Contraception… hormonal?
August 5, 2021 | Gynecology, Sexuality, Safety | by Dr. Richey
Most of us women have doubts about the use of hormonal contraceptives and their effects. Many are due to a lack of information, but also to the fact of not knowing very well how they work or what differences there are between some methods and others. In this post we are going to try to solve some of the most frequent…
iNTRODUCTION
Is it better to take breaks or is there nothing wrong with splicing several cycles so that my period does not come? Are there contraceptives that contain lower doses of hormones? If I want to get pregnant, do I have to wait to have my period again?
Let’s get started.
- How do they work? Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic molecules similar to those that regulate the female menstrual cycle and combine hormones of two types: estrogens and progestogens. They inhibit ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the lining of the endometrium.
- Are all methods equally effective? If used correctly, yes. Its effectiveness is 99%. The most used: the combined pill that is taken by mouth (there are many options), the mini-pill (which does not contain estrogen), the vaginal ring, the patches, the subdermal implants and the hormonal IUD.
- Why are there women who have been using them for years without problems and others who do not tolerate them? Because the composition and combination of hormones contained in contraceptives varies from one to another and the age, family history, medical history and personal circumstances of each woman are different. Therefore, before using any method it is important to consult a gynecologist who can advise and follow up.
- From what age can they be used? There is no specific age. They are generally advised when a woman begins to have sex. But they can also be given earlier to treat menstrual problems (such as excessive bleeding or very painful periods) or disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Are there some that contain a lower dose of hormones than others? Currently all combined methods contain a similar dose, although it may vary from one to another.
- What happens if I splice several cycles so that ‘the rule’ that appears in the breaks does not come to me? Many women do it so that it does not coincide with travel or sports competitions. But depending on the type of pill you use, the technique is different. Most of the leaflets explain how to do it in each case, but it is best to consult your gynecologist.
- Is it better to take breaks or opt for a continuous method? It is a personal choice. For some women, the fact of having losses similar to “the period” each month gives them peace of mind, because it allows them to confirm that they are not pregnant and that their cycle is well regulated. But, in reality, the rest period is not essential.
QUESTIONS.
- Can I put them down and use them again at any time? Yes, but you always have to inform the gynecologist of the changes, in case they cause any effect.
- Are they effective from day one? The protocol established in each case must be followed. Therefore, they should always be used under medical supervision and control.
- If you don’t ovulate, why do you bleed? The loss of blood that appears at rest is produced by the decrease in the contribution of hormones, but it is not comparable to the rule that women have naturally.
- I want to get pregnant, do I have to wait to have my period again or can I start looking for the baby the following month after I stop using contraceptives? It is not necessary, although, in general, there are women who wait between one and three months to return to their cycles on a regular basis.
Thank you very much for reading the full article, you can certainly share it to help and raise awareness to help, learn and respect the rights of pregnant women.