Contraceptive Methods: How They Work and Which One is Most Used

When starting a sexual life, there are a number of questions that go through the minds of young people, among them: what is the most effective planning method? and what is the correct way to use it? Although there are various options on the market, the ideal is for each person to know which one can best adapt to their needs to live a healthy sexual life.

Within the framework of World Sexual Health Day, celebrated on September 4 this year, entities such as EPS Nueva have Family Planning programs and their members can access medical and nursing consultations to obtain guidance and choose a contraceptive method, in accordance with the Health Benefits Scheme (PBS).

However, in order to solve some of the concerns most often presented by young people, we consulted the doctor Sthepanie Flórez, Gynecologist and Obstetrician at the Hospital Mayor Universitario (Méderi) to learn about the correct use of the various methods of prevention to conceive.

What is the Most Used Planning Method?

The most used planning methods are barrier methods, and of these, the male condom is the most used. As well as preventing unwanted pregnancy, it also protects people from sexually transmitted diseases.

How Does Each Method of Contraception Work?

Birth Control Pills

There are several types of contraceptive pills and they can be presented in two administration lists of 21 or 24 doses, this depends on the concentration of the compounds, basically what they do is prevent ovulation to prevent pregnancy.

An Injection

Among injections we also have two types of injection, one with progestin only, popularly known as the quarterly injection, but it is not recommended as a regular contraceptive method, we will only use it in women who have just had a pregnancy, in the first period after birth. On the other hand, there are also monthly injections that have the same mechanism as tablets.

Underground Implant

Underground implants, for their part, are one of the most effective methods of contraception. Its mechanism of action also includes the prevention of ovulation through the available hormonal concentration for a period of 3 or 5 years. In general, women tolerate them very well, but in some exceptional cases they can experience headaches, internal menstrual bleeding, weight gain or loss, and some side effects that depend on each woman.

Intrauterine Implants (IUD)

Intrauterine devices can be found in various presentations, we have the copper intrauterine device and devices that release levonorgestrel, which is the hormone responsible for preventing pregnancy. These types of devices can last between 5 and 8 years, depending on the state of concentration hormonal all brands.

A Recommendation for Those Who Decide to Start Their Sexual Life

For young people who decide to start their sex life, consult, get advice and search for the best contraceptive method. It is important that they have an assessment in the Family Planning Program to determine which method is the safest and most effective for each patient. It is worth remembering that if you do not have stable partners, and if relationships happen occasionally, you should always use a barrier method, as well as avoiding conception, to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.