Spermicides - chemicals, causing immobilization of sperm, destruction of the membrane (shell) of sperm, thickening of cervical mucus, reducing their mobility and ability to fertilize an egg, since they contain surfactants (nonoxynol) and inhibitors of active enzymes. Spermicides prevent the development of STDs. The main active ingredients in modern spermicide production are: benzoconium chloride, octoxynol, menfegol. However, there are contraceptives as active component which use nonoxynol and other drugs. Nonoxynol can kill gonococci, a virus herpes simplex, Trichomonas and there is evidence that it can prevent HIV infection. In previous years, reports appeared about the possibility of damage to the epithelium of the vagina and rectum during prolonged and frequent use nonoxynol, and therefore it is not recommended for use for the prevention of STDs.

The time of contraceptive protection of modern spermicides and their effectiveness last from 15 minutes to 1-8 hours from the start of use and depend on the form of release (tablets, cream, foam, etc.). Within 2 hours before and after sexual intercourse, intimate toilet must be performed without using regular soap(due to the risk of destruction of the active substance).

Inserting spermicidal cream into the vagina using a special applicator

When using creams and gels, they should be used either independently or in combination with a vaginal diaphragm or cervical cap. In this case, the efficiency of use increases significantly. Spermicides are also used with condoms, which provides greater contraceptive effect and protection against STDs.

Spermicide release forms: aerosols (foam), pastes, gels, creams, vaginal foam tablets, vaginal foam suppositories, soluble suppositories, soluble films, sponges.

varieties of spermicide release forms and barrier methods of contraception with which chemical methods are effectively combined

Advantages of using CMC:

• prevention of STDs and absence of systemic effects;
• possibility of use in women of reproductive and premenopausal age;
• use for a long time;
• Possibility of combination with other methods of contraception.

Disadvantages of using CMC:

• the need to adhere to a 15-minute interval before sexual intercourse to administer spermicide;
• deferment hygiene procedures(not earlier than 6 hours after sexual intercourse).

When using spermicides, side effects may occur in the form of irritation of the mucous membranes and allergic reactions for spermicide. The use of spermicides in the form vaginal tablets And vaginal suppositories(benzalkonium chloride) are administered no later than 10 minutes before sexual intercourse to ensure uniform distribution of the drug, and their duration of action is 3-4 hours. Candles containing quinosol, tannin and boric acid, act for 1-2 hours, from the moment of insertion of the suppository it is not recommended to get up or sit down. The drug should not be used if one of the partners is HIV-infected, since there is no data on its antiviral effect.

Vaginal cream is administered before sexual intercourse in a lying position using a dispenser applicator; the effect of the drug lasts 10 hours. It is both a spermicide and an antiseptic and does not affect normal microflora vagina and hormonal cycle. All vaginal irrigation or washing with soap and water is contraindicated, since soap destroys the active substance of the drug. When using creams, external toilet of the genital organs is only possible clean water. Mandatory introduction new tablet, suppository or portions of cream in case of repeated sexual intercourse. Women who use BMCs should not leave them in the vagina for more than 24 hours. It is not allowed to use BMK during menstruation.

Features of the choice of spermicides:

• foamy vaginal tablets, capsules and suppositories are easy to store and transport, but require a 15-minute wait after administration before sexual intercourse;
• spermicidal gels are usually used only in combination with a vaginal diaphragm;
• aerosols (foams) are effective immediately after administration; they are recommended if spermicide is used in isolation (without another method of contraception).

Indications for the use of spermicides:

• reluctance or presence of contraindications for the use of hormonal methods (for example, women who smoke, over 35 years of age);
• reluctance or contraindications for using an IUD;
• breastfeeding with the need to use additional contraceptive methods;
  a woman’s desire to have protection from STDs against the background of her partner’s reluctance to use a condom;
• the need to use a temporary method while selecting another contraceptive;
• the need for an additional contraceptive method;
• low frequency of sexual intercourse.

Contraindications for the use of spermicides:

• age, number of births in history, or health problems of the woman that make pregnancy extremely dangerous (help to choose a highly effective method);
• difficulties in application;
• allergy to spermicides;
• genital abnormalities;
• a woman’s desire to use a highly effective method of contraception;
• the couple’s reluctance to use the method according to the instructions during each sexual intercourse.

Contraceptive effect: 82% with correct and regular use.

Literature: Modern methods pregnancy planning / G.I. Reznichenko, A.B. Gordeychuk, N.Yu. Reznichenko. - Kyiv: RVH Queen, 2012.

About 90 out of 100 cases could be prevented. However, women for some reason do not want or cannot use contraceptives. Often patients are simply not sufficiently informed about what reliable methods of birth control are available. Today's article will tell you about them.

How to choose a contraceptive?

