It is important to know how to choose the right contraceptive method if you and your partner want to delay pregnancy. Not only to prevent pregnancy, certain types of contraceptives can also prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Every couple needs to choose which type of contraception is suitable and safe to use to delay pregnancy. This is because each contraceptive has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Therefore, it is important to know the level of effectiveness of each contraceptive method to suit the needs of you and your partner.
Various Types of Contraceptives and Their Advantages and Disadvantages
To prevent pregnancy, many couples rely more on the use of contraception. Different types of contraceptives that can be used include:
1. Birth control pills
Birth control pills are the most commonly used form of contraception. This contraceptive contains the hormones progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulation. Birth control pills generally consist of 21-35 tablets that must be taken in one cycle or continuously.
Excess:
- High effectiveness rate with a failure percentage of only about 8%
- Menstruation becomes smooth and cramps decrease during menstruation, but there are also types of birth control pills that can stop menstruation
Lack:
- Cannot prevent sexually transmitted diseases
- Can cause side effects, such as increased blood pressure, blood clots, bloody discharge, and hardened breasts
- Not suitable for women with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, liver disorders, breast and uterine cancer, migraines, and high blood pressure
2. Male condom
Not only birth control pills, male condoms are also commonly used to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are usually made of latex and work by blocking sperm from entering the vagina and reaching the egg.
Excess:
- Affordable prices
- Practical and easy to use
- Can prevent sexually transmitted diseases
- Easy to get in stores or pharmacies
Lack:
- The failure rate is up to 15%, especially if the use of condoms is not appropriate
- Can only be used once and must be replaced after ejaculation
3. Inject KB
Birth control injections are contraceptives that contain the hormone progestin and are able to stop ovulation. Based on the period of use, there are two types of contraceptive injections, namely 3-month and 1-month contraceptive injections.
Excess:
- More effective and practical than birth control pills
- The failure rate for 1 month birth control injections can be less than 1% if used correctly
Lack:
- Relatively expensive price
- Need regular visits to the doctor or midwife every month
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
- May cause side effects, such as bloody discharge
- Menstrual cycle becomes irregular
- Not recommended for use in women who have a history of migraine, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, stroke, and heart attack
4. Implants
KB implants or implants are small contraception devices shaped like matchsticks. Birth control implants work by slowly releasing the hormone progestin which functions to prevent pregnancy for 3 years.
This contraceptive is used by inserting it under the skin, usually the upper arm.
Excess:
- Highly effective with less than 1% failure rate
- Lasts up to 3 years
Lack:
- Relatively expensive cost
- Menstrual cycle becomes irregular
- The risk of bruising and swelling of the skin at the beginning of the installation
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
5. IUD
Intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraceptive device made of plastic and shaped like the letter T that is placed in the uterus. The IUD or spiral contraception can prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
There are two types of IUDs that are commonly used, namely the IUD which is made of copper and can last up to 10 years and the IUD which contains hormones that need to be replaced every 5 years.
Excess:
- Does not require complicated maintenance
- Durable
Lack:
- IUD from copper can cause menstruation is not smooth
- The risk of shifting and out of place
- The risk of side effects, such as the appearance of blood spots in the first 3-6 months of use
- Expensive cost
6. Female condom
The female condom is a plastic shaped that serves to envelop the vagina. There is a plastic ring on the end of the condom, so its position is easy to adjust. The female condom cannot be used at the same time as the male condom.
Excess:
- Provides protection from sexually transmitted diseases
- Maintains body temperature better than male condoms
Lack:
- Less effective than male condoms
- An annoying sound appears when you use it
- Only one time use
- Failure rate reaches 21%
7. Spermicide
Spermicide is a contraceptive product that is used in the vagina before sexual intercourse. These products come in the form of jellies, creams, membranes, or foams that contain chemicals to kill sperm.
Excess:
- Affordable prices
- Easy to use
Lack:
- Some types of spermicide need to be applied 30 minutes before sexual intercourse
- The risk of irritation to the intimate organs if it is used too often
- Its use needs to be accompanied by other means of contraception, such as condoms
- Failure rate up to 29%
8. Diaphragm
Diaphragm is a contraceptive device made of dome-shaped rubber. This contraceptive is placed in the cervix before sexual intercourse and is generally used in conjunction with a spermicide.
Pros: affordable price
Lack:
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
- Failure rate up to 16%, especially if not worn properly
- Installation must be done by a doctor
- Must be removed during menstruation
9. Cervical cap
Cervical cap shaped like a diaphragm, but has a smaller size. This contraceptive is generally used in conjunction with spermicides and serves to block the passage of sperm into the uterus.
Excess:
- Affordable prices
- Can be used up to 2 times
Lack:
- The failure rate is 30% for women who have had children and 15% for those who have not had children
- Installation needs to be done by a doctor
- Must be removed during menstruation
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
10. Koyo ortho evra
Koyo ortho evra It is used by placing it on the skin and changing it once a week for 3 weeks. The way this patch works is to release hormones that are just as effective as those found in birth control pills.
Excess:
- No need to bother remembering to take pills
- Menstruation becomes smoother and reduces cramps during menstruation
Lack:
- Relatively expensive price
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
- Can cause side effects similar to the side effects of birth control pills
11. Vaginal ring
A vaginal ring or NuvaRing is a plastic ring that is placed inside the vagina. NuvaRing works by releasing the same hormones as birth control pills.
Excess:
- Only need to be replaced once a month
- Menstrual cycle becomes smoother
Lack:
- Relatively expensive price
- May cause irritation and side effects similar to birth control pills and patches
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
12. Permanent KB
If you and your partner are sure you don't want to have children again, permanent family planning or sterile family planning can be an option. This contraceptive method has a high effectiveness or almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
The type of permanent family planning for each person is different, depending on their gender. In men, permanent family planning is done with a vasectomy, while in women it can be done by tubectomy or the process of binding the fallopian tubes.
Prevent Pregnancy the Natural Way
In addition to some of the contraceptives above, some couples may choose natural ways to prevent pregnancy. The following are some methods that are classified as natural birth control:
Calculating the fertile period calendar
This calendar calculation method is done by recording the fertile period every month and avoiding sex during that period. Women can determine their fertile period or ovulation by checking their body temperature and seeing changes in vaginal fluids.
Pros: does not require money, tools, or drugs
Lack:
- Have to limit sex for a few days
- There are often errors in calculating the fertile period, so the opportunity to get pregnant is still there
- Not suitable for women with irregular menstrual cycles
Pulling the penis out before ejaculation
You and your partner can also prevent pregnancy by pulling the penis out before ejaculation during penetration.
Pros: highly effective with 4% failure rate
Lack:
- It's hard to do if your partner often experiences premature ejaculation
- Does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases
For those of you and your partner who are looking to postpone pregnancy, the various contraceptive options above can be chosen according to their individual comfort and needs.
If you still have questions about how to choose contraception or are confused about choosing the right contraception for you and your partner, try to consult a doctor.