Which method of contraception is the most effective? The Pearl index helps in the comparison and choice. The most favourable, i.e. lowest, indexes are characterised by long-term solutions: intrauterine systems and subcutaneous implants. What is more, their theoretical effectiveness is equal to their practical effectiveness. But one step at a time..
Additional advantages
Long-term contraception, which includes intrauterine systems and implants, are the most modern means of delivering hormones. They eliminate intake errors (you only need to insert them once and you can forget for several years). They are immune to stomach problems, metabolic disorders and interactions with other drugs - hormone absorption takes place through the mucosa or directly into the blood.
New ways of delivering hormones into the body significantly improve the effectiveness and convenience of contraception use. By using only one hormone, they ensure a constant and equal concentration of the hormone in the bloodstream and - thus - an unwavering continuous effect. The concentration in the blood of the hormones is lower than with the same-acting but orally administered methods.
A relief for the wallet
The financial aspect is also important. Rarely does anyone opt for contraception for a week or a few months. Most often, it accompanies women for most of their sexual activity. On average, European women plan 1-2 children, the remaining time being a period of sexual activity protected by contraception.
Let us assume that in three years a woman uses about 1 000 pills. This corresponds to 39 rings, 117 patches or one intrauterine hormonal system or implant. From an economic point of view, it is best to use a method that not only works longer, is more convenient, but is also cheaper.
At every stage of life
Over the course of life, the need for contraception changes, not least because our expectations of motherhood change. Contraception should be tailored "to fit", to the patient's needs, preferences, lifestyle. For example, young women, due to their highest fertility, should go for methods with the highest success rate. These are achieved by long-term methods, independent of repeated application. Both the hypodermic implant and the intrauterine system offer the chance of truly successful pregnancy planning.
Mature women who already have children also expect methods that are effective, comfortable and have minimal side effects. Long-term solutions meet these conditions and provide them with this comfort.
