THE 7 MOST COMMON CHEMICAL CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS - MEDICINE - 2025

The chemical contraceptives are synthetic agents used by women to prevent pregnancy potential. These methods can be used before or after sexual intercourse, depending on the preferences of the woman who uses them.

The chemical contraceptive methods that are used before sexual intercourse are produced based on hormones such as progesterone and estrogens. These are usually taken by mouth and are designed to prevent female gametes (eggs) from meeting male gametes (sperm).

The "morning after pill" is one of the most widely used chemical contraceptive methods

On the other hand, chemical contraceptive methods used after sexual intercourse are vaginal spermicides. The objective of these is to destroy the sperm present in the vagina thanks to a cytotoxic effect. These contraceptive methods can also be divided into those that release hormones and those that do not release hormones.

Currently, worldwide this type of contraceptive methods are the most commonly used by women. This is due to its high effectiveness rate when it comes to preventing pregnancy.

Hormonal chemical contraceptive methods

Hormonal contraceptive methods are chemical contraceptives that block the ovulation process from the use of hormones. These hormones are chemically designed to inhibit the stimuli sent by the pituitary gland to the ovaries. In this way, the ovaries stop their production of eggs.

Another effect of hormonal contraceptives is the thickening of the cervical mucus. In this way, the cervix becomes inaccessible to sperm. Many women choose to consume this type of chemical contraceptive because they have multiple advantages.

Among them is the regulation of the menstrual cycle, the reduction of vaginal discharge, the attenuation of menstrual cramps, the reduction of the risk of anemia, and the improvement in conditions that can threaten the health of the ovaries, endometrium and colon..

However, this type of method also has some shortcomings. For example, they are not useful as barrier methods, that is, they do not block the transmission of any sexual diseases.

On the other hand, they can have side effects in some women, such as headaches, dizziness, reduced libido, among others. One of the advantages of these types of methods is that they come in different presentations.

Types

Some of the most common hormonal chemical methods are:

Pills

They are chemical tablets given orally. These affect the hormonal system of women, preventing the ovulation and fertilization of the ovum from taking place.

Its effectiveness is 99% when consumed regularly (every day). If you forget to take one of the pills, its effect is greatly reduced.

Subdermic implant

It is a device the size of a matchstick whose main objective is to constantly release hormones.

This is installed on the woman's arm, under the skin. Its effectiveness rate is 99%. It can be removed at any time.

Vaginal ring

It is a flexible, translucent ring that is inserted and left in the vagina for three weeks.

This must be removed during menstruation, and must be renewed every month. It is a device that releases half the hormones that other hormonal methods, however, its effectiveness rate is 99.7%.

Morning after pill

This pill is not properly considered a contraceptive method. However, it is responsible for preventing a possible pregnancy in an emergency.

It should be consumed only once or twice (once every twelve hours) within three days after sexual intercourse. It has the effect of inhibiting ovulation and fertilization of the egg.

Non-hormonal chemical contraceptive methods

These types of methods are designed for people who are unwilling or unable to use hormones to prevent possible pregnancy.

They are designed from a chemical component and an inert one whose main function is to kill the sperm that enter the vaginal canal before they can fertilize the egg.

They come in multiple presentations (gel, cream, sponges, sprays, tablets, and vaginal ovules), and can be easily bought at any pharmacy.

Ideally they should be combined with a barrier method that helps prevent the possible spread of a sexually transmitted disease.

Types

Some of the most common non-hormonal methods on the market are:

Foam

Contraceptive foam is a spermicidal substance that is applied inside the vagina before intercourse. It can be applied immediately before intercourse and its protection lasts for approximately one hour.

After this time, it must be applied again. However, in case of ejaculation, it must be applied again even if the period of one hour has not been completed.

For the foam to be really effective, the vagina must be washed six hours after intercourse.

Ovules

The ovules or tablets are spermicides that can be used alone or accompanied by other barrier methods such as the condom. It must be inserted into the vagina at least 10 minutes before each sexual intercourse, being located in the deepest part of the vaginal cavity.

For each sexual intercourse, a new ovum must be introduced and a minimum of 10 minutes must be waited again. On the other hand, washing the vagina can only be done at least six hours after intercourse.

If you ignore these indications, the risk of pregnancy increases dramatically. On the other hand, it is normal that after intercourse there is the presence of a vaginal discharge.

Creams and jellies

Although they are safe, it is recommended to use them in the company of a condom to guarantee their effectiveness. This type of chemical contraceptive is applied with the help of a device before sexual intercourse. Its protection is immediate and lasts approximately one hour.

After each sexual intercourse, the cream or jelly must be reapplied, since its effect is lost after each intercourse.

Similar to foam and ovules, the vagina must be washed six hours after intercourse for the cream or jelly to be truly effective.

On the other hand, it is normal that after intercourse there is a vaginal discharge.

References

1. Delvin, D. (January 19, 2015). Netdoctor. Obtained from Chemical contraceptives: netdoctor.co.uk
2. Femenina, S. (April 26, 2016). Women's Health. Obtained from Chemical and hormonal contraceptives: saludfemenina.net
3. (2017). NIH. Retrieved from What are the different types of contraception ?: nichd.nih.gov
4. net. (2009). Planifica.net. Obtained from Spermicides: planificanet.gob.mx
5. (2017). Prowoman. Obtained from Chemical contraceptives: prowoman.at.