A method of contraception without pills or an IUD
Natural birth control methods include several options that are economical and relatively safe, although they are more likely to not work than other alternatives and cannot prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Among these methods:
1. How to monitor the menstrual cycle and determine the ovulation period: This method depends on the woman monitoring her menstrual cycle to determine the most fertile days, when the possibility of pregnancy increases, and then avoiding sexual intercourse during that period or using barrier methods such as condoms. This method is most effective for women with regular menstrual cycles.
2. Ovulation indicators that help determine the fertile period, such as:
- Measuring the basal body temperature, as its decrease is observed about 12 to 24 hours before the egg is released.
– Notice changes in vaginal mucus, which becomes thicker and less viscous.
3. Withdrawal: This method requires the man to end intercourse and withdraw the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix.
4. Using breastfeeding as a method of birth control: This method relies on the hormones secreted during breastfeeding, which contribute to delaying the return of fertility to the woman after childbirth. It can be approved provided that no more than six months have passed since the birth, that the menstrual cycle has not yet returned, and that the child is completely dependent on breastfeeding.
Permanent contraceptives
Surgical birth control procedures are always an option for those who wish to be childless for the rest of their lives. These procedures are based on physical changes that prevent pregnancy through surgical intervention performed on men or women.
In women, the procedure is known as tubal ligation, in which the fallopian tube, which plays a key role in the fertilization process, is disrupted. This procedure is done by cutting or tying the tube, which prevents the egg from traveling to the uterus and meeting the sperm, thus preventing pregnancy.
As for men, the well-known procedure is vasectomy or vasectomy. The ducts that transmit sperm are cut or tied through a small incision made in the lower abdomen. This procedure prevents sperm from reaching the semen, which results in the inability to fertilize during marital intercourse.
What contraceptive options are available?
Contraceptive methods vary and include barrier methods, such as the use of male and female condoms, in addition to the diaphragm, contraceptive sponge, and cervical cap, which provide direct and temporary protection from pregnancy. There are hormonal methods that are divided into two types: Short-term, such as birth control pills, vaginal ring, skin patch, and injections, and long-term, such as hormonal IUD and implantable device, which can last from three to ten years. The choice between these types is based on the need to renew use at different rates.
In addition, sterilization is a permanent method of contraception, such as ligation of the fallopian tubes for women and vasectomy for men. There are also vaginal gels and spermicides as options that work by making the vaginal environment inhospitable to sperm movement.
Fertility awareness methods are also used, where knowledge of the days on which pregnancy can occur is used to help avoid intercourse during those days or use additional protection methods. We cannot ignore talking about emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, which is used as a line of defense after intercourse without protection to prevent pregnancy.
Barrier methods of contraception
Condoms are one of the most widely used means of protection during sexual relations, and they are particularly effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Its use becomes more important for people who have irregular sex with multiple partners.
The female condom represents a protective device that a woman can use herself, as she inserts it into the vagina. This method gives women greater independence in controlling contraceptive methods.
The female diaphragm, also known as the diaphragm, is shaped like a small, flat cup. It is made of a rubber material and is placed inside the vagina with a preparation that destroys sperm, preventing them from reaching the cervix. This insulator is usually adjusted by your doctor to ensure a correct fit.
Although these birth control methods cause few side effects, their effectiveness may be limited compared to other methods of contraception.
How do you choose the appropriate method of pregnancy for you?
When choosing a contraceptive method, the choice must be made in cooperation with the treating physician. This choice depends on what suits your health condition and what is most effective in preventing pregnancy. You can also ask your doctor about the effect of breastfeeding on contraception, and how this may affect your choice of different methods.
The most common type of contraception
1-IUD
An IUD is a small T-shaped device made of plastic that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. This device comes in two main types: The first is fortified with copper and the second contains hormones. The doctor is the one who carefully installs it in the woman's uterus to perform its function.
-Copper IUD
The copper IUD secretes copper in small quantities, which hinders the movement of sperm and prevents them from fertilizing the egg. This type of contraception can remain effective for up to ten years.
-Hormonal IUD
A hormonal IUD is a contraceptive method that releases small amounts of a specific hormone to achieve this purpose. There are four different types that exist in the body between three and six years of age. This type of IUD provides high protection against pregnancy, and it cannot be felt once it is installed in the uterus.
2- Birth control pills
There are different types of hormonal contraceptives that include progestin only. Some of these methods are used for 21 days, after which there is a week of rest.
