The gynecologist answers 5 questions about contraceptive methods

The gynecologist answers 5 questions about contraceptive methods


Contraceptives are the main way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The doctor clarifies the main doubts about the different methods

Anyone who wants to avoid an unwanted pregnancy knows the importance of contraceptive methods. There are currently many methods available which can lead to confusion and doubt when choosing what to use. Dr. Priscila Pyrrho, a gynecologist with an integrative vision of women’s health, answered 5 questions about the contraceptives most sought after by women. Check:




1 – Which contraceptive method does the doctor recommend?

“My preference goes to the non-hormonal copper-silver spiral, which lasts up to 5 years. This is because it can be used by those who have not yet had children; it does not interfere with hormones; it has an immediate action; its effectiveness is not influenced by other drugs; it is easy to apply and there is no risk of forgetting. Furthermore, it has one of the best percentages of effectiveness and does not require monthly maintenance. Secondly, I recommend the pure copper spiral The spiral that lasts up to 10 years, thirdly the Kyleena spiral and fourthly the Mirena spiral, when indicated by the patient”, says the doctor.

2 – Are natural methods effective?

“They have the highest failure rate, between 20 and 30%, which is why they are the least safe. But, in theory, they would be the best for preserving female health, since they do not interfere in any way with the functioning of the body. They involve the use of condoms (both male and female), coitus interruptus, the table and the Billings method”, explains the gynecologist. The Billings method aims to recognize the day of ovulation through the analysis of cervical mucus: it is suitable both for those who want to avoid pregnancy and for those who are trying to get pregnant.

3 – In addition to the spiral, what methods does the Doctor recommend in the clinic?

“I prefer methods that are not used orally, such as the vaginal ring and the patch. Finally, I recommend pills, even if I don’t like them very much. But it all depends on the patient’s reality and how long she needs to use the contraceptive,” he underlines.

3 – What are the side effects of contraceptives?

ā€œOral contraceptives contain non-bioidentical estrogen and progesterone, which can cause the appearance of spotting, nausea, breast sensitivity, reduced libido, mood changes, headaches, vascular changes with an increased risk of thrombosis, changes in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, acne, swelling, among others,ā€ emphasizes Dr. Priscila.

4 – Do all contraceptives cause side effects?

Some contraceptives cause more effects than others, both due to the dosage or type of hormone and the route of absorption, explains the specialist. ā€œHigh-dose oral contraceptives generally cause more side effects because they pass through the liver, unlike other types of contraceptives that act directly in the bloodstream, or which have lower dosages. But, as a rule, any method that blocks female hormones, preventing ovulation, has side effects, even if these are not noticed by the woman,ā€ he explains.

5 – What is the difference between oral and injectable contraceptives?

The difference lies fundamentally in the route of administration, since the ultimate goal of both is to block ovulation. ā€œInjectables tend to have higher doses than oral ones, since the application tends to be more spaced out, and it is necessary to ensure high doses for a longer period to avoid the release of an egg,ā€ informs the specialist.

Source: Terra

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