If your immediate plans do not include having children, then it is worth finding out what methods of birth control are available. A lot of products have now been developed for women. Some of them are based on correction hormonal levels, others relate to barrier methods. Some contraceptives may also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Some drugs are suitable only for women who have given birth, while others are preferable for those with irregular sex life.

To choose the right methods of birth control (for women), you need to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe an examination for you. After this - taking into account individual characteristics - the specialist will offer you several suitable ways. You can choose one or more of them. Next, you can learn how to protect yourself from unwanted conception.

Hormonal drugs: COCs, patches and others

What methods of birth control for women are considered the safest? Experts say that when using hormonal drugs, the chance of unexpected conception is almost zero.

There are several types. Before choosing one or another remedy, you must undergo tests.

• Pills. There are different types: monophasic, biphasic, three-phase. Such drugs have many contraindications. They are not prescribed for diabetes, varicose veins, migraines, smoking and many diseases. You need to take the pills at the same time every day. Only in this case will the effect be expected.
• Plasters. Hormonal drugs of this type are used less frequently. These modern methods Pregnancy protection is considered quite expensive. One patch is used for 22 days. After this there is a week break. Then the scheme is repeated.
• Subcutaneous implants. Such contraceptives are used in cases where the use of patches or tablets is not possible. Capsules are sewn under the skin for up to several years. As a result, a woman does not have to bother with taking pills and gets rid of worries about unwanted conception.

All hormonal methods Pregnancy protection for women is based on one action. They stop the ovaries from working and prevent the release of an egg.

Barrier methods: condoms and vaginal devices

Most Popular barrier method is a condom. However, it is used by men, not women. A condom is placed on the penis before sexual intercourse. This method allows you to protect against all infections, including syphilis and HIV. Condoms are suitable for women who do not have a regular partner. They are also used as additional contraceptives. An alternative to such products would be

TO barrier agents protection can include various spermicidal contraceptives. These are candles, creams, gels or foams. They are used 10-15 minutes before sexual intercourse and are effective for 40 minutes. The drugs can protect against certain infections and have a bactericidal effect. However, not all microbes die from these agents. Besides long-term use spermicides can disrupt the vaginal microflora.

Natural Methods

Most dangerous methods protection from pregnancy - calendar calculation, interrupted sexual intercourse and some others. All of them are based on the woman’s feelings and assumptions. Often, representatives of the fairer sex who prefer these options end up pregnant.

• The essence of contact) is that the man ejaculates outside female body.
• contraception is used by women with regular cycle. Representatives of the fairer sex calculate the timing of ovulation and during this period refrain from intercourse.

TO natural ways protection may include tracking basal temperature, studying cervical mucus, and so on. Be that as it may, but this is a method of contraception not recommended by gynecologists.

Intrauterine devices

Reviews from experts about the use of IUDs say that this method of protection is proven and safe. But it is not recommended nulliparous women, since they require expansion during insertion of the device cervical canal. Intrauterine devices do not allow the fertilized egg to attach to the surface of the endometrium, even in the event of conception. Therefore, there is a guarantee of a contraceptive effect.

Reviews from some women about the IUD say that they managed to get pregnant even with the device installed. Such conception is considered pathological and in most cases ends in miscarriage.

Postcoital remedies

After the act? In such situations, modern post-coital methods of contraception come to the rescue. Drugs are produced in tablets: “Mifegin”, “Postinor”, ​​“Escapelle” and so on. They should be taken no later than three days after intercourse. The drugs are contraindicated in liver failure, smoking, thrombosis.

The action of the drugs is based on stopping the production of progesterone and separating the endometrium from the lining of the uterus. Such medications should be used only in emergency cases. They are not suitable for permanent birth control. Side effects of the drugs include nausea, abdominal pain, hormonal imbalances, and so on.

Emergency methods of contraception include the installation of an intrauterine device. It has already been discussed above. In this case, you need to meet the deadline of 5 days. If during this time you manage to carry out the manipulation, then the probability of pregnancy will be close to zero. But it is worth remembering that before such a procedure it is necessary to undergo tests. Some studies take more than five days.

Traditional methods

Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers also knew how not to get pregnant after intercourse. For this, various folk remedies and recipes were used. But modern gynecologists are against such “amateur activities.” The ineffectiveness of such methods has long been proven. But for general information, it’s worth talking about them.

• Douching. Potassium permanganate is used as the basis of the solution for insertion into the vagina, citric acid and aspirin tablets. All these components are diluted in water. It is assumed that the liquid radically changes the microflora and acidity in the vagina. This is why sperm cannot survive.
• Another “grandmother’s” method of protection is loading dose vitamin C. It has long been known that this method can bring menstruation closer. It is believed that after unprotected sex, vitamin C can prevent conception.
• In ancient times, before sexual intercourse, women inserted a slice of lemon into the vagina. Acidic environment did not allow capable sperm to penetrate into the uterine cavity.

