Contraception includes all methods and means aimed to protect against unwanted pregnancy. All methods are effective, but none of them can guarantee 100% effectiveness. That said, if they are used regularly, the chances of a woman becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. Efficiency also depends on whether or not the contraception methods are used correctly. Each method or device of available contraception options must meet several conditions:

• be efficient,
• shouldn’t disturb normal sexual intercourse
• it has to be harmless and cheap in the sense that is affordable
• it is easy to use.

Contraception should be used from the beginning of sexual activity until menopause, of course, with a break during conception planning.

Contraception options: The most commonly used methods of contraception

1. Natural method: interrupted intercourse, method of determining the quality of cervical mucus, measuring basal temperature, monitoring of fertile and infertile days
   
2. Local contraception: condom, local spermicides
   
3. Hormonal contraception: birth control pills, contraceptive ring
   
4. Barrier methods: diaphragm, cervical cap
   
5. Intrauterine contraception: mechanical coil (silver, copper coil), hormonal coil (progesterone)
   
6. Sterilization
   

In this table, you will be able to see the grading of contraceptive methods in terms of effectiveness:

Natural method

This method of contraception is not as reliable as many wish it would be. Research shows that 1-9% of women who practice the natural method will get pregnant. The main advantage is that there are no side effects. The disadvantages are the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (if you do not have a regular partner) and unwanted pregnancies.

Unfortunately, many opt for the interrupted method, which means that a man removes his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. To clarify why this is a very unsafe method. Even though a man pulls out his genitalia before ejaculation, a smaller amount of sperm can be found even in the seminal fluid that occurs prior to ejaculation.

One of the contraception options suggests monitoring fertile and infertile days comes off as quite unreliable because it is based on the existence of ovulation, which is from the 10th to the 17th day of the cycle. This method is tricky for several reasons. Primarily, because there is a possibility that the cycles are not regular, therefore we can not know the exact period of ovulation; and even if you have a regular ovulation cycle, it does not always have to be at the same time. On the other hand, sperm life varies from a minimum of 3 days to 7 or more days in some cases.

Natural contraception options: If you want to practice a natural contraception method, it is best to combine cervical mucus monitoring and basal temperature measurement.

Method of determining the quality of cervical mucus – around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes stretchy and transparent, which is best seen when wiping.

The basal temperature method is based on determining the morning temperature immediately after sleep and before getting up because in the second part of ovulation. There is a temperature jump of at least 0.3 degrees due to the progesterone activation. However, for this method to be a reliable temperature, it must be measured for 3 months in a row to determine the more precise moment of ovulation, and the safe period is after the temperature jump.

Local contraception

This method is reliable only if you use it during every sexual intercourse from the beginning to the end of the intercourse.

A male condom – The advantage of this contraceptive method is that it has to be used only during sexual activity. It can be found in different shapes, textures, colors, and scents.

It is not known to have any side effects.

A female condom is a type of protection that is the most reliable protection against viruses such as herpes or human papillomavirus (HPV).

People allergic to latex can also use it since these condoms can be made of polyurethane or synthetic nitriles. The disadvantage is the price, which is notably higher than a male condom’s price. You may also find it challenging at first until you learn how to put it on.

Local spermicides kill or incapacitate sperm. This type of protection includes cream, gel, foam, suppository, and vaginal tablets.

Hormonal contraception

Pills and a vaginal ring represent hormonal contraception. Only a doctor can prescribe hormonal contraception.

The practice calendar for taking pills is taking one tablet per day for 21 days, followed by a break of 7 days while a woman menstruates. The next cycle of taking pills starts on the 8th day. 

You should visit a doctor in order to put the vaginal ring, where it stays for 3 weeks. After that, it is removed due to the menstrual cycle.

Barrier methods

These contraception options represent mechanical protection against unwanted pregnancy.

A diaphragm is placed by the woman immediately before sexual intercourse. Before the placement, it is coated with a spermicidal agent. The diaphragm has to go out within the next 6 hours after sexual intercourse.

A cervical cap is placed directly on the cervix so that it covers it, and it can stay in place for up to 48h. The cervical cap and spermicide combination usually produces better results. You can receive a cervical cap recommendation as contraception from a doctor, who gives his recommendation after doing a gynecological examination.

Intrauterine contraception

Intrauterine contraception is placed inside the vagina and cervix and serves as the most reliable method in preventing pregnancy. The only drawback is that it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

The IUD (Spiral) for women is considered one of the most reliable birth control methods. A gynecologist recommends spiral as contraception and places it when he or she determines that there are no obstacles to do that. After implementing the spiral, you should check in with your gynecologist after 4-6 weeks or after 2 menstruations, while the next visits are once to twice a year

Sterilization

It is a surgical method of contraception called vasectomy in men and tubal ligation in women. These methods are the most effective as they prevent pregnancy permanently, but they are not popular. Still, it is by no means recommended for young people or couples who are still not sure whether they want children or not.

What to consider before choosing one of the mentioned contraception options

If you are unsure whether you want children or not, withhold from rash decisions and reconsider sterilization. Be careful with sterilization and see it only as a last resort since the process is irreversible. 

If you do not have a permanent partner, then it is best to stick to safe contraceptive methods and methods with the lowest risk of sexually transmitted diseases.