What are Birth Control Methods for Women?

Discover the various birth control methods available for women. From hormone-based methods like the pill and patch to barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, there are many options to choose from. Learn about the effectiveness, pros and cons, and potential side effects of each method to determine the best birth control option for you. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about birth control for women.

Mankind was created as two genders: male and female. Humans, who have gained the ability to reproduce instinctively due to the nature of their creation, have managed to continue their lineage and survive with the instinct of reproduction since ancient times.

Actions performed with the instinct of survival have turned to satisfy the impulses of pleasure along with reproduction over time.

These actions we perform while satisfying our impulses have revealed the concept we call “sexuality”. Sexuality has become a necessity for both men and women, not just to reproduce and continue their lineage.

In addition to meeting this need, some protection methods have emerged in order to prevent reproduction every time. These contraceptive methods appear in two ways as methods applied to women and men.

So what are the birth control methods for women? How are these methods applied?

Birth Control Methods Used in Women

When we examine the birth control methods, we see that the methods applied on the reproductive system of women are more than the methods applied to men.

We can list the birth control methods applied to women as follows:

• Calendar Method
• Ria (Intrauterine Device)
• Birth control pill
• Subcutaneous Implants
• Mesigyna (monthly) – Depo provera (3 months old) Protective Needles
• Tubal Ligation (tying the tubes)
• Diaphragm
• Sperm

Let’s take a closer look at these methods.

Calendar Method

The system that provides protection by calculating the ovulation periods of the woman is called the calendar method . To practice this method, you must have a regular menstrual cycle. You can calculate your menstrual cycle by recording the day of your first period and the day of your next period.

A regular menstrual period usually recurs periodically every 28 days. In such a cycle, since the ovulation rate is low between the first day of menstruation and the 10th day, the probability of getting pregnant is also low.

Care should be taken as the ovulation rate will be high between these days, including the 11th and 18th days  .

Since the ovulation rate will decrease again between the 19th and 28th days, this time interval is also considered a suitable period for sexual intercourse.

If you think that all these date calculations and taking notes would be difficult, don’t worry. With the development of technology, applications installed on computers, tablets and android phones via the internet can track your menstrual cycle for you. The main thing you need to know here is to know that this method does not provide high protection.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

One of the most preferred birth control methods in women is the intrauterine device, namely the IUD. These tools, known as spirals among the people, are used by placing them in the uterus of the woman.

In terms of their structure, they are similar to the letter “T” . It provides protection based on the principle of preventing fertilization by neutralizing the sperm advancing to the uterus of the woman. It is preferred during menstrual periods for IUD insertion. Because during this period, the probability of conception is low and the cervix is ​​more open.

There are three types of intrauterine devices: copper, hormonal and beaded. You can examine these tools one by one in detail and evaluate their positive and negative aspects.

Copper IUDs

We have already mentioned that intrauterine devices resemble the letter T. Tools with copper got this name because a copper wire is wound on the long bar in the middle, which looks like the letter T.

It is the type of product you can use if your menstrual density and menstrual period are low. Because these types of tools have properties that increase bleeding intensity, menstruation duration, and menstrual pains.

It can be used for 5 years. You can safely continue to use copper IUDs as your gynecological examination once a year.

Hormone IUDs

This type of intrauterine device contains the hormone progesterone. After it is placed in the uterus, it releases a certain amount of progesterone hormone and prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.

Since hormonal intrauterine devices have the effect of reducing the intensity of menstrual bleeding, it is a control method that can be preferred by those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding.

Beaded IUDs

This type of intrauterine devices are more advantageous than copper and hormonal devices. After they are placed in the uterus, they prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg thanks to the copper ions they release.

It is a tool that you can choose more comfortably than the other two options, as it does not cause any change in the pattern and intensity of menstruation. It is suitable for use for 5 years.

Intrauterine device suitable for you; You can use it safely by evaluating it according to the characteristics of the uterus, menstrual pattern and menstrual density and choosing it together with the advice of the obstetrician.

Birth Control Pills

The second most commonly used method of birth control in women is the use of birth control pills.

These drugs, which contain estrogen and progesterone hormones, have a function that prevents the woman from ovulating. There are varieties used for 21 days and 28 days. In the 21-day version, you should take the medicine on the first day of your period (if possible, on the first 3 days of your period) and take one tablet at the same time every day for 21 days.

When the 21-day period is over, you should take a 7-day break and start the new box after 7 days. In the 28-day variant, you should take one tablet at the same time every day for 28 days, starting from the first day of your period .

At the end of 28 days, you should continue to be protected with the new box as soon as the box is finished, without interrupting the use of medication.

Let’s say you forgot to take medicine and then you realized it; You should take your medicine immediately without delay and then continue to use it in the normal course.

If you forget to take 2 or more medications within 1 week, you should remember that it will be beneficial to use an additional method of protection.

Sperm

Chemical-containing spermicides, which have the effect of killing sperm, are also among the contraceptive methods applied to women. There are different types in the form of suppositories, foams and tablets. It is applied by placing it into the woman’s vagina 15-20 minutes before sexual intercourse .

It is important to know that they are not as effective as other birth control methods when used alone.

In order for the effect of spermicide to continue, vaginal washing should not be applied until 6 hours after intercourse. You should renew your spermicide before each sexual intercourse. If you are allergic to some chemical substances, it may be inconvenient to use this substance.

Implanon (Subcutaneous Implants)

It is a form of protection for the implants placed under the skin by a specialist physician to prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus by thinning the uterine lining.

Subcutaneous implants also contain hormones. If you find it difficult to take birth control pills at a certain time every day, you can try this method. However, you should also consider that it can cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle as a side effect.

Mesigyna (monthly) – Depo Provera (3 months) Protective Needles

progesterone in 3-month protective needles; monthly injections contain progesterone and estrogen hormones. Thanks to these hormones, sperm cells cannot reach the uterus and therefore pregnancy does not occur.

Monthly ones are administered once a month, and 3-month ones are injected into the muscle once every 3 months. As with some of the other birth control methods, we can say that protective injections cause menstrual irregularities.

Tubal Ligation (Tubing Ligation)

It is the method with the highest protection. Protection is provided by losing the functions of the fallopian tubes, which are the place where the sperm is fertilized with the egg and located on the right and left of the uterus.

However, the important thing to be considered in this protection method is that the rate of having a child again is almost non-existent.

Diaphragm

Diaphragm made of latex and inserted into the cervix; It is an elastic substance that prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. It gives better results when used with spermicide.

It is placed 3 hours before sexual intercourse and it is recommended not to hold for more than 6 hours. They are not disposable like condoms. It can be used more than once after washing. It is a method that can be used easily, especially by breastfeeding mothers.

If you want to lead a safe sexual life, it is useful to consider the issue of birth control methods for women in detail. “I wonder if I’m pregnant?” If you want to maintain a peaceful coexistence with your partner without constantly worrying about the question, as a woman, you should first take your own precautions.

It is possible to provide safe protection by determining the most suitable contraceptive method for you together with your obstetrician.

It’s Your Turn Now – Write a Comment

Have you ever used any birth control method above? Feel free to share your advices to other mothers in below comment section.