Contraceptives

There are various hormonal methods for birth control, which work by changing the chemistry of a woman’s body. Sperm cannot fertilize an egg if there is no egg released. This concept is widely accepted as a proven mechanism in preventing pregnancy. By making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg, the hormonal contraceptive has proved its effectiveness in preventing fertilization. Women naturally produce two types of hormones namely, estrogen and progestin. All the contraceptives that are based on hormones contain artificial estrogen and progestin as their ingredient.

Various hormonal contraceptives -some hormonal contraceptives contain both the hormones while some have progestin only. The contraceptive containing both the hormones is more effective than that containing progestin only. The former also prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries while the latter prevents the sperm from reaching the egg.

Below are the several forms of hormonal contraceptives available in the market.

The Pill- also called the oral contraceptive. Pills are of two types. Those pills that contain only progestin are called “mini pills”. They work by not allowing sperm to reach the uterus. Even if an egg becomes fertilized, this pill prevents implantation. On the other hand, the pills containing both the hormones (estrogen and progestin) are called combination pills. These also affect the condition of the uterus in the same manner but since they contain estrogen, they prevent release of eggs.

Pills come in 28 day packages or in 21 day packages. Both the pills are effective for only one menstrual cycle i.e., for four weeks only. Both the pills contain only 21 active pills. But in 28 days pack you will get a reminder pill for 7 days so that you can start you next course in time. If you take your pill every day at the same time then only these pills will be effective.

Vaginal Ring- Is a thin, flexible ring coated with estrogen and progestin. It is inserted into the vagina to prevent birth control.

It directly supplies the hormones to the organs that need them. Within the five days of a menstrual period it must be inserted. After insertion a backup method is recommended for the first week so that the body adjusts to the hormones. If inserted and used properly, the vaginal ring is effective for more than 99%.

Injection as hormonal contraceptive- comes in the form of injection and a shot is administered to prevent pregnancy. There are two types. One brand, Depo Provera contains only progestin. Once it has been administered, it prevents pregnancy for three months. The other brand is Lunelle, which has both estrogen and progestin. It has to be administered on a monthly basis.

Only a trained nurse of doctor can inject it in arm or buttock. It has to be taken every one or three months as per your choice of brand. Within 5 days of the start of menstrual period, the first injection must be taken. It starts working immediately. It has about 3% failure rate.

Since they are easily available, hormonal contraceptives are very popular. Almost all the hormonal contraceptives work on the same mechanism but the forms are different.
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Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Jones

PLEASE NOTE: Lunelle was withdrawn in 2002 and is not available in the US.