WHAT ARE CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS FOR? MAIN USES - GEOGRAFÍA - 2024

The contraceptive methods are, generally speaking, to prevent pregnancy. Since ancient times, various means have been developed in order to prevent conception.

However, it was not until the 20th century that safe and efficient methods were created. Currently there are many alternatives that adapt to the needs of each person.

For example, there are people who do not want to have children under any circumstances, so they prefer to resort to permanent sterilization methods.

In these cases, vasectomies are applied in men and tubal ligation in women.

Other methods are not permanent but are less effective, such as those that include hormones.

These include pills, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, hormonal injections, intrauterine devices, among others.

There are also barrier mechanisms, which prevent the passage of sperm into the uterus. A special case is the condom.

This contraceptive method is at the same level of effectiveness as hormonal treatments.

However, it stands out for the fact that it prevents sexually transmitted infections, being the only contraceptive method to do so.

As already mentioned, contraceptive methods have the function of preventing pregnancy. However, each method achieves this through various elements.

For example, there are contraceptives whose function is to release hormones that inhibit certain processes related to reproduction.

Other contraceptive methods form a barrier that prevents the passage of sperm to the egg.

The 4 main functions of contraceptive methods

1- Release of hormones

One of the types of contraceptive methods is hormonal. This function is to secrete certain substances that prevent the normal cycle of the ovum, which is not released from the ovaries but is inhibited.

Hormonal methods include the pill, patches, subdermal implant, injections, and the vaginal ring.

Pill

The birth control pill contains hormones that prevent the egg from being released. They can be of two types: combined or estrogen-free.

Combination pills contain progesterone and estrogens. These two substances inhibit the regular function of the ovaries and promote the creation of thick cervical mucus. This last element creates a natural barrier between the sperm and the egg.

Estrogen-free pills only contain progesterone and are not as effective as the above.

Patches

Contraceptive patches are made up of a layer of hormones that are absorbed by the blood vessels in the skin.

The substances in these patches inhibit ovulation, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Subdermic implant

As its name implies, the subdermal implant is placed under the skin, specifically in the area of ​​the forearm.

This device releases progesterone that promotes the production of dense cervical mucus, which prevents the movement of sperm towards the egg.

Injections

Hormonal injections are intramuscular, so they should preferably be applied to the buttocks. They are made up of progesterone.

Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is placed inside the vagina. There, it releases estrogens and progesterone.

2- Formation of a protective barrier

Other contraceptive methods offer a kind of barrier that blocks the passage of sperm. Such is the case with the condom and the diaphragm.

Condom

The condom or condom is the most common method of contraception of all. It is a thin cover made of latex or polyurethane.

There are both for men and women. However, the structure is slightly different: the female condom is larger and stronger than the male.

The function of the condom is to retain the sperm, so that it does not enter the vagina.

In addition, the condom fulfills an additional function: it prevents sexually transmitted infections, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes and syphilis.

This is the only contraceptive method that works to prevent these types of conditions.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a cup-like device. It is made of latex and has a metal ring on the edge.

It is placed inside the vagina, which covers the walls of the vagina and covers the cervix. Thanks to this device the sperm do not enter the uterus.

The diaphragm must be inserted six hours before sexual intercourse and cannot be removed until six hours after the act is over.

Due to the problems involved in its use, this contraceptive method is not one of the most used.

3- Eradication of sperm once they have entered the vagina

Some contraceptive methods are applied after the semen is in the vagina.

These have the function of eradicating the sperm before they reach the egg. Among these contraceptive methods, spermicides stand out.

They come in different presentations, such as douches, the famous morning-after pills (which can be taken up to 24 hours after having sex), soaps, among others.

In general, the use of these substances in combination with other contraceptives is recommended, as a precautionary method (in case the first contraceptive fails).

For example, after using a diaphragm or condom, it is worth resorting to a spermicide.

4- Elimination of the possibility of conceiving permanently

There are surgical methods of contraception whose function is to eliminate the possibility of conceiving.

These methods are definitive and irreversible. Two are distinguished: one for men and one for women.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a sterilization process that is carried out on men. It consists of cutting and tying the epididymis, which is the tube that carries sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the abdominal cavity.

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a sterilization process that is done in women. This process consists of tying the fallopian tubes so that the egg cannot be released from the ovaries.

If the egg does not reach the uterus, then the sperm cannot fertilize it.

References

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