second is progesterone-only pill (or the “mini pill”). This is recommended by the physicians if the woman is not suitable to take the combined pill. This is also safe for breastfeeding mothers.

The contraceptive patches are worn for three weeks on the upper arm, abdomen, hip, upper back or shoulder, and should be replaced weekly. During the fourth week, no patch is worn and the menstrual period occurs. Similar to oral contraceptives, skin patches contain estrogen and progesterone that is released in the bloodstream.

Injectable birth control is a hormone injection that contains estrogen and progesterone and provides long-lasting contraception. It is injected into the buttocks or upper arm once every three months. It prevents pregnancy immediately and is safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, long-acting injections can cause irregular periods.

An implant is made of narrow flexible rods and is inserted under the skin into the upper inner arm. It constantly releases progestin that provides three years protection from pregnancy. It is considered to be one of the most effective methods of birth control for it is of use within 24 hours of insertion. Side effects are mood changes, breast tenderness and headache.

Intrauterine devices are made of plastic T-shaped that is placed in the uterus. It releases progesterone that can protect from pregnancy for up to five years. Though it is not affected by other medicines, it can cause uterine infection in the first 20 days after insertion.

Hormonal birth control does not increase the risk of infertility. The effect of the contraception varies on some individual factors including the length of time to become pregnant after the use of hormonal method of birth control.