In conclusion

Modern medicine offers couples a variety of contraceptives. They are selected individually, taking into account all your characteristics and wishes. If a woman has hormonal disease, then some medications can help eliminate it. Be sure to visit a gynecologist and choose the method that is right for you. By using contraceptives, you can protect yourself from abortion and its complications. Approach this issue responsibly and take care of yourself!

Sexual intercourse is a connecting link between a woman and a man, between whom there is sympathy and feelings for each other. At a certain stage of a relationship, the question of the need for contraception arises, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy or to protect health. The modern industry of such products offers a wide selection of all kinds of contraceptives, which vary in numerous parameters.

As for men, the list of means and methods of contraception is extremely small, which cannot be said about the opposite sex. Due to the complex structure of the female reproductive system and individual anatomical features, contraceptives may differ in their level of effectiveness, method of application, mechanism of protection, and also have a number of contraindications and side effects. But can give a 100% guarantee best method contraception - lack of sexual intercourse.

What types of contraceptives are there?

In order to pick up best contraceptives for women, you should visit a medical specialist, and also read the recommendations from World Organization health protection. All means and methods of protection can be divided into two groups - female contraceptives, as well as male contraceptives.

The best contraceptives for women

Most of the responsibility for planning and achieving pregnancy, as well as for preventing unplanned pregnancies, rests with women. Today, the contraceptive industry allocates the following types contraceptives for them:

1. Natural ways to prevent pregnancy, namely calculating the ovulation period when a woman’s body prepares for fertilization. To do this, you can carry out the following measures- use a calendar, measure periodically basal temperature, monitor the nature of cervical mucus.

• Advantages: minimum costs, no effect on the body and health, no contraindications or side effects.
• Disadvantages: low efficiency and accuracy, lack of protection against sexually transmitted diseases, the need for discipline and constant counting of days.

1. Lactational amenorrhea method, which assumes physiological processes, during which the hormone prolactin prevents ovulation from occurring. To do this, a woman needs to breastfeed her baby 8-9 times a day. This is why women during lactation do not experience menstruation, which means they cannot get pregnant.

• Pros: 99% accuracy, no connection with sexual intercourse, the technique helps the uterus restore contractility after childbirth, prevents breast cancer, is beneficial for the baby, and also does not require financial investment.
• Disadvantages: the technique is valid only for six months after childbirth, it does not prevent sexual ailments.

1. Barrier types of protection or local contraceptives:

• Condom for women- a polyurethane cover that is inserted into the vagina for a period of 7-8 hours, preventing pregnancy and sexual diseases. Cons - low level efficiency, high price, discomfort during use.
• Caps and diaphragms- rubber contraceptives, which a specialist places on the cervix, thereby mechanically preventing sperm and bacteria from entering the genitals. Disadvantages - presence of contraindications, need to consult a doctor.
• Spermicides- suppositories and tampons, tablets, aerosols and gels, the composition of which involves the presence of spermicide, that is, a chemical component that envelops the cervix, destroying sperm. Pros - moisturizing antimicrobial effect, a local safe effect that does not disrupt the hormonal levels and microflora of the genital organs. Cons - 70% protection against pregnancy, side effects in the form of burning and itching, the effect of the product lasts 1-2 hours, lack of protection against sexual diseases.

1. Hormonal agents- the best contraceptives, according to gynecologists, for young women and women over 40 years old, namely birth control pills, the composition of which involves the presence of two hormones - progestogen and estrogen. Two of these hormones not only suppress the ovulation process, but also reduce the motility of sperm that enter the vagina.

• Pros - effectiveness of 99.8% protection against pregnancy, regulation menstrual cycle, oncoprotective effectiveness, improvement of the skin.
• Cons - big list contraindications, as well as side effects, the need for strict systematic use of pills, cost, impact on libido.

1. Alternative hormonal contraceptives or new generation contraceptives, which involve other ways of taking estrogen and progestogen:

• vaginal ring, which is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks, after which it is removed for a week for menstruation (pros - lack of systematic use, cons - discomfort on the part of the sexual partner);
• hormonal patches- the product is attached to the cleansed skin of the shoulder, upper torso or buttock, three patches for three weeks, after which a week break is taken at the time of menstruation (pros - local effect, the product can be used by young women even after 35 years, cons - inaccuracy in dosages , inaccuracy in the level of protection against pregnancy);
• hormonal implant- a silicone capsule is inserted under the skin layer, after which the woman is protected from pregnancy for a period of 3-5 years (pros - long term protection, disadvantages - the product is contraindicated for a girl who has not given birth, it can cause allergies).

