TL;DR:
- Contraception effectiveness can reach 99.9%; popular methods include condoms and hormonal pills.
- Condom pros: effective and protect against STDs; cons: risk of breaking.
- Hormonal pills require medical checks (e.g., gynecological exams, ultrasound, blood pressure) and may be unsuitable for women with conditions like breast cancer, thrombosis, severe hypertension, diabetes with vascular changes, or smokers over 35.
- IUD (3–5 years use) is good for heavy bleeding, menstrual pain, or when daily pills are inconvenient. Hormonal IUDs suit future family planners; copper IUDs for those not planning pregnancies.
- Contraceptive implants (up to 5 years) are estrogen-free, safe for smokers, diabetics, overweight women, and breastfeeding mothers. Implants can be removed anytime to regain fertility.
- Consult a gynecologist to choose the most suitable method.
Family planning is one of the most important parts of any couple's life. Available methods of contraception prevent pregnancy with an effectiveness of up to 99.9%. Among the most popular methods in Poland are condoms and hormonal pills. However, other methods are also available, so to choose the right contraception, you need to consult a gynecologist.
What is worth considering when choosing a contraceptive method?
Healthy women have a lot of choice when it comes to methods of preventing pregnancy. So the patient's preferences are key here. However, if there is a history of serious health problems or chronic diseases, more caution is needed. The main things that matter here are:
- Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus,
- Tumors,
- Deep vein thrombosis or an episode of pulmonary embolism,
- Diabetes,
- Endometriosis,
- Epilepsy,
- Gallbladder diseases,
- Hypertension,
- Intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis),
- Obesity,
- Ischemic heart disease,
- Uterine myomas,
- Rheumatoid arthritis,
- Taking anticonvulsant drugs,
- Smoking cigarettes.
These are, of course, just some of the factors that need to be taken into account, which is why it is so important for the gynecologist to take a detailed history.
Advantages and disadvantages of the most popular methods of contraception.
Particularly popular are shielding methods – condoms, which not only prevent pregnancy with great effectiveness, but also protect against such risks as STDs. The biggest risk is the possibility of them breaking. However, those living in stable relationships usually seek more comfortable and longer-lasting methods of contraception. Many women with steady partners choose birth control pills as an alternative. Before deciding on such a method, however, it is necessary to interview the patient and check her health: do a gynecological examination, vaginal ultrasound, examine her breasts and measure her blood pressure. All this is done to rule out the existence of contraindications to hormonal contraception. Among the most important of these are:
- Breast cancer,
- Otosclerosis (estrogen preparations cannot be used),
- Past or active thrombosis,
- Diabetes mellitus with vascular changes,
- Unstabilized or treated but high hypertension,
- Smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day,
- Age over 35 years,
- Thrombophilia,
- Planned long-term immobilization, e.g., after surgery.
When is it a good idea to opt for an IUD?
A good option for many women who want to protect themselves from pregnancy for 3 to 5 years is IUD. The big advantage of this method is that it relieves the need to remember to take the pill every day. There is also no risk of the hormones not being absorbed due to gastrointestinal problems. The IUD is recommended for women who have problems with heavy bleeding and severe menstrual pain, as the gradually released hormones allow them to be dealt with to a large extent. Patients who are no longer planning a pregnancy can insert one IUD after another – replacement is possible even during one visit, since in healthy women a break is not required. However, if you change your decision, the IUD can always be removed to allow for pregnancy. Women who plan to expand their family in the future are especially recommended to use a hormonal IUD. Alternatively, a copper IUD is more commonly inserted in patients who are no longer planning a pregnancy.
For whom would contraceptive implants be best?
Women who do not want to remember to take the pill every day also often opt for contraceptive implants. Their action is not based on estrogen, but on progestogen, which allows for wider use. Implants work well for many patients who should not take birth control pills: women over 35, smokers, those with diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity problems. The implant can even be used while breastfeeding, as early as 4 weeks after giving birth. Estrogen is responsible for most of the side effects, which is why contraceptive implants are so safe. The implant is implanted under the skin on the arm, and after a week it begins to protect against pregnancy. The procedure is similar to a vaccination or injection, plus it is performed under local anesthesia, so you don't have to worry about pain. The implant works for up to 5 years, so it is a great solution for women who do not plan to get pregnant in the near future. However, if the decision changes, you can always remove the implant and regain fertility. The choice of contraceptive methods is now so wide that it is possible to combine effectiveness with safety and comfort. Even if you limit yourself to hormonal methods, the traditional pill is not the only option: it is worth asking your doctor also about implants and IUDs, which are less troublesome and protect against pregnancy for as long as several years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right contraceptive method is deeply personal and requires careful thought. From condoms and pills to IUDs and implants, each option has its pros, cons, and specific use cases. Consulting a gynecologist ensures safety and compatibility with your health needs. Remember, effective contraception isn't just about convenience—it’s about finding what works best for your body and long-term goals. With proper guidance, you can strike the perfect balance between protection, comfort, and peace of mind.
