The big contraception multiplication table
Generally, between four different methods of contraception: the Barrier-, the hormonal, the natural and the chemical Methods.
The so-called Pearl Index indicates for each method how safe it is: It refers to a statistic that shows how many women statistically become pregnant when using a particular method. If the Pearl index is 2, that means that 2 out of 100 women have become pregnant.
1. BARRIER METHODS
The so-called barrier methods include all contraceptives that prevent sperm from passing through a barrier, an obstacle, to the egg and fertilizing it. Barrier methods are suitable especially for womenfor which out of very different motivations one hormonal contraception is out of the question, The safety of barrier methods stands and falls with the knowledge of the partners about their right, consistent and proper applicationthat often requires some practice. The most famous representative of this group is the condom - but there are many other possibilities.
condoms
They are made of natural rubber latex or - in the latex-free variant - made of polyethylene (PE) (for Latex Allergy) and are rolled over the man's stiff penis before sex. Condoms come in many different colors, flavors and shapes.
Advantages: They are relatively cheap (10 pieces cost about 5 euros) and easy to get (supermarket, drugstore, pharmacy, vending machines). Condoms are the only way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis B., and thus they can also be used for safe oral / anal intercourse heterosexual / gay partners to be used.
Disadvantage: Your application requires a bit of practice to eliminate 'accidents' such as tearing, slipping or bursting. So that nothing goes wrong, everyone, whether a boy or a girl, should inform themselves about the proper use of condoms and not just leave this to the partner. Instructions can be found in every Kondompackung or here (//www.machsmit.de/spots/kondome/index.php).
Security: If used correctly, the security is high. The fact that the Pearl Index is still between 2 and 14, is primarily due to misconduct in the application.
Danger: Through various substances called as lubricant (body lotion, baby or massage oil, petrolatum etc.) or by vaginal suppositories are used condoms porous, However, there are products that are approved for use with condoms (note the package leaflet). Condoms have one expiry date and must be stored properly: for example, they must not be exposed to excessive temperatures. Used condoms do not belong in the toilet but in the trash can.
Femidoms
They are also called Condom for the woman and are an invention of the 1990s. A femidom is about 18 cm long and has two rings at the top and bottom, one of which is inserted into the vagina and one outside, so in front of the labia majora, lies.
Advantages: The femidoma can be introduced up to ten hours before sexual intercourse. Its applicability does not depend on the stiffness of the penis. It is suitable for latex allergy sufferers because it is not made of natural rubber. Just like condoms it protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
Disadvantage: Femidomes are relatively expensive (about 3-5 euros each).
Security: The Pearl Index is for the same reasons as Condoms between 5 and 25.
diaphragm
The diaphragm is bowl-shaped and closes the entrance of the cervix to the ingress of sperm, It is made of rubber or silicone and before sex together with a sperm-killing gel (spermicide) inserted into the vagina. It still has to be after intercourse at least eight hours stay in the body.
Advantages: It is used only when needed and, because it is not hormonal, has no effect on the cycle. That is why it is especially suitable for young women. With about 30 euros, it is very cheap, because you have to get only one to two years, a new one.
Disadvantage: A diaphragm must be individually adjusted by the gynecologist does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, Therefore, it should always be used with a condom or femidom. The onset requires a little practice and must be at most two hours before sex.
Security: The Pearl Index is between 1 and 20 (study dependent).
Similar methods: Cervical cap, LEA contraceptivum
2. HORMONAL METHODS
Among the methods of hormonal contraception fall all those in which the organism of women in different ways hormones (Estrogens, progesterone and progesterone) be supplied. The 'Pill', which comes in several variants, is the best known member of this group.
The pill
More than six million women prevent the pill? she is with it the most popular contraceptive ever, Fall under the very general term 'pill' two types of preparations: the combination pill and the mini-pill. A combination pill is taken for 21 days at a time, followed by a seven-day pause in which you get your rule. In contrast, the mini-pill is taken daily without a break. Which pill is best for you, you should discuss with your gynecologist. A three-month pack costs between 10 and 40 euros, until the age of 20 you get your pill free of charge on prescription.
Advantages: The pill works from the first day you take it and can help to reduce menstrual pain, migraines and acne. In addition, it often causes a more regular monthly cycle. When taken correctly, it has a very high safety factor.
