Choosing a modern contraceptive is a very difficult task, not only for a woman, but also for a man who cares about the health and psychological comfort of a loved one.
You may ask: which method is best for me and my lifestyle? Which method protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
What about usability? Possible side effects? Cost? How effective will it be?
To answer these questions, we have compiled a selection of effective modern contraceptives. We hope that she will help you make the right choice.
Important: all of the popular contraceptives listed below (except, perhaps, condoms) require consultation with a gynecologist.
10. Interrupted intercourse
This is one of the oldest methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy. The idea behind the PPA is for the man to have time to remove the penis from the partner's vagina before ejaculation.
pros: Free, can be used without special training.
Minuses: low reliability (5 out of 20 women can get pregnant using this method), reduces the quality of orgasm for a man, keeps both partners in constant psychological stress, does not protect against STDs.
9. Sterilization
The average cost of such a service is 15,000 rubles
A similar operation can be performed by both men and women who already have children. The operation for a woman can be performed both in a minimally invasive way (through small incisions in the abdomen), and colpotomy access (through the vagina) or hysteroscopic - through the uterine cavity, by introducing special substances into the tubes that violate their patency.
A male surgery is called a vasectomy, and it involves ligating or removing a piece of the vas deferens, through which sperm travel from the testicles to the male sperm. Vasectomy does not affect the quality of orgasm, erectile function, or the quality of sex life of either the man or his partner.
pros: efficiency - 99 percent, the effect is permanent, does not affect the menstrual cycle, does not suffer from libido.
Minuses: high price, many contraindications, performed under general anesthesia.
8. Contraceptive injection "Depo-Provera"
Such an injection costs 227 rubles
Depo Provera is an injection of medroxyprogesterone, a long acting synthetic hormone. A woman needs an injection every 12 weeks for a good contraceptive effect.
pros: Can be used while breastfeeding, does not need to be applied every day.
Minuses: Used only as directed by a physician, some women may experience severe side effects such as mood changes, abdominal discomfort and headaches.
7. Condoms
The average price of a package is 80 rubles.
Reliability - 98% for the male condom, 95% for the female.
The condom is the only form of contraception for women and men that protects against most STDs and also reliably prevents pregnancy.
There are both male and female condom options.
- Male condom - a thin rubber or synthetic shell that is worn on a hard (erect) penis. It collects semen and stops it from entering the vagina and uterus. You can buy condoms at a pharmacy or supermarket.
- Female condom - a soft silicone cap, which is placed in the vagina before sex to close the entrance to the cervix. The cap can be used anytime, even during your period, and can be washed and used over and over again.
pros: This is the best protection against STDs, without hormones, you can buy not only in the pharmacy.
Minuses: Can tear during sex if not used properly, some people are allergic to latex condoms.
6. Birth control pills
Cost - from 500 rubles and more
Although we use the expression "pill", there are actually two main types of oral contraceptives.
- Combined
These pills contain two hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg every month. In this case, withdrawal bleeding will begin if you stop taking the drug, but will not be as strong as normal menstruation.
The combination pill may have beneficial effects on the body - reduce acne and relieve premenstrual syndrome.
- Progestogen-only pills
These pills contain only one hormone, which works by increasing the viscosity of mucus at the entrance to the uterus so that sperm cannot pass through it and fertilize an egg.
The progestogen-only pill differs from the combination pill in that it does not stop ovulation.
Doctors-gynecologists and endocrinologists will help you to choose the hormonal contraceptive pill that is ideal for you. They are sold by prescription in Russian pharmacies.
Pros of taking pills: highly effective when used correctly.
The disadvantages include: many contraindications and side effects, you need to take the pill daily, otherwise this contraceptive will not be as effective.
5. Intrauterine device
Costs from 400 to 13 696 rubles, depending on the type
This small T-shaped device fits into a woman's uterus. There are two types of IUDs:
- copper IUD - the action lasts from five to ten years, is 99.4% effective
- Hormonal IUD (for example, "Mirena" with the active substance levonorgestrel) - the action lasts five years, is effective by 99.8%.
The IUD affects the movement and survival of the sperm in the uterus, so that they cannot reach the egg for fertilization.
It is a very effective long-term contraception. However, before the introduction of the spiral, it is necessary to undergo a general and gynecological examination, to conduct an examination of the pelvic organs and mammary glands, and also to take a smear from the cervix. If a woman is afraid that the insertion of an IUD may cause discomfort, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia.
pros: with the correct introduction, it is not felt inside, in fact - "set and forget" for a long time.
