How Hormonal Methods Work
There are various hormonal methods for birth control, which work by changing the chemistry of a woman’s body. Sperm cannot fertilize if there is no egg released. This concept is widely agreed as a proven mechanism to prevent pregnancy. By making difficult for sperm to reach the egg, the hormonal contraceptives have proven its effectiveness to prevent fertilization. Women naturally produce two types of hormones namely, estrogen and progestin. All the contraceptives that are based on hormones contain artificial estrogen and progestin as their ingredient.
Various hormonal contrceptives
Some hormonal contraceptives contain both the hormones while some have progestin only. The contraceptives containing both the hormones are more effective than that of containing progestin only. The former prevent the sperm to reach the egg while the later prevent the release of egg from the ovaries. Below are the several forms of hormonal contraceptives available in the market.
Pills
Pills are also called oral contraceptives. Pills are of two types. Those pills that contain only progestin are called “mini pills”. It works by not allowing sperm to reach to the uterus. Even if an egg becomes fertilized, this pill prevents implantation. In the other hand those pill containing both the hormones (estrogen and progestin) are called combination pills. It also affects the condition of the uterus in the same manner but since it contains estrogen, it prevents release of eggs.
Pills come in 28 days package or in 21 days package. Both the pills are effective for only one menstrual cycle i.e., for four weeks only. Both the pills contain only 21 active pills. But in 28 days pack you will get a reminder pill for 7 days so that you can start you next course in time. If you take your pill every day on same time then only these pills will be effective.
Vaginal Ring
It is a thin flexible ring coated with estrogen and progestin. It is inserted into vagina to prevent birth control.
It directly supplies the hormones to the organs that need them. Within the five days of menstrual period it must be inserted. After insertion a backup method is recommended for the first week so that body adjusts to hormones. If inserted and used properly, the vaginal ring is effective for more than 99%.
Injection as hormonal contraceptive
It comes in the form of injection and administered a shot to prevent pregnancy. This is also of two types. One Depo Provera that contain only progestin. Once it has been administered, it prevents pregnancy for three months. The other brand is Lunelle. It has both estrogen and progestin. It has to be taken on monthly basis.
Only a trained nurse of doctor can inject it in arm or buttock. It has to be taken every one or three months as per your choice of brand. Within 5 days of the start of menstrual period, first injection must be taken. It starts working immediately. It has about 3% failure rate.
Since it is easily available, hormonal contraceptives are very popular. Almost all the hormonal contraceptive work on the same mechanism but the forms are different.
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Oral Contraceptives
Commonly known as “the pill”, oral contraceptives are one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control that consist of two synthetic female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. It inhibits the monthly release of the egg from the ovaries, and thus prevents pregnancy. If taken properly in appropriate dosage, it can be highly effective. However, in order to ensure 100% safety, it is recommended to use a second form of contraception the first seven days of the first cycle. At the same times, you must also keep in mind that oral contraceptives do not protect a woman against sexually transmitted disease.
Advantages
The best among the numerous benefits of taking oral contraceptive pills is that it significantly outweighs any risks for most women.
• Lighter and shorter monthly periods (every 28 days)
• Decreased menstrual cramping
• Reduced incidence of benign ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and most importantly, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.
However, you must keep in mind that if a woman stops its intake, it will not decrease the chances of pregnancy.
Caution
Oral contraceptives do not have any side effect, but sometimes some women may face certain problems because of this. It is strongly recommended to consult your doctor, if any or all of the following symptoms occur after taking the pills.
• Vision disturbance, blurred vision, flashing lights
• Severe headaches
• Unusual leg pain in calf or thigh
• Severe Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
• Severe Abdominal pain
If you have Other Health Problems
Fibrous growths of the uterus, heart or kidney disease, depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, migraine headaches, or epilepsy – if you have any such specific health problems, it is a must for you to consult your doctor before taking these pills. In certain cases, such as if you have an old problem of blood clotting anywhere in your body, cancer of the breast or uterus, or liver disease, you should seriously avoid oral contraceptive pills. If you use the pills in these cases, either the pills will lose their effectiveness, or it will further make your health problems worse.
Side Effects
If you do not have any specific healthy problems as mentioned above, the oral contraceptive pills can be very effective. Still, sometimes, some women complain of certain side effects that might be annoying but are not harmful at all. They are in fact temporary changes that tend to disappear in the first three to four cycles. In order to evaluate how you are adjusting, it is strongly recommended to remain on the pill for at least three cycles. The most common side effect is experiencing nausea. In order to avoid this, you should start taking the pill along with a snack or with a meal just before you go to bed. Some women also complain depression or loss of interest in sex. Well, the best treatment for this is exercise and a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Still, if you have any concerns or questions regarding the use of these pills, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Find more information visit: Oral Contraceptives
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How Effective Are the Implants?
Contraceptive implants are quite attractive and effective method for women. They consist of six small capsules that are inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. It acts fast, as it starts working within 24 hours of insertion.
How does it Work?
These capsules, once implanted, release a steady stream of a female-type hormone (progestin) into the bloodstream. This hormone causes some minor anti-conception changes in your womb lining and in your cervix. Then, it reaches the ovaries and eventually prevents them from releasing eggs. Primarily, it prevents cervical mucus, which eventually prevents sperm penetration as well as inhibits evolution. Its effectiveness is beyond any doubt, as it minimizes the chances of pregnancy to almost 0%. What is more, it can provide protection for up to 5 years. It ensures safety and most women can use implants throughout their reproductive years.
How is it put in?
There are specially trained doctors and nurse for this purpose, who first inject a little local anaesthetic into your skin and then pushes the tiny rod in, using a special needle. You do not feel much pain because of the local anaesthetic. It normally takes not more than two minutes. Therefore, you can even go home immediately afterwards. Sometimes, you may face a little bruising or soreness after the implant has been inserted, but it is a normal thing, which gets ok after an hour or so, if not in minutes.
Effectiveness
As per numerous medical researches and reports, with perfect and typical use, it ensures 0.1% to 1.0% failure rate for soft capsule implants during the first year of use, and 1.6% failure rate, if you use the same for over five years. It means less than one woman out of hundred may become pregnant within the first year while less than two over the five years of use. What is more, women can have it removed anytime, and immediately upon the rod removal, they can return to fertility. However, if they want to continue even after five years, they must get the implant replaced.
Side Effects
Though it has been a quite effective method, but sometimes some women may face a few side effects. It may include mood changes, acne, headache, breast tenderness, and nausea. Sometimes, it may also cause irregular periods, headaches and weight gain. What is more, sometimes, women may have to face complications with rod removal. However, the chances of occurring such things are extremely low. Again, even if you face some side effects, the good thing with contraceptive implant is that you can get it removed anytime as per your desire and comfort. Once you have the implant taken out, all the side effects will stop almost immediately.
Restrictions
There are literally no restrictions on its use, but it does have certain age restrictions. The age limitation is 16 and above. Women under 16 should not try this contraceptive implants. Also, it mainly works to prevent pregnancy only, and does not effectively protect against STIs and HIV.
Once the capsule is implanted, you can make love whenever you want to, without worrying about taking pills or buying condoms.
Find more information visit: How Effective Are the Implants?
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