1. Progestogen contraception, the best way of protection for women who are breastfeeding. It's about about tablets and solutions that are administered intramuscularly. The tablets must be taken strictly every evening at the same time for three weeks in a row, after which a week-long break is taken. The injection has an immediate effect, which lasts for another 2-3 months. The disadvantages of injections are possible weight gain of up to 2-3 kg, lack of menstruation, and inability to become pregnant for 6-12 months.
2. Intrauterine birth control contraceptives - a plastic flexible frame with copper winding and copper sleeves, as well as a special vaginal coil. This drug is administered only by a gynecologist, after which it becomes impossible for the fertilized egg to attach; in addition, the spiral guarantees a hormonal contraceptive effect. Intrauterine contraceptives can be used only after childbirth; they are prohibited for women who have not given birth.

• Pros - long validity period of 3-5 years, inexpensive cost, no effect on the body.
• Disadvantages: painful and heavy periods, lack of protection against sexually transmitted diseases, complications of existing diseases.

1. Sterilization surgically - the best method due to 100% protection against unwanted pregnancy, but a completely irreversible process. Experts advise resorting to this method only for women over 35 years of age.

Male contraception

To date medical practice involves such types of contraceptives for men as condoms and surgical sterilization.

• Condoms- the best method of protection for men due to its ease of use and accessibility. The advantages of a condom are 100% accurate protection against pregnancy and any sexual diseases, low cost, no contraindications or side effects. Disadvantages - reduced sensitivity of the penis, the possibility of developing allergies.
• Sterilization- a vasectomy with the help of a surgeon who ties the man's vas deferens, after which the ejaculate does not receive sperm. Pros - 99% protection against pregnancy, no effect on erection and potency. Disadvantages: the procedure is irreversible.

Regardless of gender and age, no one other than a doctor can choose better suitable look contraception. Medical specialist will be able to advise on contraindications, features and risks of each product. Most of these options can only be used after examination and testing of the patient.

So, the best method of contraception is

As for what is the best contraceptive method for men, everything is simple. Condoms are considered the only option used, although they have a number of disadvantages. Sterilization is the most effective, but doctors can approve such a radical method only if there are compelling reasons for it. It must be remembered that there is no reversal of a vasectomy. if a man has become infertile, restore reproductive function will be impossible.

As for women, from the huge list of types of contraceptives, you can make a small rating of the most popular and effective means protection:

• most exact way protection against pregnancy is hormonal;
• the most versatile and conservative method contraception - a natural method of birth control and a method of lactational amenorrhea;
• the most popular method of protection among women is spermicides;
• 100% protection against pregnancy - sterilization.

Pick up best ways protection from unwanted pregnancy, as well as diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse, is possible, taking into account the doctor’s recommendations, age and individual characteristics of the body, state of health, hormonal levels and the functioning of the genitourinary system.

Rating of contraceptives by level of protection against pregnancy

You can also help in choosing a reliable means of contraception based on the percentage of reliability of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Experts have studied all types of male and feminine products contraception, after which the following top list was compiled:

• 100% - sterilization;
• 99.4% - “Evra” patch;
• 99% - NuvaRing ring;
• 98% - condoms;
• 97% - postcoital pills;
• 96.5-97% - hormonal injections;
• 95% - female condoms;
• 85-95% - diaphragms and caps;
• 75-80% - chemical contraceptives (tampons, creams and vaginal suppositories);
• 75-80% - intrauterine devices.

It must be remembered that the predetermining factor in choosing a protective device should not be its percentage of protection. Only the doctor's recommendations and examination of the patient can find an option that will not provide negative impact on the body.

Be the first to comment

First a mystery. Let's say you have a hundred women. Of these, you gave a third into sexual slavery to the editorial office of the magazine (by the way, thank you). And of this third, another third are black. Attention, question: what is the Pearl index? Right. This is an index of failures, showing how many women out of a hundred, using the chosen means of protection for a year, will eventually become pregnant. The lower it is, the better remedy. For example, for condoms this index is up to 12, which is quite a lot. What does black concubines have to do with it, you ask. Yes, the image is beautiful.

We collected the data on the Pearl index in a table, and described the remaining pros and cons of all known contraceptives (both male and female) in detail.

1. Condoms

Better than anything they protect against infections. Efficiency - 85-90% (less only for mycoplasmosis and herpes).

Safe, even indifferent to health, if you are not allergic to latex.

They need to be bought, kept in your pocket and put on on time (according to the Sanders-Graham-Crosby study, 50% of women do not have this skill: they put their partner in protection after the start of the act).

There is nothing to add to what has been said. Just to get a little boring. According to science, to achieve an impressive 95% effectiveness of a condom, you need to:
● inspect the condom packaging for damage;
● do not put it on inside out...
● ...and on the erect penis, to the end (follow me, Beavis, we said “end”!);
● always leave a spout at the end to collect sperm (you will be surprised, but this actually somehow increases the effectiveness of your latex friend);
● use only water-based lubricants ( butter leave it to the heroes of “Tango in Paris”).