The disadvantages of the IUD include: high price, many contraindications for the hormonal coil, frequent irregular bleeding in the first six months of use, a qualified doctor is required for installation and removal.
4. Vaginal ring "NuvaRing"
Costs from 1410 rubles
One of the most effective contraceptives not only in Russia, but also in other countries. The simplicity and ease of the Novaring installation will be appreciated by those women who can use hormonal drugs, but do not want to take contraceptive pills every day.
The vaginal ring contains 15 mcg of ethinylestradiol and 120 mcg of etonogestrel, the same two hormones found in some types of pills. It works the same way as a pill - it prevents ovulation.The ring is placed in the vagina and left in place for three weeks. It is removed for one week so that the woman has regular monthly bleeding.
If NovaRing is used incorrectly, 1 in 10 women can become pregnant.
pros: need to be administered only once a month, the likelihood of side effects is lower than that of hormonal pills, hormones do not pass through the digestive tract.
Minuses: like any hormonal contraceptive has many contraindications and side effects, it is available with a prescription.
3. The contraceptive patch "Evra"
Reliability - 99%
Like the vaginal ring, the Evra patch is one of the best methods of contraception today. It contains 6 mg of norelgestromin and 600 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, but these hormones do not pass through the digestive tract, but go directly into the blood.
The plaster must be glued to the body (on the stomach, shoulder blade, shoulder or buttocks), so that its edges are in good contact with the skin. To do this, you need to choose an area with minimal hair growth. The hormones contained in Evra interfere with the ovulation process, as well as increase the viscosity of cervical mucus and reduce the susceptibility of the endometrium to the formation of an embryo (blastocyte).
pros: comfortable, high reliability (Pearl index - 0.90), can have a beneficial effect on the skin (less acne).
Minuses: the edges of the patch get dirty very quickly, there are many contraindications and side effects, like any hormonal agent, it is dispensed with a doctor's prescription.
2. Vaginal suppositories (suppositories) and wipes with nonoxynol
Price - from 369 rubles
Non-hormonal contraceptives with nonoxynol are a good choice for women who, for some reason, cannot use hormonal drugs.
Nonoxynol inhibits sperm motility. It is necessary to use a candle 10 minutes before sexual intercourse, and after it, you should not wash your genitals with soap for 6 hours, so as not to decrease the contraceptive effect of nonoxynol.
There are also nonoxynol wipes. They are called Nonoxinol Pellicles or "tulips" in common usage (because of the flowers on the package). The principle of operation and method of application of the napkins is the same as that of vaginal suppositories. However, this contraceptive cannot be found in Russian pharmacies; you will have to look in online stores selling goods from China. It was from there that Nonoxinol Pellicles came to Russia.
pros: easy to use, available over the counter, suitable for breastfeeding women, bactericidal against chlamydia and gonococci.
Minuses: the remedy often causes an itching or burning sensation, and both the woman and her sexual partner are not suitable for spontaneous intercourse, a new suppository must be used before each new act.
1. Contraceptive subcutaneous implant
Cost (without installation doctor services) - 11,184 rubles and more
This is not yet the most popular female contraceptive method in Russia, but it is definitely one of the most reliable. The implant is a small plastic rod that is inserted under the skin on the inside of the shoulder.
It slowly releases a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation. For most women, menstrual bleeding will continue, but the flow will be scanty, and for some, menstruation will stop altogether.
Some women who decide to have an implant will notice changes in their skin, mood or slight weight gain.
There are two types of contraceptive implants:
- "Implanon" - contains 68 mg of etonogestrel. The period of wearing this tool is 3 years. The Implanon's length does not exceed 4.2 cm, and its diameter is about 2 mm. No incision is required during insertion; the implant is injected under the skin.
- "Norplant" - contains 36 mg of levonorgestrel. In addition to the contraceptive effect, this implant has a therapeutic effect on the body of women suffering from endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis and uterine myoma, up to 8 weeks old. However, the Norplant installation requires a small incision in the skin.The contraceptive effect lasts 5 years.
pros: long-lasting, high reliability, can have an additional therapeutic effect.
Minuses: high price, you need to see a doctor who has experience in installing and removing such implants, there are contraindications and side effects.