Disadvantage: You must always take the pill regularly, because even a single time forget affects the contraceptive significantly. There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, so not HIV, Beware of diarrhea or vomiting: the pill may lose its effectiveness. Care should also be taken when taking other medicines at the same time, such as antibiotics, commanded. In addition, some women complain side effects such as tiredness, mood swings, headaches, weight gain or sexual listlessness. For smokers increases the risk of thrombosis!
Micro-pill
she is the one Advancement of the classic anti-baby pill and consists of a combination of progestins and estrogens. Through the interaction of the two hormones, the micro-pill prevents the implantation of the egg in the uterus by preventing ovulation. The micro pill has the advantage of being due to her low dosage has far fewer side effects than its predecessor.
Security: The Pearl Index is 0.1-0.9.
Mini-Pill
Unlike the micro-pill, it does not contain any estrogens only progestins, so it is not a combination product. Its action is based on the alteration of the lining of the uterus, which under its influence changes and becomes tenacious, thus preventing penetration of the sperm. The mini-pill is only suitable for very conscientious womenas she is to the hour must be taken.
Security: The Pearl Index is around 2.5.
Hormone spiral
This approximately 3 cm long, T-shaped plastic body is used by your gynecologist in the uterus. Here, the spiral constantly delivers very small amounts of progestin, resulting in thickening of the mucus on the cervix. The sperm are thus prevented from entering the uterus. In some women, ovulation is also inhibited under the influence of the hormone. Once inserted, the coil can stay in the uterus for up to five years, The cost is between 300 and 400 euros.
Advantages: The hormonal spiral acts from the first day and prevents very reliable up to five years. You do not have to think about her every day, as with the 'pill'. Moreover, the burden of the body due to hormones due to the very low dosage low. Women who can not tolerate the pill or have an irregular cycle can try the hormonal spiral.
Disadvantage: The surgery must be performed by the gynecologist and can be uncomfortable or even painful. Also, some women use the spiral stronger menstrual pain on. In the first few months it can happen that the spiral slips or is repelled.
Security: The Pearl Index is at 0.16.
3-month injection
The effect of this contraceptive method is based on the inhibition of ovulation by progestogens. The syringe will injected every three months as a depot into the buttock or upper arm muscle of the woman, The hormones then pass slowly through the blood to the uterus and ovaries. So this is it? just like the hormonal spiral? one Long-term contraceptive method, The cost of a syringe is between 25 and 30 euros.
Advantages: Ingestion errors as with the pill can be excluded. Women with intestinal diseases, who need to take medications that affect the effect of the 'pill', are well advised with the three-month injection. Vomiting or diarrhea do not affect the effect. Also good: migraines or severe menstrual pain can be alleviated by the syringe.
Disadvantage: The injected hormone amount is relatively high, since it is indeed created as a depot for three months. Besides, this method can not be discontinued spontaneously, because the depot must first be completely dismantled. The syringe interacts with antibiotics or antidepressants less sure, After complete depot removal, it may take up to 22 months for ovulation to return to normal.
Security: The Pearl Index is between 0 and 1.
Plastic stick
In this method, a thin, flexible rod containing progestin, implanted under the skin on the upper arm, Here, it gradually releases small amounts of the hormone, thus inhibiting ovulation or leading to a change in the lining of the uterus. The chopsticks will from the gynecologist under local anesthesiaused and then protects three years long before an unwanted pregnancy.
Advantages: The hormone implant is one of the safest contraceptive methods and is particularly suitable for all girls who do not want to think about contraception daily. The hormone dosage is very low
Disadvantage: It can all side effects occur, which also occur when taking the 'pill'. In addition, many women complain of irregular bleeding. The price of this method is relatively high at 300 euros per stick.
Security: The Pearl index is according to the manufacturer under 0.1.
Further hormonal contraceptive methods are the vaginal ring and the hormone patches.
3. NATURAL METHODS
These methods are also called methods of Natural family planning designated. This category includes all those methods that do not function chemically, hormonally, or over a barrier. Basis of all natural contraceptive methods is the Determination of fertile days The woman's goal is to be able to have sex on infertile days without the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Some of these methods are called contraceptive used to assist in the application and result interpretation.
Temperature method
The basis of this method is the daily measurements of the so-called basal temperature, It depends on the menstrual cycle and rises shortly after ovulation. If one notes a temperature increase of at least three days, one can retroactively conclude ovulation. Since ovulation is followed by infertile days, you can have unprotected sex with them. On the potentially fertile days you have to live celibate (or otherwise).