2. Barrier contraception

In our editorial office, full of hypocrites, and even Old Believers, there was not a person who could, without embarrassment, write down all the words of the expert on female contraception Tatyana Kaznacheeva, Ph.D., Associate Professor of the Department reproductive medicine and surgery FPDO MGMSU. Therefore, warn your woman: it is better not to get information about candles and sponges from men's magazine and not even from a woman’s point of view, but from a conversation with a personal gynecologist. However, we learned something. The diaphragm and the female condom, according to Tatyana, have not taken root in our country, despite the fact that “this rare condom, due to its larger surface area, is capable of protecting against STIs to a greater extent than the male one.” Well, as for spermicidal products (creams, vaginal tablets and suppositories), their only advantage is their availability. There are at least three disadvantages.

Spermicides can cause irritation and allergies not only for her, but also for you.

They are so ineffective that young anemones are not recommended to use them at all due to frequent misfires.

Most products need to be administered 20–30 minutes before the act and renewed with each subsequent one, and this is not always convenient.

3. Vasectomy

This method, with a stretch, can also be considered a barrier method, only the barrier to the sperm is not foam tablets and latex, but your surgically tied vas deferens. Vasectomy does not affect sperm count, which is something that lovers of sperm count will appreciate.

Contraception is always with you, it does not require you to download new firmware or generally take care of its maintenance.

A vasectomy is only suitable if you have already had some children. Because it may not work out anymore...

- ...since reconstructive surgery is a procedure several orders of magnitude more complex than basic knot tying. Its result is unpredictable. It often happens that it is completely impossible.

4. Female sterilization

Almost one hundred percent effective.

One operation for life.

It is regulated by law and even in our liberal (ha ha) country it is prohibited for nulliparous women under 35 years of age.

A real operation - with preparation, hospitalization, anesthesia.

Conditionally irreversible. Reconstructive surgery possible, but there are a lot of reservations.

There is, however, a method of reversible sterilization, when in the mouth fallopian tubes spiral-shaped devices are introduced, making it impossible for the egg and sperm to rendezvous. But this method is not widespread in our country, to put it mildly.

5. COC tablets

Few side effects. With continuous use for two years or more, they reduce the likelihood of developing various female diseases. No new ones are added.

Long history of observations and quality control: tablets have been used in the civilized world for 50 years.

They require daily intake and, as a result, the presence of a certain amount of gray matter in a woman’s head. If the dosage regimen is violated, COCs lose effectiveness.

They are not subject to strict male control: it is impossible to understand by the type of pills what your woman is drinking - contraceptives or glycine, which means that deception and intrigue are likely (well, suddenly).

Bad reputation: if your woman has decided that she will not “go on hormones,” then it will be logically impossible to convince her. Moreover, side effects like weight gain and headaches do happen even with the most modern wheels. True, noticeably less frequently than with “classical” drugs.

If your woman's prejudice only applies to the release form combined contraceptives, you can offer her a skin patch or vaginal ring. You don’t even have to blatantly lie that these remedies are more gentle and less hormonal. This is often true. Oh yes, there are also mini-pills! These do not contain estrogens at all, and besides, they are more harmless purely visually - due to their size.

Combined contraceptive male educational program

Gynecologist, Ph.D., Medical Adviser, MSD Pharmaceuticals LLC

COOK
Pills containing the female hormones estrogen and progesterone must be taken daily for three weeks, then take a week's break during which menstruation occurs. The main mechanism of action is suppression of egg maturation. There are tablets that do not contain estrogen; they contain analogues of progesterone (one of female hormones) and are as reliable as combination tablets. Such drugs may be recommended for breastfeeding women or those for whom estrogens are contraindicated. The tablets are often packaged in a blister with a picture of flowers, but this is not necessary. They look like any other small tablets.

Patch
It also contains analogues of two female sex hormones. The patch, measuring 4.5 by 4.5 cm, is self-adhered by the woman to a clean, dry butt. That is, sorry, skin. The mechanism of action is the suppression of ovulation. The color is beige and does not peel off by itself.

Flexible vaginal ring
Designed on the principle of a multilayer membrane. Continuously releases minimal (due to localization they should not be large) doses of estrogen and progestogen, which are absorbed into the blood through the mucous membrane of you know what. It couldn’t be simpler: a flexible ring with a diameter of 5.4 cm is inserted by the woman herself, you know where (following the example of a tampon). The location of the ring does not affect its effectiveness. The ring remains inside for three weeks, and, like a cat’s litter box, it’s best not to forget to change it. There is a one-week break between the removal of the old and the introduction of the new. The ring effectively suppresses the release of the egg. By the way, as private surveys show, some people really like it when their partner knows where (not in any of our articles has this bashful euphemism been repeated such a terrifying number of times. - Ed.) there is such a nice ring. This supposedly improves the sensation.

6. Injections and implants

The merciless need to take pills every day often leads to truly Zen riddles like “I forgot to take them for three days. Can I take three pills at once now?” In order not to answer endless questions from endless forum visitors, doctors came up with long-lasting solutions.

