Sexual relations are more complex than they seem, due to certain disadvantages that this activity can have, such as venereal diseases and even unwanted pregnancies.
Fortunately, in this article we will study what are the hormonal methods to avoid frequent pregnancy problems, as well as their types and how they are used.
What are hormonal methods?
Hormonal methods are contraceptive drugs based on the hormone progesterone , they are used especially to prevent pregnancies, their function is to stop the release of the ovules or to maintain a greater mucous density in the cervix, so that the sperm cannot pass through it.
There are various hormonal methods, which can be used orally, by introduction into the vagina, or through injections and skin plantations. However, despite their effectiveness, they can present certain disadvantages or side effects on the user.
Note: A study mentions that “With ideal use, the failure of hormonal contraceptive methods ranges from 0.05% unwanted pregnancies” . (1)
What are the hormonal methods that exist?
There are several hormonal methods, some are more relevant and used than others, below we will present the main known contraceptives:
1. Birth Control Pill
It is the most famous hormonal method in the world. They are made with estrogen and progesterone hormones, taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. They are very favorable, but if they are not consumed properly they can cause breast pain, headache, nausea and gallstones.
Important: Thanks to numerous studies, it is known that “Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or HPV” (2) ; which is important to know since the pills only serve to prevent pregnancy.
2. Hormone patch
The hormone patch is a thin, square-shaped plastic . It releases the same hormones as the pill, albeit steadily with a fixed dose, and can even regulate menstrual cycles.
It should be placed on dry and very clean skin, in addition to being changed every 7 days. When discontinued, a rapid reversibility of fertility occurs in women.
Note: The side effects, according to a study, are the following: “It can irritate the skin of the area of placement and during the first 3 months or the fourth week, the periods can be irregular.” (3)
3. Contraceptive ring
It is a small, flexible, plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina in order to prevent pregnancy during ejaculation. It is acquired with a medical prescription for its correct use. It presents the same complications as birth control pills if not used properly, adding leg pain and irritation.
Note: One study recommends the following: that you “Keep the ring in for three weeks (21 days) and then take it out for one week (7 days)” . (4) , this in order to give the ring proper use and avoid inconveniences.
4. Subdermal implant
These are birth control methods that come in the form of flexible rods , work only with progesterone and thicken the cervix. It is applied under the dermis of the arm (connective tissue under the epidermis) and is performed in medical offices, since they are not home methods.
To highlight: Among the side effects, there is a slight increase in period bleeding and sometimes absence of menstruation.
5. Intrauterine device
This device is known as an IUD, it is a method of long use, this being its main advantage (10 years maximum), it is also one of the most effective.
It is a small T-shaped device and is inserted into the vagina, with the help of a doctor. This prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg, but has certain disadvantages: pain in the cervical canal and uterine perforation.
6. Contraceptive injection
These injections are just as effective, because they release hormones capable of preventing pregnancy and because of their long term of use. They are applied intramuscularly mainly in the buttocks, with the help of a specialist. Its disadvantages vary between changes in the menstrual cycle and headaches or nausea
7. Emergency pill
Finally, this pill is a last resort to take into account , since it is the only method that is only used in very immediate emergencies , it is used during the three days after sexual intercourse.
Important: It should not be used routinely (especially for teenagers) and only has disadvantages such as excessive vomiting or headaches.
Key Findings
- Hormonal methods are drugs used by women to prevent pregnancy.
- Despite their effectiveness, unfortunately they have no action against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Some can be used daily while others can last for several years.
- If not used properly, they can have various unsatisfactory and high-risk side effects .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.