Contraception

Male contraception refers to contraceptive methods that involve the male reproductive system.

Female contraception refers to contraceptive methods that involve the female reproductive system. These contraceptive methods fall into two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal contraception.

Description: An external condom, also called the male condom, is a latex tube closed at one end. It covers the penis and prevents semen from escaping from the condom. Latex-free condoms are also available for people who are allergic to it.

Use: The condom is put on before each sexual encounter and discarded afterwards.

• Significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).

• Does not require a medical prescription and is easily accessible.

• Does not affect the hormones of the ovarian and menstrual cycles.

• Requires an application before each sexual encounter.

• Must be stored away from heat, cold, light and moisture.

• Must be handled correctly to avoid tearing.

• Latex condoms can cause an allergic reaction in less than 1% of the population^[2].

• When used correctly, external condoms are 98% effective^[3].

• The effectiveness drops to 82% during typical use^[3].

Description: Cervical caps and diaphragms are devices that cover the cervix and block the path of spermatozoa. They work in the same way, but are shaped differently and made of different materials (silicon or latex).

Use: The cap or diaphragm is inserted into the vagina near the cervix before sexual intercourse. It should be kept in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse and removed within 24 hours. Caps and diaphragms are often used with a spermicide to maximize their effectiveness.

• Do not affect the hormones of the ovarian and menstrual cycles.

• Do not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Require an application before each sexual encounter.

• Require practice to insert correctly.

• Require a medical prescription.

• Require a new prescription after a 5-kilogram (11-pound) weight loss or gain, abortion or pregnancy.

• When used correctly, they are 94% effective^[4].

• The effectiveness drops to 88% during typical use^[4].

Description: An internal condom, sometimes referred to as the female condom, is a latex tube with a ring at each end. One end is open while the other is closed.

Use: This condom is inserted inside the vagina. It prevents the spermatozoa from reaching the uterus and protects against STBBIs.

It is not recommended to use both an internal and external condom at the same time because it increases the risk of tearing the condoms.

In addition to being a contraceptive, the internal condom can also be inserted in the anus to protect against STBBIs.

• Significantly reduces the risk of STBBIs.

• Does not require a medical prescription.

• Does not affect the hormones of the ovarian and menstrual cycles.

• Requires an application before each sexual encounter.

• Requires practice to insert correctly.

• Must be stored away from heat, cold, light and moisture.

• Must be handled correctly to avoid tearing.

• Latex condoms can cause an allergic reaction in less than 1% of the population^[2].

• When used correctly, internal condoms are 95% effective^[3].

• The effectiveness drops to 79% during typical use^[3].

Description: Spermicides are substances that destroy spermatozoa. They come in foam, gel or cream forms.

Use: A spermicide can be applied directly inside the vagina, but this method is not very effective. For higher effectiveness, it can be applied to a sponge, available in pharmacies, and inserted into the vagina near the cervix. It can also be used with a cervical cap or a diaphragm for maximum effectiveness.

• Does not require a medical prescription.

• Does not affect the hormones of the ovarian and menstrual cycles.

• Requires an application before each sexual encounter.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• When applied directly inside the vagina, spermicides are 81% effective^[4].

• When applied to a sponge, spermicides are 88% effective in women who have not given birth and only 76% in women who have given birth^[4].

Description: A copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. The copper wire is wrapped around the stem of the IUD, making the environment unsuitable for the implantation of an embryo.

Use: The IUD must be inserted by a doctor. The copper IUD is effective as soon as it is placed. It can also be used as an emergency contraceptive because it prevents an embryo from implanting in the walls of the uterus.

• Once inserted, it does not require any daily intake or application before each sexual encounter.

• Does not affect the hormones of the ovarian and menstrual cycles.

• Remains effective for 3, 5 or 10 years, depending on the model.

• Can be used as an emergency contraceptive.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires a medical prescription and insertion by a decotor.

• Insertion can be an uncomfortable and painful procedure.

• Can cause side effects such as an increase in menstrual cramps, menstrual flow and duration of menstruation.

• It is 98.5% effective^[6].

Description: A vaginal, or contraceptive, ring is a soft ring that releases synthetic hormones similar to the ones naturally secreted during the ovarian and menstrual cycles. Together, these hormones prevent ovulation, make it more difficult for spermatozoa to enter the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus and make the uterus less suitable for an embryo. These effects combine to prevent pregnancy.

Use: It is inserted into the vagina where it remains for 21 days. It is then removed for 7 days and discarded. A new ring is used every cycle.

• Once inserted, it does not require any daily intake or application before each sexual encounter.

• Can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle.

• Can be used to reduce menstrual cramps and flow.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires a medical prescription.

• Can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, increased vaginal discharge, etc.

When used correctly, a vaginal ring is 99.7% effective^[7].

Description: An injectable contraceptive contains a synthetic hormone similar to the progesterone naturally produced during the menstrual cycle. This hormone mainly prevents ovulation, makes it more difficult for spermatozoa to enter the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus and makes the uterus less suitable for an embryo. These effects combine to prevent pregnancy.