Advantages: Unlike hormone-controlled contraception takes place here no intervention in the organism takes place.
Disadvantage: The basal body temperature is strong fluctuations inferior, which can be triggered by alcohol, major stress, infections, fever or even lack of sleep. It offers, as well as all hormonal contraceptive methods, no protection against venereal diseases such as HIV, This method is only suitable for women with a very regular cycle, not for young girls or menopausal women.
Security: The Pearl Index is 3-10. This method is called very uncertain and is considered obsolete!
Billings Method
This method is based on the daily observation of the cervical mucuswhose composition is noted in a table in order to be able to conclude the (in) fertile days. Again, the pivotal point is the determination of ovulation.
Advantages: In contrast to hormonally controlled contraception, there is no intervention in the organism.
Disadvantage: The natural hormone level of the woman is subject to fluctuations, which can also affect the mucus production. Variations occur among other things Infections and lack of sleep (see temperature method), The method offers no protection against venereal diseases such as HIV, It is only suitable for women with a very regular cycle, so not for young girls or menopausal women.
Security: The Pearl index is 15. This method is inappropriate for contraception and explicit for couples with a desire to conceive (they close with their help on the fertile days).
Symptothermal method
Here are temperature method and billings method together combined, This means that both the basal temperature and the cervix mucosa are observed in order to be able to conclude on the (unf) fertile days. On contraceptive helps to log and interpret the measurement results.
Advantages: In contrast to hormonally controlled contraception, there is no intervention in the organism.
Disadvantage: The natural hormone level of the woman is subject to fluctuations, which can also affect the mucus production. Among other things, fluctuations result from infections and lack of sleep (see temperature method). The method offers no protection against venereal diseases, It is only suitable for women with a very regular cycle, so not for young girls or menopausal women.
Security: The Pearl Index is rigorous and 0.4 in optimal conditions.
4. CHEMICAL METHODS
Hereby are the so-called spermicides meant to kill the sperm or restrict their mobility so much that they are no longer able to fertilize an egg. Spermicides are available as Suppositories, spray, ointments, gel or foam, They are inserted in the vagina before sex.
Advantages: In contrast to hormonally controlled contraception, there is no intervention in the organism. Spermicides can be applied directly when needed and are inexpensive.
Disadvantage: Spermicides should be never exclusively be used, but always in Combination with condom, pessary or capped cap, Spermicides can make condoms porous, so always look at the leaflet to see if the two can be combined. they offer no protection against venereal diseases, Occasionally, unpleasant irritations of the vaginal mucosa may occur.
Security: When used alone, the Pearl Index is 5-21.
Lint or Dental Dam
Dental Dams arrive at Oral intercourse between heterosexual or homosexual partners for use. It's about a Latex cloth or latex-free rubber (for allergy sufferers), which is placed over the vagina and so on Protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases offers. Dental dams are still relatively unknown in Germany and are also referred to here as leaflets. You can get it in the pharmacy, at the local AIDS-AIDS or on the internet. A cloth costs between 3 and 5 euros.
Coitus interruptus
That persists stubbornly rumorin that this is a contraceptive method. That's not true! Also, if the man pulls his penis just before the ejaculation of the vagina, it can come to a fertilization of the egg, because already before orgasm, small amounts of seminal fluid escape, Quite apart from that, of course, too no protection against HIV offered!
Pill afterwards
The Pill afterwards is only used when you have sex accident has happened: Torn condom or forget pill and only afterwards noticed. If that happens to you, turn within the next one 48 hours to your gynecologist or to one of the counseling centers of Pro Familia, Since this pill gives your body a large amount of hormones and can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea or dizziness, it is real in case of emergency suitable!
usefull links
www.sextra.de: Anonymous and free online consultation of the German Association for Family Planning, Sexual Education and Sexual Counseling e.V.
www.loveline.de: Tips and information about the topics love, sexuality and contraception. A special service is the "Liebeslexikon", which comprises more than 350 terms, drawings, sound bites and videos. More answers are also available in the chatroom, where you can contact sex educators and doctors.
www.profamilia.de: Forget pill, condom broken, not paying attention? Under the phone number 01805 - 776326 you get detailed information on the effect and application of the "pill afterwards". The automatic announcements are available German, Turkish, English and Russian.
