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For more than 50 years, contraceptive devices have been at the center of many conversations. Contraceptive device has evolved from a simple latex sheath to the most recent innovation in hormone-delivery technology, providing women with options for reducing or totally averting their risk of pregnancy, and effective contraceptive devices.
No matter what type you choose, you’ll want to learn all about how to use your contraceptive device correctly. It is important to learn about the benefits of each form of contraception, and what to look for before making your choice. It is also important to know all the effective contraceptive devices.
Contraception is a medical intervention or mechanical device that prevents conception. It involves using devices and substances to prevent conception.
The most widely accepted contraceptives include condoms, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), diaphragms, and female sterilization.
Contraception Methods:
- Barrier method (Preventing sperm from reaching the egg).
- Preventing ovulation.
- Hindering implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
- Killing or immobilizing sperm chemically.
Just as there are many types of contraceptive devices, there are also many different ways to use them.
Some Effective Contraceptive Devices And Substances.
1. Condoms
Condoms are barrier contraceptives, they prevent sperm from reaching the egg during sex and protect you from STIs. They are made from synthetic rubbers (polyisoprene and polyurethane). Male condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used properly. They are male and female condoms, the male Condoms come in various types, they include; Latex, plastic, or lambskin, Lubricated, Spermicide-coated, and Textured condoms.
2. Diaphragm Contraceptive Device
A Diaphragm contraceptive device is a shallow silicone cup that is placed over the cervix before sex. The device prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus and it preventing fertilization through its shallow fit. For best results, use it along with spermicide cream or jelly. The diaphragm must be left in place for at least 6 hours after having intercourse, but no more than 24 hours.
3. Contraceptive/ Vagina Sponge:
A vagina sponge is a contraceptive device that is inserted into the vagina to prevent contraception, it is made from polyurethane foam. It is inserted deep into the vagina in a way that it covers the cervix before sex. For best results, use along with spermicide such as nonoxynol-9. It uses both the barrier and spermicide(Sperm chemical killer) method to prevent conception.
The sponge is 98% effective when used correctly. The sponge has a few disadvantages, which include:
- It doesn’t protect you from STIs.
- Sometimes it may result to is abnormal vaginal discharge.
- You may experience pelvic pain.
4. Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a plastic or silicone ring that is placed over the cervix. It prevents sperm cells from entering the uterus by blocking the cervical opening. Ask your doctor to help you insert it, and use it with another birth control device (such as condoms) to prevent pregnancy. It is 99% effective when used correctly. Side effects include pain in the arm, headache, and nausea.
5. Vagina Ring
A Vagina ring is a silicone polymeric drug delivery device that releases synthetic progestin and estrogen, to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs(ovulation). It prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to reach your egg. It lasts for about 3-4weeks. You should use it with another contraceptive device like a condom or diaphragm.
The vaginal ring is about 99% effective when used correctly.
6. Contraceptive Patch
A contraceptive patch (such as Ortho Evra) contains estrogen and progestin. It is a thin sheet of material that you apply to the skin of your lower abdomen. It stays on your body for 3 weeks, after which you remove it for another week before starting over. The hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
The patch is 99% effective when used correctly. Many women report breakouts that do not necessarily indicate a side effect, although in some cases they may pertain to acne. Weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, and headaches are common side effects of this method. This is an effective contraceptive device.
7. Intrauterine device(IUD)
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, often t-shaped, plastic and copper device that is inserted into the uterus. It prevents pregnancy by releasing small amounts of a hormone related to progesterone called levonorgestrel. They are over 97% effective, they are long-term methods of contraception, although depending on the type they may have to be changed after a few years or taken out.
8. Birth Control Pill
Birth control pills are hormone pills that women take orally. They prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation or thickening cervical mucus. This means that the ovaries do not release an egg each month. .
There are two types of birth control pills: combination and progestin-only pills.
- Combination Birth Control Pills (OCP): It was with two different types of hormones (a progestin, such as norethindrone acetate or norgestrel, and estrogen, such as Ethinyl estradiol) in the same pill. It comes in a 28-pack. Most pills in each cycle are active, which means they contain hormones. The remaining pills are inactive, which means they don’t contain hormones.
- Progestin-only Birth Control Pills (POP) This pill has only one type of hormone (a progestin). POP is also called the minipill, all pills in the cycle are active. There are no inactive pills, so you may or may not have a period while taking progestin-only pills.
9. Implant birth control
A contraceptive implant is a small flexible tube about the size of a matchstick that is placed under the arm by a gynecologist. It works by releasing progestin (a natural hormone similar to progesterone) into your body. It is 99% effective when used correctly. The implant prevents pregnancy by:
- Ceasing ovulation for some time.
- Thickening cervical mucus (making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg),
- Thinning the lining of the uterus, so that if an egg does get fertilized it has less chance of implanting in the wall of the uterus.
The implant is 99% effective for 3 years.
10. Spermicide
Spermicide is a chemical substance applied to kill or prevent sperm mobility. It is often in form of gels and creams, films, foams, suppositories, and diaphragms. Most spermicidal agents target the acrosome reaction and/or tubular transport Progestin-only birth control pills also contain a spermicide called nonoxynol-9.
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