The different types of contraception : advantages and disadvantages

Contraception methods: which is right for you ?

These days, there are a multitude of contraceptive methods, and the contraceptive pill, although the most widespread, is just one of many. With the IUD, contraceptive patch, injection and many other options available, it’s important to ask: which method should I choose?

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Using the right contraception

Using contraception is essential to avoid unwanted pregnancy. But you still need to find the one that’s right for you.

The good news is that there are many methods available today. There’s bound to be one that’s right for you! To help you make your choice, we present the main advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used contraceptives.

The IUD (copper or hormonal): is it natural and safe ?

There are 2 types of IUD: hormonal OR copper.

The intra-uterine device (IUD) is a contraceptive device inserted inside the uterus. There are two types: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs.

Neither type blocks ovulation. Both types act on the uterus and its cervix, but not on the ovary.

Their contraceptive action works for :

• Create permanent local inflammation of the uterus: to prevent nidation of any fertilized eggs.
• Release an active ingredient (copper or synthetic hormones) directly into the uterus, designed to block the cervix with permanently infertile mucus, in an attempt to prevent any spermatozoa from passing through.

The difference between the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD:

An IUD consists of a small plastic “T” which creates the inflammation, a nylon thread attached to the end which protrudes a few centimetres into the vagina (this thread is used to check that it hasn’t moved and is still in place), then a copper wire or a mini reservoir of synthetic hormones.

The difference is in their active ingredient: one, the copper IUD, diffuses copper into the uterus, and the other a synthetic progestin (levonorgestrel), similar to what you’d find in a progestin-only pill (and not an estrogen-only pill).

What they have in common is their mechanical inflammatory action, which, to put it simply, accounts for the other 50% of their action.

The contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is one of the best-known and most reliable methods of contraception. It contains two hormones naturally present in women which, if taken consistently every day, modify the menstrual cycle: estrogen and progesterone.

The benefits of the contraceptive pill :

Less heavy, more regular and less painful periods,

Helps reduce acne,

Can be stopped at any time,

Easily found in pharmacies.

Disadvantages of the contraceptive pill :

Take it every day, at the same time if possible,

You need a prescription to take the contraceptive pill.

Side effects associated with the pill :

• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Decreased libido
• Increased risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease

However, there are also 2 types of pill: the progestin-only pill (POP) and the combined pill (CP).

The combined pill, or estrogen-progestin pill, is an oral contraceptive consisting of an estrogen and a progestin.

There are many different types of combined pill, differing in terms of estrogen type and dose, progestin type and combination.

In other words, a pill contains two hormones: an estrogen (often ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (which varies from pill to pill).

Progestin-only pills, or microdose pills, are oral contraceptives containing a low-dose progestin hormone. Unlike the combined pill, they contain no estrogen.

There are several types of progestin-only pill, depending on the progestin used: desogestrel, levonorgestrel and drospirenone.

The contraceptive patch

The patch is another hormonal contraceptive method, applied to the skin. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are released gradually through the skin.

For optimum efficacy (99%), the patch must be changed every week, on the same day and at the same time, for three weeks. The 4th week is patch-free, and triggers menstruation.

Its benefits are broadly equivalent to those of the contraceptive pill:

• Less painful, less abundant periods,
• No need to take it every day,
• Easy to use,
• Can help reduce acne.

However, the patch can have several drawbacks:

• Skin can become irritated where the patch is applied,
• If the patch comes off, it must be changed as soon as possible,
• Bleeding may occur between cycles.

The implant

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod, 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter (the size of a match). It is inserted just under the skin and delivers small quantities of a progestin, etonogestrel, to suppress ovulation.

How is it used ?

The doctor or midwife inserts the implant under the skin of the non-dominant arm, using an applicator with a special needle. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic to limit pain.

The implant is free for under-26s.

It is 99.9% effective and can last up to 3 years, before being replaced.

The vaginal ring

This is a soft, flexible ring about 5 cm in diameter, inserted into the vagina continuously for 21 days. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are released gradually.

The vaginal ring has several advantages:

• Less painful, lighter periods,
• No need to take the ring every day,
• Easy insertion and removal.

However, like all contraceptives, there are disadvantages such as :

• Sore, swollen breasts,
• More vaginal discharge,
• Some people may experience discomfort during intercourse.

Finally, don’t hesitate to consult a health professional, as this will help you decide which contraceptive to choose and which is best suited to your body.

We offer you products to help calm your contraceptive-related symptoms, such as cravings with Essentiels Sérénité or Équilibre Féminin for hormonal regulation and good emotional balance and sleep!

[MY] DUO FEEL GOOD

Did you know? New methods of male contraception in the form of gels, implants or “on-demand” pills could soon be available in the United States.

to share the contraceptive burden, which today still too often falls on women.

Does the male pill work?

The male contraceptive pill is a type of contraception that is still under development and not yet available on the market. It aims to offer men an alternative to vasectomy and condoms as a contraceptive option. It is not a pill offering permanent sterility, but a temporary contraceptive method that is effective when the treatment is conscientiously followed.