Long-term effect: 3 months for injections and up to 5 years for implants.

They do not require feats of self-discipline. Injections need to be done quite rarely, which the organizer or secretary will always remind you of - after all, she is also interested in this.

All procedures are invasive and require a visit to the doctor. You can theoretically cope with intramuscular injection, but not with subcutaneous implantation.

No matter how few side effects they cause modern drugs, in this case they are irreversible: if the injection is given and something goes wrong, then the entire duration of the drug will expire.

7. Intrauterine devices

The effectiveness of some “spiral” solutions is up to 99%.

It’s very convenient to use: set it and forget it. Moreover, not for myself, but for her. And you have nothing to do with it at all. Although no, you will have to periodically monitor the position, forgive the details, of the “antennae” of the intrauterine device and monitor the service life. However, this mission is also unlikely to be entrusted to you.

Can be used as early as six weeks after birth. You're so paranoid.

There are no draconian restrictions on age and smoking, characteristic of COCs.

Any foreign object in the body it reduces local resistance to infection and gladly aggravates and aggravates its course, if it has already appeared. This also applies to the spiral.

Your partner can no longer catch an STI. That is, you and all her other men are now required to use condoms. So give them all this magazine - let them know that this is not a joke, and generally photocopy the article.

Conventional copper intrauterine devices can, especially at first, cause discomfort, pain and all sorts of bleeding. Dear hormonal systems like the Mirena, they are almost devoid of such effects, their main disadvantage is the price, that is, the only parameter of the IUD that, for once, concerns you.

One more thing to remember important point. This hellish remedy is famous for one unpleasant fact: pregnancy is still possible when using it. The sperm unites with the egg - life actually begins, but things do not go further than that. The resulting zygote cannot adhere to the wall of the uterus due to local effects created by the spiral, so in some cases it doesn’t care about the mother’s health and nests wherever it wants. It's called an ectopic pregnancy, and it's no laughing matter. Go to the hospital immediately!

8. Natural methods

They are always with you, you don’t need to buy them at the pharmacy. That is, you only pay with them for sex!

Most so-called natural contraceptive methods do not work at all and are based on myths. Even for interrupted coitus, the Pearl index is very high, and for other tricks and subterfuges it is even higher.

Again, there are studies showing the harm of interrupted intercourse for prostate health. They are not supported by the proper apparatus of evidence, but they are still somehow alarming.

"I have safe days", "She is breastfeeding. I read somewhere that it is possible”, “I went to the sauna, and sperm remain alive only at temperatures below 36 degrees” - what phrases do not resonate with joy in the hearts of irresponsible partners! Some even still believe in a lemon stuck in you know where (that’s it, this phrase will not be used again), and that you can’t get pregnant in the cowgirl position. Ha! I wouldn't believe it! Cash costs - zero. Zero hassle. Guarantees - well, let's say, not zero, but they are rather absent, if the word “guarantee” is correctly understood.

All in all, natural methods- one of the most unreliable. Indeed, overheating of the scrotum sometimes prevents conception. And during breastfeeding or severe stress In some women, the ovulation mechanism goes astray and even disappears completely. However, you should not rely on these vagaries of nature. Cunning spermatozoa are contained not only in sperm, but also in lubricant; they live in the communication routes, sometimes for ten days in a row (that is, they can hold out and greet the dawn of a “dangerous” day with a whoop). Don't consider all these dances with tambourines as serious methods contraception and turn your attention, for example, to the most reliable method, according to experts. We saved it for last, of course.

Conclusion

Just so you know, our consultants tried not to use the word “contraception” at all. Allegedly, there is a connotation of undesirability in it, and it should say “family planning.” Because the thing here is this: today you don’t plan it, but tomorrow amniotic fluid may well hit your head.

Therefore, in most cases, especially with unfamiliar partners with whom you don’t even plan to have breakfast yet, doctors recommend using the “double Dutch method.” This is when a woman drinks COCs and a man uses a condom. Even in the case of the most chaotic lifestyle, such a tandem brings to zero not only the likelihood of pregnancy, but also the risk of contracting an STI.

Well, if you both realized that children are exactly the reason you need to take out another consumer loan from the bank, you can always abandon the Dutch method.

Contraceptives are divided into several types:

• barrier,
• chemical,
• hormonal (including mechanical hormone releasers),
• intrauterine devices,
• sterilization.

Contraceptives are also divided into female and male.

Reliability of contraception- this is the probability of not getting pregnant within a year if you constantly (and correctly) use this contraceptive. This Not the likelihood of becoming pregnant after one sexual intercourse.

For example, a 98% reliability rate for male condoms means that if 100 women protect themselves using (properly worn) male condoms at every sexual intercourse for a year, then no more than 2 of them will have a chance of getting pregnant in that year, of which -for various failures. Of course, all such reliability calculations are only approximate.

