You want to drop the pill? Learn about other contraceptive methods

Woman with smile: let contraception with hormones is a decision that can indeed bring benefits to women's health

One of the great dilemmas of women is linked to the reproductive cycle and of course to menstruation. Choosing which the best contraceptive method is not an easy task and requires great care.

If you want to leave hormonal contraceptives, check, the following are some tips from experts.

Leave contraception with hormones is a decision that can indeed bring benefits to women's health. According to the gynecologist, obstetrician and breast cancer specialist Dr. Edison Pedrinha, the main advantages are a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and non-interference in libido.

In the opinion of Dr. Juliana Amato, gynecologist and obstetrician, the patient still going to have less inflammatory reactions in the body, to realize improvement in cellulite, reduce fluid retention, reduce the risk of varicose veins and also of thrombosis.

However, the choice can also bring harm and it is important to be aware of it. "The disadvantages are the less control the menstrual cycle and unpleasant events that may accompany menstruation, such as cramping and excessive bleeding. We can mention also the dermatological effects of many hormonal contraceptives that do not have with non-hormonal methods," says Dr. Edison.

According to experts, the effectiveness of contraceptives is variable because it depends on the use that the patient does. "Behavioral methods and the diaphragm, even if used correctly, have lower efficacy rate than the others. But the condom has similar efficacy to hormonal methods, if used correctly," points out Dr. Edison.

Another important point is the need for combination of methods. "The condom should always be used, regardless of the contraceptive method that was chosen, with or without hormones. All of these methods prevent pregnancy, but not contact with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HPV, HIV and syphilis," says the Dra. Juliana.

Because of these points, the most appropriate is that the patient see a doctor so that he review the framework and also the family history. "Some women really need to stop menstruation, such as those with endometriosis or fibroids," explains Dr. Juliana.

"Patients who have a pathology related to the menstrual cycle can benefit more from hormonal methods. It is important to individualize each case to define the risks and benefits of each method," adds Dr. Edison. So do not forget that the choice of the ideal contraceptive must always be made in partnership with your gynecologist, huh?

Among contraceptives without hormones, there are behavioral methods and the barrier. Dr. Juliana Amato also points out that the former are not as safe for women who have irregular cycles.

Among the behavioral methods include:


rhythm

It is to avoid intercourse in the fertile period, taking into account that the day of ovulation happens right in the middle of the cycle. The main flaw is wrong calculation and end up maintaining relations in the period in which there should be abstinence. "It is subject to failure precisely because we can not predict with certainty the date of ovulation," says Dr. Edison.

withdrawal

It is the act of avoiding ejaculation within the vagina. The main reason for failure is that before the sperm release, the man can release a fluid rich in sperm, and the opportunity to start the ejaculation before the interruption.

method Symptothermal

It consists of daily basal temperature control, who must suffer minimal variation - of about half a degree Celsius - the day of ovulation. "In addition to other factors can increase the body temperature, it is very difficult to see this change accurately," said Dra. Juliana.

Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)

It is a relatively complex method in view of the gynecologist, because it is based on the analysis of the aspect of the cervical mucus to provide greater or lesser periods of fertility. "What weighs heavily against the method is the fact require an initial period of observation to identify the pattern of mucus changes, not to mention the difficulty in realizing it, for sure, if other factors are influencing their appearance, such as lubrication the vagina or any discharge, for example, "explains Dr. Edison.

Among barrier methods are:

Condom (male and female)

Works involving the penis or "lining" the vagina in a flexible tubular structure, usually latex. For those who are allergic to the material already on the market condoms made from other components. "Regardless if it is male or female, it must immediately be placed at the beginning of intercourse and not only at the time of ejaculation, just the liquid that comes out before the semen already contain sperm," cites Dr.. Juliana.

Diaphragm

It is a flexible device latex, which is placed within the vagina and closes the cervical canal, preventing sperm from reaching it. "It needs to be indicated by the gynecologist, because there are various types and sizes and you need to measure the ideal for every woman," recalls Dr. Juliana. According to Dr. Edison, the diaphragm should not be used during menstrual bleeding period and is not the best option for virgin women, suffering from any disease in the cervix and not to allergic to latex.

"It must be inserted correctly deep in the vagina 30 minutes before intercourse, so it does not get out of position, and can be kept for eight to ten hours. The main faults are incorrect insertion and removal of the device before recommended period ", mentions the gynecologist, obstetrician and breast cancer specialist. According to him, the diaphragm costs about R $ 100 and can be reused for up to 3 years.

copper intrauterine device

The device is made of copper, typically T-shaped and is placed within the uterine cavity, where they act as contraception when releasing copper due to its structure and make the environment hostile to sperm. After a week of placement, you need to make a transvaginal ultrasound to see if it is well located - and it is important to repeat the survey annually to ensure that it remains in place.

According to Dr. Juliana, this type of IUD is suitable for those who have a history of thrombosis or do not cope well with pills and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and / or migraine. However, the alert gynecologist it is possible that the flow and menstrual cramps increase in women who are likely to suffer from it.

Furthermore, "It is not indicated for patients with uterine patologinas (such as fibroids or polyps); for those who have an STD, pelvic infection or very large uterine volume, for carriers of clotting disorders or uterine bleeding of unknown cause, and also for patients with multiple partners because of the risk of pelvic infections, "said Dr. Edison.

According to the doctor, the device costs about R $ 80.00, the insert can range from $ 500 to R $ 2000 and the IUD can be used for up to ten years.