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A comprehensive list of birth control methods
The standard pill is called the "combined pill". It contains two synthetic hormones: progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone causes change in three main centers: the ovaries, the cervix and the uterus itself, with the support of estrogen.
Correct use of pills prevents about 99% of unwanted pregnancies.
The disadvantage of the pill is that it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, correct use is very essential to its effectiveness, and it is important to take it at a fixed time every day.
The hormones active in the patch are introduced into the body through a sticker that is attached to the skin. Operates much like the pill, with an advantage for for girls and women who tend to forget to take the pill.
The patch must be changed once every seven days for 3 weeks in a row and then a week off, during which menstruation arrives.
Despite its scary name, it is two threads inserted by a gynecologist into the uterine cavity. These wires (made of plastic and copper) rest in the uterine cavity, slow down the movement of the sperm and egg in the reproductive system and interfere with implantation.
Hormonal devices secrete a hormone that suppresses the lining of the uterus and makes it thin and unreceptive to a fertilized egg. These devices reduce the amount of bleeding during menstruation, and many women will not get a period at all.
The insertion procedure may be painful, usually only for a few minutes. The device remains in place for 3-10 years (depending on the type), and since there is no danger of human error, it is considered the most effective preventive measure. Today IUDs are also offered to young women who have not yet given birth.
The injection contains progesterone and prevents ovulation.
A shot is given with a doctor's prescription, and you have to go to the cash register nurse's room every 4-12 weeks (depending on the type of injection) in order to receive it.
The injection is considered very effective in preventing pregnancy. The main disadvantage is that if there are side effects it is necessary to wait until the active substance is released from the body and there is no way to speed up the process.
A doctor's prescription is required. The ring contains estrogen and progesterone and is inserted into the vagina similar to a tampon.
The ring must be left for 3 weeks, after which there is a week break during which you will get your period.
The ring is not felt and you can have intercourse with it.
Condoms today are made of collagen and latex-like materials. This is the only contraceptive that protects against pregnancy and also prevents, or at the very least - reduces the chance of contracting most sexually transmitted diseases.
In Europe, the percentage of use reaches about 80% of men. In Israel, unfortunately, the percentages are much lower, and only about 40% of men make sure to use a condom.
When used correctly, the condom provides 90% protection, and can easily be purchased at any pharmacy.
A diaphragm is a soft and flexible rubber dome, which is worn on the cervix and prevents the passage of sperm into the uterus and fallopian tubes. You buy the diaphragm from a "fitter", who measures and fits you.
It is recommended to use spermicide gel together, which can be easily obtained at any pharmacy. The gel is spread on the dome.
You insert the diaphragm into the vagina before having sex. The effectiveness of the diaphragm in preventing pregnancy depends on its correct use. It is important to leave it in the vagina for at least eight hours after intercourse.
The sponge works in a similar way. It is a sponge filled with a spermicidal substance that is inserted like a tampon and does a job similar to a diaphragm, blocking the passage of the sperm and killing the spermicide that reaches it through the substance inside. Can be purchased at pharmacies.
Tubal ligation is performed in an operating room, permanently blocking the passage between the ovaries and the uterus. The surgery is irreversible.
A vasectomy is a simpler operation in which the passage between the testicles and the urethra is cauterized. The remaining sperm will be expelled during the next 20 ejaculations, and after that, the semen expelled will be spermless. In some cases the surgery is reversible, although the reversal process is complex.
The scientific understanding behind the safe days method is based on the female cycle, according to which the time when you can get pregnant is very short - 24 hours from the moment the egg is released from the ovary until it ages prematurely. Theoretically at least, the average cycle time of a woman is 28 days, so it is likely that ovulation occurs two weeks after the first day of menstruation, so this is the time to be careful and avoid.
The method is not accurate, especially at young ages or in cases of irregular periods, illness, stress etc.
Removing the penis from the vagina before reaching ejaculation. This method is very ineffective. Even before ejaculation there is a release of pre-semen into the vagina ("pre-cum") and there is a high chance of pregnancy.
The morning-after pill is not a contraceptive, but an emergency measure should be taken after unprotected sexual intercourse (whether it is not using contraceptives at all, forgetting pills, etc. or a failure such as a torn condom).
There are currently 3 types of emergency contraceptives marketed in Israel, which must be purchased at the pharmacy, as close as possible to sexual contact. The effectiveness of the pill depends on the time from the unprotected intercourse, and when during the menstrual cycle the intercourse took place.
Using emergency contraception impairs the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives during the cycle, so it is necessary to use an additional contraceptive method such as a condom until menstruation.
A pregnancy test should be performed about two weeks after sexual contact in order to rule out pregnancy.
There is no limit to the number of times emergency contraception can be used during a lifetime. It is not recommended to use more than once during one cycle.
Emergency contraceptives do not replace contraceptives and should not be treated as such.
Emergency contraception does not prevent or cure sexually transmitted diseases.
Emergency contraception can disrupt periods for a cycle or two. Ovulation dates may change, the entire cycle may be longer or shorter, and there may be bleeding, or a change in typical bleeding.