All contraceptive methods except sterilization have limited reliability, since each method has failures. How to achieve greater security? Firstly, when using two methods of contraception at the same time, reliability increases dramatically, because it is extremely unlikely that two methods at the same time will fail. Secondly, if there is an obvious contraceptive failure such as a broken condom, you can use emergency contraception, otherwise called post-coital pills.

Barrier contraceptives


Barrier contraceptives prevent live sperm from entering the uterus. They do not have long-term effects on the body of a woman or man. These include:

• male and female condoms,
• vaginal diaphragms and
• cervical (cervical) caps.

Male condom It is a thin oblong latex shell. It is put on the erect penis and protects the mucous membranes of partners from direct contact.


The condom is the most important thing at the moment a means of contraception, because correct use reliably prevents not only pregnancy, but also the transmission of infections, including HIV and hepatitis.

Disadvantages: requires a stable erection; may tear.

The use of a condom is under the control of the man, while the negative consequences in the case of misuse– unwanted pregnancy – mainly falls on the woman. Both partners are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Many men refuse to use condoms, believing that they reduce the intensity of sensations, obviously without comparing them with the intensity of sensations a woman experiences during an abortion. In fact, there are condoms with special surfaces that improve the sensation of both partners, which are recommended even for men who have difficulty achieving orgasm.

Condoms are also used to protect against the transmission of infections during oral and anal sex.


 Reliability: 98% 


Female condom – a polyurethane tube with a diameter of 8 cm and a length of 15 cm. Placed in the vagina and protects the mucous membranes of partners from direct contact.


Like the male condom, it prevents pregnancy and the transmission of infections. 
 Can be used for weak erections. May remain in the vagina for several hours.

Disadvantages: currently not sold in Russia.
Reliability: 95%

Vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps.

Caps and softer elastic diaphragms made of various materials (silicone, latex) are used in conjunction with spermicidal ointments. They are placed in the vagina so as to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, and are removed no earlier than 6 hours after the last ejaculation. 
 Reduce the risk of transmission of certain infections. Does not prevent HIV infection.
 Can be used repeatedly (usually for 1-2 years). For selection suitable size cap or diaphragm, you need to consult a gynecologist.

Disadvantages of caps: Less effective for women who have given birth. You need to re-size after giving birth. May cause inconvenience to partners. 


Disadvantages of diaphragms: You need to reselect the size after childbirth and with a significant (from 5 kg) change in weight. May increase the risk of certain infections and inflammation of the cervix.


 Reliability: 85-95%.

Chemical contraceptives

These include vaginal creams, suppositories, tampons.

One of the easiest to use means, which also have not only contraceptive properties, but also protect against bacteria and viruses, in particular against chlamydia, staphylococcus, herpes type 2. However, this type of contraception is more suitable for people who have irregular sex life , since the antiseptic not only destroys sperm and kills some viruses, but also disrupts the microflora, which can cause vaginal dysbiosis. It is best to use these products in combination with a condom, because their duration of action is short (with the exception of tampons) and repeated intercourse requires reintroduction of the contraceptive. It is also important to remember that when in contact with soap (any alkaline environment) the active substance of the drugs is destroyed, so all washing before and after sexual intercourse is possible only with clean water.

Chemical contraceptives: Pharmatex ( vaginal suppositories, cream, tampons); "Patentex-Oval" (candles); "Nonoxynol" or "Conceptrol"; "Sterilin" (candles).

Reliability: 75-80%

Hormonal contraceptives

Nowadays only women's ones are widespread hormonal drugs for birth control. Male hormonal contraceptives exist, but are still in the research stage and are not widely used.

The principle of action of women's hormonal contraceptives is that they prevent ovulation.

Modern hormonal contraceptives come in many forms: pills (combined containing two hormones, progesterone and estrogen, as well as purely progestogenic, or mini-pill), implants(there are none in Russia) and injectable drugs . IN different means contain different doses of hormones. To choose the most suitable hormonal contraceptive, you need to contact a gynecologist and do a blood test for hormones.

Hormonal contraceptives have some contraindications and side effects. But if first generation contraceptives could cause serious complications, then correctly selected modern means quite harmless. Contrary to popular belief, not all hormonal contraceptives cause weight gain.

Combined oral contraceptives taken every day for 21 days of the menstrual cycle; mini-pill– every day throughout the entire cycle, and it is important to take them at the same time of day.

Injections hormonal contraceptives are taken every 2-3 months. They are indicated only for women over 35 who have given birth, as they can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Injections do not protect against STDs.
Drugs: Depo-Provera, Net-En (Noristerat).

Reliability: 96.5-97%

TO hormonal drugs prevention unwanted pregnancy include postcoital pills , or emergency contraception. They are taken after unprotected sexual intercourse and prevent the egg from maturing (and then it cannot be fertilized), or, if it is already mature and fertilized, they prevent it from attaching to the wall of the uterus. Emergency contraception is effective in the first five days after intercourse, and it is best to take it the next day. In any case, you should carefully read the instructions before using.

