Birth control

The hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) have recently become the most popular methods of birth control. However, their use is closely connected with a high risk for the health of women. Patient must consider weight restrictions and contraindications to use. At the same time, natural methods of fertility control are often presented as not effective and time-consuming. We will try to dispel such prejudice.

In contrast to the so-called artificial methods of contraception, natural methods have a number of obvious advantages:

• Safety for women’s health and future offspring
• Accessibility to a large population with different income, educational and religious background
• Does not affect the physiological functions of the body
• They can be used with irregular menstrual cycles
• Physiological methods do not destroy the fertility (ability to conceive a child)
• They contribute to the establishment of the natural sexual relations
• Positive impact on relationships within the family with mutual respect between husband and wife

The essence of the natural methods is that a woman must learn to watch changes in their body during the menstrual cycle and to interpret these observations.

Birth control is an integral part of health care today. Ideal method of contraception does not exist, but each couple can find one that suits them best. The doctor, in his/her turn, should acquaint spouses with modern methods of contraception to tell about their advantages, disadvantages, and costs.

There are theoretical efficiency, which represents the number of expected pregnancies in the first year of birth, and clinical effectiveness – number of pregnancies occurring (including errors in the use of the method). This happens due to the fact that over time experience with the methods is increasing. Counseling a woman or a married couple, the physician must provide an individual approach and report on all available contraceptive methods, providing a choice.

Oral contraceptives are medicines steroid hormones. They prevent the onset of pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. Thay can be used as estrogens and progestogens. These drugs are often combined because individually they must be administered in higher doses which significantly increases the risk of intermenstrual bleeding and other complications.

Combined oral contraceptives should be taken within 21 days, starting at one of the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive effect of oral contraceptives is mainly provided by progestogens. They prevent ovulation, change the state of the endometrium and cervical mucus properties. Estrogen is necessary for shortening reaction similar to menstruation. In addition to single-phase (containing progestogens and estrogens in the ratio 1:1), there are two- and three-phase preparations. They contain the hormones in different proportions (two-phase – for 10 and 11 days, and three-phase – for every 7 day of admission).

Contraception is one of the abilities to control fertility and plan our lives peacefully, without fear. In many cases, the psychological effect of proper contraception is very important for a woman, since it allows her to feel comfortable and experience the orgasmic discharge.

The choice of contraceptive method is a very important decision. It should be made consciously and based on familiarity with various methods of contraception. The choice of contraceptive method depends on its reliability. It is also very important to learn that it is harmless to the body, easy to use, to learn of its positive and negative side effects, cost, reversibility, and individual perception.

The most modern method of contraception –is hormonal contraceptives. You should consult your doctor and undergo the whole spectrum of diagnostic tests:

• Biochemical analysis of blood
• Coagulogram
• Identification of hormonal status (indication)
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Inspection mammologist
• Breast Ultrasound (if indicated)

Many women prefer to control birth with intrauterine device (IUD). This method is appropriate for women with a regular sexual partner (i.e., when the risk of sexually transmitted diseases is minimal), and for those who do not have any inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (adnexitis, cervicitis, endometritis, etc.), and those who found no contraindications to install an intrauterine device.

If you prefer local contraception (suppositories, ointments), then you should also consult your doctor who will help you choose a contraceptive that is appropriate for you.