Before starting any contraceptive, it is important to go to the gynecologist so that, based on the person’s health history, age and lifestyle, the most appropriate advice can be given.
It is important for people to know that contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, implant or ring, prevent unwanted pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and, therefore, it is very important to use an additional method during intimate contact. , like condoms. Find out which STDs are the most common.
What method to choose
The contraceptive can be used from the first menstruation until around 50 years of age, as long as the eligibility criteria are met. Most methods can be used without restrictions, however, it is important to be aware of contraindications before starting to use the medication.
Furthermore, the contraceptive may have advantages beyond its action as a contraceptive, but for this it is important to know how to choose the one that is most adapted, and, in younger adolescents, preference should be given to pills with 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, for have less impact on bone mineral density.
The choice must take into account the characteristics of the person, which must be evaluated by the doctor, as well as their preferences, and the specific recommendations of some contraceptives can also be taken into account, for example, in the treatment of hyperandrogenism, premenstrual syndrome and dysfunctional hemorrhages, for example.
1. Combined pill
The combined contraceptive pill has two hormones in its composition, estrogens and progestins, and is the contraceptive most used by women.
How to drink: The combined pill should always be taken at the same time, every day, respecting the interval mentioned in the leaflet. There are, however, pills with a continuous administration schedule, the tablets of which must be taken daily, without taking a break. When the contraceptive is taken for the first time, the pill must be taken on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the first day that menstruation occurs. Clarify any doubts about the contraceptive pill.
2. Minipill
The minipill is a contraceptive with a progestin in its composition, which is generally used by women who are breastfeeding or by people who cannot use estrogens.
How to drink: The minipill should be taken daily, at the same time, without needing to take a break. When the contraceptive is taken for the first time, the pill must be taken on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the first day that menstruation occurs. See more details on how to take the minipill.
3. Sticker
The contraceptive patch is especially recommended for women who have difficulty taking it daily, have problems swallowing the pill, have a history of bariatric surgery or even have inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhea, and women who already take a lot of medication.
How to use: The patch must be applied on the first day of menstruation, weekly, for 3 weeks, followed by a week without application. The areas for application are the buttocks, thighs, upper arms and abdomen.
4. Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is especially recommended for women who have difficulties with daily intake, have problems swallowing pills, have a history of bariatric surgery or even have inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhea and in women who already take a lot of medication.
How to use: The vaginal ring must be inserted into the vagina on the first day of menstruation, as follows:
- Check the expiration date on the ring packaging;
- Wash your hands before opening the packaging and holding the ring;
- Choose a comfortable position, such as standing with one leg elevated or lying down, for example;
- Hold the ring between your index finger and thumb, squeezing it until it forms a shape similar to an “8”;
- Insert the ring gently into the vagina and push gently with your index finger.
The exact location of the ring is not important for its function, so each woman should try to position it in the location that is most comfortable. After 3 weeks of use, the ring can be removed by inserting the index finger into the vagina and gently pulling it out.
5. Implant
The contraceptive implant, due to its high effectiveness, combined with ease of use, represents a viable alternative, particularly for adolescents who want effective long-term contraception or who have difficulty using other methods.
How to use: The contraceptive implant must be prescribed by a doctor and can only be inserted and removed by a gynecologist. It should preferably be placed within 5 days of the start of menstruation.
6. Injectable
Injectable progestin contraceptives are not recommended before the age of 18 because they can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density. Its use for periods longer than 2 years should be limited to situations in which other methods cannot be used or are not available.
How to use: If the person does not use another contraceptive method and is using the injection for the first time, they must receive the injection monthly or quarterly until the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, which is equivalent to the 5th day after the first day of menstruation.
7. DIU
The copper IUD or the levonorgestrel IUS may be a contraceptive alternative to consider, especially in teenage mothers, as it has high contraceptive efficacy and is long-lasting.
How to use: The procedure to insert the IUD lasts between 15 and 20 minutes and can be done by a gynecologist, at any time of the menstrual cycle, however, it is most recommended that it be inserted during menstruation, which is when the uterus is most dilated.
Benefits of hormonal contraceptives
The non-contraceptive benefits that a combined hormonal contraceptive can have are regularizing menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual cramps, improving acne and preventing ovarian cysts.
Who shouldn’t use
Contraceptives should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, genital bleeding of unknown origin, history of venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, hepatobiliary diseases, migraine with aura or history of breast cancer.
Furthermore, they should also be used with caution in people with high blood pressure, smokers, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels or those taking certain medications.
Medicines that interfere with contraceptives
The absorption and metabolization process of combined hormonal contraceptives may be affected by certain medications or alter their action:
Possible side effects
Although side effects vary between contraceptives, those that occur most frequently are headache, nausea, changes in menstrual flow, weight gain, changes in mood and decreased sexual desire. See other side effects that may occur and find out what to do.
Most common questions
Does contraceptive make you fat?
Some contraceptives have the side effect of swelling and a slight increase in weight, however, this is more common with continuous-use pills and subcutaneous implants.
Can I have sex during the break between packs?
Yes, there is no risk of pregnancy during this period if the pill was taken correctly during the month.
Does contraceptive change the body?
No, but at the beginning of adolescence girls start to have a more developed body, with larger breasts and hips, and this is not due to the use of contraceptives, nor to the beginning of sexual relations. However, contraceptives should only be started after the first menstruation appears.
Is taking the pill straight bad?
There is no scientific proof that continuous use contraceptives are harmful to your health and can be used for a long period of time, without interruption and without menstruation occurring. The implant and the injectable are also contraceptive methods in which menstruation does not occur, however, bleeding may occur sporadically.
Furthermore, taking the pill directly does not interfere with fertility, so when a woman wants to get pregnant, she just has to stop taking it.
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