BEST Contraceptive Methods - Know which one is best for you | Methods of contraception

Summary

This video script discusses various contraceptive methods, including hormonal, barrier, sterilization, intrauterine devices, emergency contraceptives, spermicides, natural family planning, and withdrawal. Each method's effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages are outlined, highlighting factors like protection against STIs, fertility impact, ease of use, and side effects.

Takeaways

• 💊 Contraception helps in planning families, reducing unintended pregnancies, and promoting reproductive health.
• 🔄 Contraceptive methods can be reversible like hormonal or barrier methods, or irreversible like tubectomy and vasectomy.
• 🕒 Contraceptives can be long-acting, like IUDs, or short-acting, like the pill.
• 💉 Hormonal contraceptives work by regulating hormones involved in ovulation and thickening cervical mucosa.
• 💼 Injectables and implants are highly effective, long-term contraceptives that can also help with menstrual issues.
• 🚫 Hormonal contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and must be used consistently and correctly.
• 🛡️ Barrier methods like condoms provide dual protection by preventing STIs and pregnancy.
• ✂️ Sterilization is a permanent method of contraception, effective immediately after a recovery period for vasectomy.
• 🌡️ IUDs are long-acting, reversible, and do not require regular maintenance but may cause heavier periods.
• 🆘 Emergency contraceptives, or the 'morning after pill', should be used within five days of unprotected sex and are not a regular contraceptive method.
• 🌿 Natural family planning involves tracking menstrual cycles to avoid intercourse during fertile periods, without medication or devices.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of contraception?

The primary purpose of contraception is to reduce the chance of pregnancy after sexual intercourse, which is especially important for people who wish to plan and control their families, reduce unintended pregnancies, and promote reproductive health.

What are the two main categories of contraceptive methods mentioned in the script?

The two main categories of contraceptive methods mentioned are reversible and irreversible methods. Reversible methods include hormonal or barrier methods, while irreversible methods include tubectomy and vasectomy.

How do hormonal contraceptives work?

Hormonal contraceptives work by regulating the hormones involved in ovulation and thickening cervical mucosa, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Estrogen enhances contraceptive effectiveness.

What are the advantages of using injectables and implants as a contraceptive method?

Injectables and implants are highly effective, provide long-term contraception from several months to years, may help with periods by making them lighter and reducing cramping, reduce health risks like PID and ovarian cysts, protect against certain cancers, and fertility returns rapidly once discontinued.

What are the potential disadvantages of hormonal contraceptives?

Disadvantages include not protecting against sexually transmitted infections, needing to take birth control pills consistently and at the same time each day for effectiveness, potential side effects like irregular periods or spotting, breast tenderness, and possible interaction with other medications affecting effectiveness.

How effective is the barrier method at preventing pregnancy?

The barrier method is effective at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly. It also protects against sexually transmitted infections and does not affect fertility.

What are the benefits of sterilization as a contraceptive method?

Sterilization is highly effective at preventing pregnancy and is a permanent method that does not require any maintenance.

What is an IUD and how does it work?

An IUD is a small, flexible, T-shaped device placed at the bottom of the uterus. It is a long-acting reversible contraceptive that can be made of copper or plastic containing hormone, usually progestin, which thins the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.

What are the potential side effects of using an IUD?

Potential side effects of using an IUD include increased cramping, heaviness of menstrual flow, and an increase in the number of menstruation days. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

How effective is the withdrawal method at preventing pregnancy?

The effectiveness of the withdrawal method is questionable as it relies on perfect timing and self-control. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

What is the main advantage of natural family planning?

The main advantage of natural family planning is that it does not use any medication or devices, so there are no associated side effects. It also involves communication and cooperation with your partner, which can strengthen the relationship.

What are the limitations of using emergency contraceptives?

Emergency contraceptives should not be used as a regular form of birth control. They may interfere with other drugs, dosage needs to be adjusted according to weight, and they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.