Use: It is injected into the arm or buttock every 11-13 weeks.

• Once injected, it does not require any daily intake or application before each sexual encounter.

• Can be used to reduce menstrual cramps.

• Can be used to lighten or stop menstruation.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires a medical prescription and has to be administered by a medical professional.

• May take longer to return to fertility after stopping the injectable contraceptive.

• May cause side effects such as irregular menstrual bleeding during the first few months, weight gain, nausea, headaches, temporary decrease in bone density (will return to normal after stopping the injections), etc.

It is 99.7% effective during the 11-13 weeks following the injection^[8].

Description: A contraceptive implant is a small rod the size of a match that releases a synthetic hormone similar to one that is secreted naturally during the menstrual cycle. This hormone prevents ovulation.

Use: It is inserted under the skin in the arm. The placement must be done by a medical professional. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using a specialized tool. The implant takes effect 7 days after implantation. It is important to use another method of contraception if sexual intercourse takes place within the first 7 days after insertion.

• Once implanted, it does not require any daily intake or application before each sexual encounter.

• Remains effective for 3-5 years.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires a medical prescription and has to be placed by a medical professional.

• Can cause side effects such as irregular menstrual bleeding, headaches, mood swings, etc.

It is 99.95% effective^[9].

Description: Contraceptive pills, also known as oral contraceptives or birth control pills, contain synthetic hormones similar to the ones secreted naturally during the menstrual cycle. Together, these hormones prevent ovulation, make it more difficult for spermatozoa to enter the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus and make the uterus less suitable for an embryo. These effects combine to prevent pregnancy.

A pack always contains 21 active pills (with hormones) and sometimes 7 inactive pills (hormone-free) for a total of 28.

Use: One pack is designed for one cycle. For packs of 28 pills, one pill is taken at the same time every day. For packs of 21 pills, one pill is taken daily for the first 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. In both cases, menstruation starts shortly after the 21st day of the cycle.

The pill can be taken continuously, meaning that once the 21 active pills are taken, a new series of 21 active pills is started right away, without a 7-day break. This method prevents menstruation from starting.

• Does not require any application before each sexual encounter.

• Can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle (after the first 3 months of use).

• Can be used to reduce menstrual cramps.

• Can be used to control acne.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires daily intake at the same time.

• Requires a medical prescription.

• Can cause side effects such as irregular menstrual bleeding during the first few months, nausea, headaches, etc.

When taken correctly, it is 99.5% effective^[10].

Description: A hormonal IUDs is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. It releases a synthetic hormone similar to one that is secreted naturally during the menstrual cycle. This hormone prevents ovulation, makes it more difficult for spermatozoa to enter the uterus and makes the uterus less suitable for an embryo. These effects combine to prevent pregnancy.

Use: The IUD must be inserted by a doctor. The hormonal IUD takes effect 7 days after its insertion. It is important to use another method of contraception if sexual intercourse takes place within the first 7 days after insertion.

• Once inserted, it does not require any additional intake or application.

• Remains effective for 3-7 years depending on the model.

• Can be used to lighten or stop menstruation.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires a medical prescription.

• Placement can be an uncomfortable and painful procedure.

• It can cause side effects such as irregular menstrual bleeding during the first few months, nausea, headaches, mood swings, etc.

It is 99.8% effective^[6].

Description: A contraceptive patch is a thin square patch that sticks to the skin. It releases synthetic hormones similar to the hormones naturally secreted during the menstrual cycle. These hormones prevent ovulation, make it more difficult for spermatozoa to enter the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus and make the uterus less suitable for an embryo. These effects combine to prevent pregnancy.

Use: The patch is applied to the skin of the buttock, upper back, abdomen or shoulder. Each patch should stay in place for exactly 7 days.

For the first three weeks, a new patch must be worn every week. During the fourth week, the patch is removed for 7 days. This is when menstruation starts. At the end of the four weeks, a new cycle begins.

• Once applied, it does not require any daily intake or application before each sexual encounter.

• Can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle.

• Can be used to reduce menstrual cramps.

• Does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• Requires a medical prescription.

• Can be less effective in women who weigh over 90 kilograms (200 pounds).

• Can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, irregular menstrual bleeding during the first few months, skin irritation where the patch is applied, etc.

When used correctly, it is 99% effective^[11].

Description: The emergency oral contraceptive, sometimes called the morning-after pill, is a hormone-rich pill that prevents ovulation and makes the endometrium unsuitable for the implantation of an embryo.

Use: This contraceptive is usually taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. It is most effective if taken within hours of intercourse. The later it is taken, the less effective it becomes. Depending on the type of pill, it is administered as a single dose or in two doses taken 12 hours apart.

To obtain the emergency contraceptive pill, a consultation with a pharmacist is required.

• Can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, irregular menstrual bleeding, etc.

• Must be taken promptly to be effective.

• Since it is used after sexual intercourse, it does not reduce the risk of STBBIs.

• If taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, it is 97-99.5% effective^[12].

• If taken within 49-120 hours of unprotected intercourse, it is 58% effective^[13].