Contraceptives - All Contraceptive Methods

Introduction to contraception

In the vast sexual landscape, contraceptive methods are the subject of great interest, especially among young and very young, still sexually inexperienced.

Although the market offers numerous and different contraceptive methods, it seems that many adolescents experience their sexuality in a superficial way, facing it lightly and recklessly.

In current reality, the age of the much sought-after "first time" tends to be ever earlier. From what has been said, it is easy to understand how information on the different contraceptive methods is essential to reduce not only the risk of unwanted pregnancies but also to limit the transmission of venereal diseases (STDs).

Let's start by specifying that no contraceptive method - outside abstinence - offers TOTAL protection from unwanted pregnancies, let alone from sexually transmitted diseases. Despite what has been said, it is nevertheless necessary to reiterate that the improvement of some contraceptive methods is such as to minimize the risk of failure.

Some examples...

Among the barrier contraceptive methods, the condom (used correctly) offers protection from unwanted pregnancies and STDs ranging from 85 to 99.8%. Among the hormonal contraceptive practices, on the other hand, a regular and constant use of the estrogen-progestin pill guarantees protection against unwanted pregnancies, almost 100% (even if it does not offer any protection from venereal diseases).

But let's go step by step. What is a "barrier" contraceptive method? And what is meant by "hormonal contraceptive practice"? Are there any alternative methods of contraception?

So let us try to clarify the many contraceptive methods currently available, in order to inform all those who want to live a serene sexual life protected by unpleasant surprises.

"Perfect" contraceptive

Everyone is free to live their sexuality as they see fit. Certainly, making use of appropriate contraceptive methods - when an unexpected pregnancy would be a problem - is synonymous with intelligence and maturity.

The choice of a contraceptive practice rather than another is clearly subjective, and depends on its effectiveness, on the practicality and perception of the risk that the couple associates with the occurrence of an unplanned pregnancy. In addition to the "risk" of pregnancy, consideration must be given to the real possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, a probable occurrence in the case of unprotected relationships with multiple and occasional partners.

To address the issues just described, some requirements have been identified that a "perfect" contraceptive method should possess:

Maximum protection from unwanted pregnancies
Maximum protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, condylomata, candidiasis, AIDS, syphilis, genital herpes etc.
Ease of use
Little / no side effects
Low cost
Easy to find
Restoration of the total capacity of conception in case of abandonment of the contraceptive method
Little or no perception of the method during the relationship
Harmlessness for a possible unborn child in case of contraceptive failure

Method selection

The choice of a contraceptive method rather than another is influenced by several elements:

Rate of failure of the contraceptive method
Risk of sexually transmitted diseases
Fixed / occasional partner
Perception of the "gravity" of an unexpected pregnancy
State of general health
Possible contraindications of the chosen contraceptive method
Advantages / disadvantages of the contraceptive method
Practical use

Unwanted pregnancies: do you know the rules to prevent them? Take the Quiz

Types of contraceptives

Having said this, we illustrate in the table all the different types of contraceptive methods, which we will describe in detail in the next articles.

Membership category	Contraceptive methods available
Barrier contraceptive methods	Condom Cervical hood (little used) Diaphragm: to be combined possibly with spermicides Female condom Occlusive pessary (ancient contraceptive practice, currently not used) Cervical sponges (unused contraceptive method in Italy)
Hormonal contraceptive methods	Estro-progestin pill Minipillola (composed exclusively of progestins) Contraceptive patch Vaginal ring Injectable contraceptives Hormonal IUD spiral Implantable hormonal sticks
Emergency "contraceptive" methods	Next day pill Copper IUD spiral Yuzpe method (No longer used due to the noticeable side effects)

Implantable contraceptive methods	Copper IUD spiral (implantable in utero) Hormonal IUD spiral (implantable in the uterus) Hormonal sticks (implantable under the skin, in the inner part of the arm)
Chemical contraceptive methods	Spermicides (available in the form of vaginal eggs, sprays or gels)
Natural "contraceptive" methods	"Ogino-Knaus" method Billings method Basal temperature method Intercourse interrupted
Hormonal abortive methods (NO CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS)	RU-486: it is not considered a contraceptive method, rather an abortive practice because it interrupts the pregnancy

The only contraceptive method that can ensure total coverage of sexually transmitted diseases and eliminate the risk of unwanted pregnancies is complete abstention from sexual relations (abstinence).