Different types of contraceptive methods exist to suit a large spectrum of different needs. It is a pity that we don’t get to openly discuss this topic, since  it forms  an essential part of concerned people’s everyday life. It is more of a pity when an adult in a certain neglected society or a “mini”-society, having brought to the world a lot of kids, knows a little or barely anything about these methods. Why am I writing this article? For two reasons: The first one is for you to know more about this topic. Knowledge is power. Simple. The second reason is that I believe that people who will be reading this article will want to pass on the information for other people from their surroundings. So on, in a perfect case scenario, the information will perpetuate. At least, one person “dormirai moins bete” tonight (will become wiser).

Basically, contraception is any artificial method that is used to prevent pregnancy. Thus, to understand birth control we’re supposed to have a glimpse of pregnancy. Don’t worry, I will make it short and simple. At the beginning of a female menstrual cycle, a hormone called FSH stimulates the oocyte or the egg that is now present in the ovaries and that might become the future baby. Almost two weeks later, a second hormone, named LH, stimulates the release of this developed egg. It then crosses the space between the ovary and the uterus and stays in a pathway called “Fallopian Tube” where it can be fertilized by a sperm cell. If this happens, the fertilized egg continues its way down to the uterus (see picture) where it’s implanted and becomes a fetus. Birth control is literally the interruption of any step of this process.  

We can divide contraceptive methods into hormonal and non-hormonal.

In this article, we will be discussing the hormonal ones, leaving the other type for the following article. In hormonal contraception, artificial hormones will be released and that will be targeting hormones mentioned previously, FSH and LH. 

There are 3 types of hormonal contraception: 

• The first type will rely on liberating estrogens  continuously and daily thus inhibiting the production of FSH that regulates the physiological development of eggs. In other words, there will be no development or release of any egg.

• The second type will depend on progesterone which will stimulate the production of a large amount of mucus at the entrance of the cervix therefore preventing sperm cells from reaching the released egg in a physiological cycle. - The cervix itself is the initial part of the uterus, or the part that connects the vagina to the uterus (see picture).-

• The third is the combined form that basically combines these two hormones and is most known as “The Pill”. This one is the most effective since it prevents pregnancies in 98 to 99% of the cases. However, it has side effects such as nausea, headache, increased/decreased appetite, weight gain/loss and a lot more. It’s important to discuss the side effects with your physician. The “Progesterone Only” pill tends to be as effective as this one but with a little fewer side effects.  

Other than the pill, these hormonal contraceptives can come in different forms such as:

• Contraceptive patches that slowly release the two hormones. It should  be renewed weekly.

• Contraceptive injection of progesterone  that will last up to 3 months.

• Contraceptive implant which is a device to be placed under the skin of the arm and that will release progesterone for 3 years.

• The Intrauterine Device or IUD that needs to be put inside the uterus. The hormonal form of it, the plastic one, will release progesterone which will induce the production of a thick mucus, as discussed earlier. The copper form of IUD is a non-hormonal  device that will simply kill sperm cells. Both can last 3 years and more. 

Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancies in most of the cases, but it doesn’t protect against STDs. 

It’s important to mention that -clearly- these methods interfere with the women’s physiological menstrual cycle. They can also increase the chance to develop breast or liver cancer, or to have a heart attack, a stroke, or a serious blood clot. That’s why it’s essential to talk to a physician beforehand. Ask questions, reach out for information. Knowing  is your right.