There are often misconceptions about the mechanism of action of post-coital pills. For example, people sometimes believe that they are "scraping out the lining of the uterus." To be frank, this is complete nonsense.

In Russia, the most widely known of these drugs is Postinor. It quite strongly destabilizes hormonal levels, so its frequent use can cause very serious complications. There are newer and safe drugs(for example, “Ginepriston”), in which the dose of the hormone is much lower. However, it is important to remember that all postcoital medications are emergency contraception and should not be used regularly. At the same time, emergency contraception is much more gentle on the body than even the safest one. medical abortion. Therefore you should not use emergency contraception How the only way protection, but if for some reason unprotected sexual intercourse occurs, and the pregnancy, if it happens, will still be terminated, then it is much better to use emergency contraception.

Reliability: 97%

Mechanical contraceptives that release hormones

This is the NuvaRing vaginal ring and contraceptive patch"Eura".

NuvaRing ring made from elastic material and when inserted into the vagina, it adapts to the contours of the woman’s body. The ring does not reduce the sensitivity of partners, does not interfere with a woman’s exercise, and does not affect blood clotting ( varicose veins veins of the lower extremities, which to one degree or another happens from birth control pills), but it does not protect against STDs.

One ring is designed for one cycle; on the 22nd day it is removed, and a week later a new one is inserted.

Reliability: 99%

"Evra" patch Small in size, it can be glued to almost any part of the body. The patch is changed every week and is not used during the fourth week of the cycle.

Disadvantages: Contraindicated for women who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. Safe and effective only for women between 18 and 45 years of age. Does not protect against STDs.

Reliability: 99.4%

Intrauterine devices (IUD)

Spirals can be like hormonal, so non-hormonal. But both are inserted into the uterine cavity for a maximum of 5 years, after which the IUD must be removed and a new one inserted during the next menstruation. Only a gynecologist can install the spiral.

Regular IUD prevents the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus and, therefore, developing into an embryo; it reduces the vital activity of sperm and eggs.

Hormonal IUD Constantly releases the hormone levonorgestrel (a synthetic analogue of progestogen), which even more reliably protects against unwanted pregnancy.

Despite its popularity and ease of use, this type of contraception is quite dangerous due to the risk of ectopic pregnancy. It has a long list of contraindications and does not protect against STDs.

Reliability: 75-80%

Sterilization
 – one of the methods of contraception (not to be confused with castration). Sterilization involves creating an artificial obstruction of the fallopian tubes in women and the vas deferens in men. In this case, neither the ovaries nor the testicles are removed, continuing to function fully. Sterilization does not have a negative impact on a person's sex life. 


In Russia, sterilization surgery is permitted only upon written application from citizens who are at least 35 years old or have two or more children.

Reliability: 100%(for men it reaches 100% one and a half years after surgery).

Disadvantages: performed in a hospital; the probability of restoration of fertility is not one hundred percent and is low in women; Women who regain fertility are at risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Male sterilization called a vasectomy.
A vasectomy is performed only with the voluntary, informed consent of the man. The wife's consent is not required. The operation is always carried out for a fee.

Currently practiced in the Russian Federation surgical And no-scalpel vasectomy methods.

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia. If there are no complications, the man remains in the hospital for one day. After three to five days it may resume sex life. After a vasectomy, men need to use other methods of contraception for about three months, since during this time the semen may contain active sperm.
 Within 17 months after surgery, the patency of the vas deferens may spontaneously recover, so it is necessary to do a semen analysis for the presence of live sperm.

Currently, microsurgery methods make it possible with a reasonable degree of probability to restore reproductive function in men by restoring the vas deferens.

Scientists are also developing a method of ultrasonic vasectomy, which leads to temporary sterilization (for several months).

Female sterilization called tubal occlusion. It is carried out in a hospital and can be carried out in three ways.

Laparotomy – abdominal surgery, section abdominal cavity reaches 20 cm. This method has many complications and leads to the formation of scars. By medical indications is carried out free of charge.


 Minilaparotomy It is performed through a 2-5 cm long incision under local anesthesia.

Laparoscopy– an operation during which the surgeon makes 3-4 incisions 1 cm long and carries out all necessary procedures using special equipment and a video camera.
 In the absence of complications after laparotomy, women are discharged from the hospital on days 7-10, after laparoscopy - on days 2-3. Rehabilitation period ranges from a week to a month.

Minilaparotomy and laparoscopy are included in the list paid services. 
 Tubal occlusion is performed only with the voluntary informed consent of the patient. Spousal consent is not required.

Restoring fertility (the ability to bear children) is possible using microsurgery methods, but the success rate of these operations is still low. When artificially restoring fertility in women, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy.