Which birth control method is best for you?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 10 years of experience in diagnosing, consulting and treating in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Choosing the right birth control method is probably the concern of many people. Choosing a birth control method takes time between you and your doctor to find the most suitable method. The following article will provide information about birth control methods for you and your partner to consider using.

1. Notes when choosing contraception

Deciding on the type of birth control method and method to use is a personal decision for each user. Medical staff can guide and advise users on which method is appropriate and best for each individual to prevent pregnancy safely and effectively.
Although most birth control methods are highly effective when used correctly, no method can completely protect the user. Users should seek medical advice from their health care provider and discuss it with themselves as a very important factor to make the best decision.
When choosing a method of birth control, the user should consider several things:
The health status of the individual. Looking forward to you in the future. Frequency of sexual intercourse and number of sexual partners. Safety and effectiveness of the method of contraception selected. How comfortable you are with your chosen method of contraception.

2. Natural method of birth control

There are a number of natural methods of contraception that do not require the use of a device or medication, but these methods are less reliable than other options.
Abstinence from sex Abstinence is a method of birth control that can be defined in many different ways. Absence of any kind of sex including vaginal, anal or oral sex, is called continuous abstinence and is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs sex . Abstinence is both safe and effective and has many benefits, with no side effects and is free. However, abstinence is difficult to maintain and is therefore more difficult in practice than other methods.
Breastfeeding The ability to conceive when a mother with a child is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not considered a method of birth control when the baby is over 6 months old because the chance of pregnancy before 6 months is lower than when the mother exclusively breastfeeds the baby. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is only breastfeeding without feeding or drinking any other food or drink, including cooked water, except for cases where vitamins and minerals must be supplemented. or medication prescribed by a physician. After giving birth, mothers who exclusively breastfeed will not have periods.
Most doctors will instruct a mother to use birth control other than breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a safe, effective, convenient and low-cost method of contraception. Besides, this method has some disadvantages: mothers have to exclusively breastfeed their babies, have vaginal dryness and about 2% of women can have an unwanted pregnancy.

3. Endocrine method

Hormonal contraceptives come in many different forms, including the pill, patch, injection, intrauterine device, and IUD.
Serious risks associated with hormonal birth control include heart attack, stroke, blood clots (especially in patch users), high blood pressure, liver tumors, gallstones, jaundice. These risks are higher in some of the following women:
35 years of age or older Being overweight Have a history of blood clotting disorders High blood pressure High cholesterol Staying in bed for a long time Smoking However, hormonal contraception does not protect Protects users against sexually transmitted diseases and users need to use extra condoms if needed when either partner has had sex before.

4. Birth control pills

Birth control pills contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin or just progestin. Birth control pills are an extremely effective method of birth control, however, like all methods, they must be used correctly. With proper use, only 1% can have an unwanted pregnancy.
This medicine is less effective in women who are taking:
Some antibiotics Antifungal drugs Some HIV medicines Antiepileptic drugs Take St. John's Wort Women who are overweight or have diarrhea and vomiting. Common side effects include: Bleeding; Breast pain; Nausea or vomiting; Dizzy; Intestinal disorders; Weight gain; Mood swings; Vision problems...
Benefits of taking pills include:
Improved menstrual cramps Reduce pelvic inflammation Reduce osteoporosis Reduce acne Prevention against certain cancers, pregnancy ectopic and benign breast growth In addition, the drug can help reduce iron deficiency anemia and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (English name is Premenstrual Syndrome).

5. Contraceptive patch

The patches contain hormonal drugs that deliver certain hormones through the skin to effectively prevent pregnancy. When used as directed, the patch is very effective, with less than 1% of women having an unplanned pregnancy. The contraceptive patch is less effective in women who are overweight or take any of the medicines mentioned in the pill section above. Common side effects with the patch include bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, and nausea or vomiting.

6. Contraceptive injection

Every 3 months, DepoProvera oral contraceptive injection is a contraceptive used in the form of injections of the hormone progestin. When used correctly, it is a highly effective method of birth control with less than 1% of women having an unwanted pregnancy. Benefits of injectable birth control include safety and convenience, prevention of uterine cancer, safety of breastfeeding, and lack of estrogen.
Side effects may include:
Irregular bleeding Changes in libido Weight gain Depression Unusual hair growth Headache Nausea Breast pain Also, after the injection is stopped, it will take some time for a woman to recover. can get pregnant again. Risks associated with DepoProvera include osteoporosis, increased risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and ectopic pregnancy.

7. Contraceptive device

The IUD is a highly effective method of birth control, which is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. Currently, there are three types of contraceptives in use in the United States, the Mirena and Skyla IUDs and the non-hormonal copper IUD, Paragard. Less than 1 percent of women experience an unwanted pregnancy with an IUD.
Mirena can be kept in place for 5 years, Skyla for 3 years and Paragard for 10-12 years. While generally safe, the contraceptive device is not an option for all women. Because this is a foreign device inserted into the vagina increases the rate of infection; Therefore, this method is recommended for women who are in a monogamous relationship. As with any other drug or device, the birth control device has risks and side effects. Depending on the type of IUD used, such as:
Having uterine contractions Intermenstrual bleeding Pelvic inflammation Uterine perforation In addition, women using an IUD are at risk of ectopic pregnancy higher supply, pelvic infection, miscarriage, danger to the baby, and premature labor. The benefits of an IUD include long-term prevention of pregnancy, safe use during breastfeeding, quick recovery of fertility, and ease of fertility after removal of the IUD. There are hormones that can help with menstrual cramps, bleeding, and Paragard doesn't affect hormone levels.

8. Permanent sterilization

When choosing permanent sterilization, it's important to make sure you either have the desired number of children or don't want to get pregnant anymore. Permanent sterilization of women is accomplished by surgery such as tubal ligation. In men, it is often called a vasectomy. In cases of blood clotting disorders, physical weakness, sexual dysfunction or abnormalities in the scrotum such as inguinal hernia, varicose veins, membrane fluid retention testicles, chronic inflammation, and spermatic cord remnants are contraindications to male sterilization.

9. Emergency contraception

In fact, there are a number of situations where women have unprotected sex, are not prepared for contraception, or use contraception but fail, such as condom tearing, forgetting to take birth control pills, etc. Late injection of birth control pills, even being raped... the risk of pregnancy is unavoidable. In these cases, emergency contraception can be used.
Emergency contraception is applied on a case-by-case basis. If using an emergency contraceptive pill containing only progestin: for 1 pill containing 1.5mg levonorgestrel or 3mg norgestrel take a single dose; for the type of 2 tablets with each tablet containing 0.75mg of levonorgestrel, take it in two doses, one tablet each time 12 hours apart, or take both tablets once. If using combined oral contraceptives without emergency contraceptive pills: take 2 times 12 hours apart; 4 tablets each time (each tablet contains 30mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15mg or 0.125mg lenovorgestrel) ensures at least each time 0.1mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.5mg levonorgestrel (or 1mg norgestrel or 2mg noresthisterone). If a copper IUD is used, it should be an appropriate choice for women who wish to continue using an IUD.

10. Barrier methods

The barrier method, like the diaphragm, is the easiest option for permanent protection. Some barrier methods include the diaphragm (diaphragm), the cervical cap, the male condom, and the female condom, and spermicidal foam. , contraceptive film (film). Unlike other birth control methods, the barrier method is only used when you have sex. Be sure to read the instructions before use. Alternatively, the IUD or hormonal methods are also great if you want ongoing protection.

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References: Webmd.com and Medicalnewstoday.com