First sexual contacts are accompanied by many emotions. The positive ones are intertwined with fears, above all those connected with unplanned pregnancy. It is therefore worthwhile, at the start of adulthood, to learn about methods of contraception specifically designed with young women and their needs in mind.
Many solutions
As part of hormonal long-term contraception, patients have a choice between hormone-releasing IUDs, a subcutaneous implant and a hormone injection and, in non-hormonal contraception, IUDs. The hormone injection contains a steroid compound, which is a progesterone derivative, which is administered intramuscularly once every three months. it is not possible to stop the effects of an injection that has already been given - you can only wait until its effects have worn off. The main differences between hormone IUDs and copper IUDs concern the mechanism of contraceptive action and the length and abundance of menstrual bleeding. The hormone released from the IUD has a primarily local effect, altering the cervical mucus so that it becomes impermeable to sperm and acting on the endometrium to cause atrophic changes. As a result, bleeding is usually scanty, short and less painful. In women with heavy bleeding, a measurable therapeutic effect can therefore be achieved. The systemic effect is weak and systemic side effects are quite rare. In the case of IUDs with copper, the mechanism is the spermicidal effect of copper and the change in the endometrium that impedes implantation. Nevertheless, these IUDs are less effective compared to hormonal agents. The implant is a thin rod measuring 4 cm x 2 mm, placed subcutaneously in the upper arm area. The duration of the contraceptive action is 3 years. Its insertion and removal must be carried out by a doctor.
One hormone, full protection
Both the modern intrauterine hormonal system and the subcutaneous implant contain one type of hormone. Their contraceptive action is multidirectional. It consists primarily of an effect on the cervical mucus, so that it becomes impermeable to sperm, and on the endometrium and fallopian tube transport. Because they contain only one ingredient, they are safer than two-component agents and can be used in such cases where there are contraindications to two-component preparations.
Long-acting, single-component hormonal agents, such as the intrauterine hormonal system, can be used by women with contraindications to oestrogen-containing agents because they have less overall health impact. Long-term contraception is a reversible method; fertility returns immediately after discontinuation.
photo: panthermedia
A good solution
If there are no medical contraindications, long-term contraception is an excellent solution for young women who easily forget to take their daily pills. One application - of an intrauterine system or implant - provides uninterrupted contraceptive protection for several years.
