Contraception

Contraception

Contraception is used to avoid unwanted pregnancy or to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. This contraceptive guide gives you information about the various contraceptives available, and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types.

Contraceptives can be divided into three main groups based on how they work:

• Contraception containing estrogen and progestin (combination preparations)

• Contraception containing progestin

• Hormone-free contraception

In addition, there is emergency contraception (the birth control pill) , which can be used after unprotected intercourse or if the contraceptive method fails.

Contraception containing estrogen and progestin (combination preparations)

• Birth control pills

• P ring

• Birth control patch

Combination preparations contain imitations of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone (called progestin in contraceptives). These hormones in combination prevent women from ovulating , and they make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. The woman thus does not become pregnant.

Advantages of combination preparations:

• Regular bleeding

• Ability to skip bleeding

• Bleeding and period pain are often reduced

Disadvantages of combination preparations:

• Estrogen causes a small increase in the risk of serious side effects such as blood clots, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer

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Contraception containing progestin

• Progestogen pills (often called minipills)

• P rod

• P-syringe

• Hormonal IUD

Progestogens are imitations of the female sex hormone progesterone. Contraceptives containing progestin make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and they often prevent ovulation.

Benefits of progestagen contraception

• No increase in the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer

• Long-term contraceptives that last 3-8 years (pill and hormonal IUD)

• Often reduced bleeding and period pain

Disadvantages of progestagen contraception

• Little control over bleeding, and they often become irregular

Hormone-free contraception

• Condom

• Copper spiral

Hormone-free contraceptives are mainly condoms and copper coils. By using these contraceptive methods, the woman keeps her own menstrual cycle .

Condom

Advantages of condoms:

• The only contraceptive that protects against sexually transmitted diseases . Therefore beneficial to use also in addition to other contraception

• No hormonal side effects

• Condoms are currently the only contraceptive available for men

Disadvantages of condoms:

• Considered the least safe contraceptive, as it is prone to user error

Copper spiral

The copper coil affects the environment locally in the uterus so that the woman does not become pregnant.

Advantages of copper coil

• Lasts up to 5 years

• No hormonal side effects

Disadvantages of copper coil

• Menstrual pain and bleeding may increase

Which contraceptive should I choose?

There is a lot to take into account when choosing a contraceptive. Important points are:

• Your own health

• The medical history in your family

• How long-term contraception you want

• If you have difficulty remembering and taking tablets

• How safe the contraceptive is

• Side effects

• Which contraception you yourself want to use

In the table below you will find useful information about the various contraceptives. The safety of contraception is measured in how many people become pregnant per year even if they use contraception. IUDs and contraceptives are the safest contraceptives. You also see which hormones the contraceptive contains, and which are hormone-free.

Contraception after birth and during breastfeeding

When ovulation and the normal menstrual cycle start again after a birth, the woman can become pregnant again. This usually does not happen before the breastfeeding period is over. Because it can be difficult to know exactly when ovulation starts, and this can also happen before the first period, many people use contraception during the breastfeeding period. In that case, it is recommended to avoid contraceptives with estrogen, because estrogen can both change the composition of breast milk and reduce the amount of milk.

There are many progestogen-only contraceptives, such as hormonal IUDs and contraceptive sticks, that can be used. You can also use hormone-free contraception, such as copper coils and condoms.

Talk to your doctor or midwife to find out when you should start contraception after a birth, and which contraceptive is right for you.

If you are not breastfeeding, you do not need to avoid contraceptives with estrogen.