Contraception, often known as birth control, is a method of preventing pregnancy. Birth control can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Stopping sperm from reaching the eggs. Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges are examples.
- Preventing fertilised eggs from being released from the ovaries. Birth control pills, patches, needles, vaginal rings, and emergency contraceptive tablets are all examples.
- IUDs are uterine devices that are implanted. They can be left in place for a long time.
- Sterilization is a procedure that permanently prohibits a person from becoming pregnant or from being able to get another person pregnant.
Hormonal contraceptives and Their Working Principle
Hormonal contraceptives include either a progestin (progesterone medication) or an oestrogen. Both progestin and oestrogen are synthesised in a lab and are similar to the hormones produced naturally by all women. These two hormones, or only the progestin, function in a variety of ways to prevent pregnancy:
- They have the ability to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg).
- They thicken the mucus around the cervix (womb’s mouth) to prevent sperm from entering the uterus (womb).
- To prevent a fertilised egg from attaching itself to the uterus (womb), they thin the lining.
Advantages of hormonal contraception
All hormonal contraceptive methods are more than 99 percent effective in preventing conception when used correctly. They may also provide the following advantages:
- They lower the risk of malignancies of the uterus, ovary, and colon.
- Menstrual (period) blood flow is frequently reduced by them.
- They may help to alleviate unpleasant periods.
Hormone-containing contraceptives should be avoided by women with the following conditions:
- Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (clotting) diseases are present or have been present in the past.
- Stroke or coronary artery disease is present or has been present in the past.
- Heart disease with thrombogenic (clotting) problems related with the valves
- High blood pressure that is untreated and uncontrolled
- Diabetes combined with cardiovascular issues
- Headaches accompanied with neurological symptoms
- Surgery with a reduced activity level
Breast cancer, whether known or suspected, or a personal history of breast cancer
Different types of hormonal contraception
- Oral contraceptives are a type of contraception that is taken orally. To satisfy your specific demands, different formulations and doses might be used. The majority of them contain a progestin and oestrogen mix. They can be used in a cyclical (to produce regular menstrual cycles) or continuous (to produce regular menstrual cycles) (no regular menstrual cycles).
- Injectable progestin: A type of progestin that is administered as a shot every 12 weeks. After you stop getting the shots, it could take up to a year for you to start ovulating again.
- Skin Patch: This patch contains a combination of oestrogen and progestin and is applied weekly for three weeks, followed by a week without the patch. In women who weigh more above 90 kg, it may not be as effective (200 pounds). Women who use the patch may have higher oestrogen levels than those who take tablets. This could increase the risk of blood clots.
- Vaginal Ring: A tiny, flexible ring that contains oestrogen and progestin. It is worn constantly for three weeks, then removed for one week. It can be taken off for a short period of time during sexual activity.
Progesterone intrauterine contraception: A tiny device containing progestin that a doctor inserts into the uterus cavity. It can be used for up to 5 years and removed earlier if necessary.
A single rod containing progestin is placed under the skin by your doctor in an implantable form. It lasts up to three years and can be removed earlier if necessary.
Risks associated with hormonal contraception
- Breast Cancer: A limited number of studies show a minor increase in the risk of breast cancer in women under the age of 35 who use hormonal contraception, but many more studies show no meaningful change in the risk of breast cancer. Overall, women who use hormonal contraception had no increased risk of breast cancer by the age of 50.
- Bone Density: Injectable progestin might induce a temporary loss of bone mass. Other types of hormonal contraception have minimal data.
- Heart Attack: This is a very unusual occurrence. Women over 35 who smoke are at a higher risk, despite the fact that hormonal contraception reduces this risk marginally.
- Stroke: This is a very unusual occurrence. Women who experience headaches preceded by visual abnormalities (aura) or who are over 35 and smoke may be at higher risk.
- Blood Clots (venous thromboembolism): Although the risk is minimal overall, it is increased in all women who use estrogen-containing formulations. Women with underlying disorders that make them more likely to develop blood clots are at a higher risk.
Conclusion
We conclude that In most cases, the hormonal contraceptive prevents the body from ovulating. They also alter the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix and locate an egg. They can also prevent conception by altering the womb’s lining, making it less likely for the fertilised egg to be implanted.