Contraception – Choosing a Method with a Gynaecologist in Ząbki

Did you know that contraception can not only protect you from pregnancy but also improve your health and well-being?

Yes, it’s true. Contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy that allows you to control your fertility and plan your family. Contraception can also affect your menstrual cycle, hormones, skin, hair and many other aspects of your health and appearance. Contraception can help you:

• Prevent unplanned pregnancy. Contraception gives you the ability to decide when and how many children you want to have. Contraception also prevents pregnancy-related complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects or diseases transmitted through the placenta.
• Regulate your menstrual cycle. Contraception can reduce the amount and duration of bleeding, ease period pain and make your cycle more regular. Contraception can also help treat cycle disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
• Prevent diseases and infections. Contraception can lower the risk of certain diseases, such as ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cysts, anaemia or osteoporosis. Contraception can also help prevent genital tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
• Improve the condition of your skin and hair. Contraception can affect the levels of hormones that influence the appearance of your skin and hair. Contraception can help treat acne, excessive hair growth, seborrhoea or greying.

What types of contraception are there and how are they used?

Contraception comes in various forms and methods, which differ in effectiveness, mode of action, frequency of use and side effects. The choice of the right contraception depends on each woman’s individual situation and should be made after consulting a doctor. Here are some of the most popular contraceptive methods:

• Contraceptive pills. These are pills containing synthetic hormones – oestrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only. Contraceptive pills suppress ovulation and change the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to pass through. Contraceptive pills are very effective if taken regularly and as directed. Contraceptive pills can also have a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle, skin and hair. Contraceptive pills may also have certain contraindications and side effects, such as weight gain, swelling, headaches, nausea, mood changes or an increased risk of thrombosis.
• Contraceptive patches. These are patches containing synthetic hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. Contraceptive patches work in a similar way to contraceptive pills, suppressing ovulation and changing the cervical mucus. Contraceptive patches are effective if used correctly and regularly. Contraceptive patches are applied to the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or back and changed once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a one-week break. Contraceptive patches can also have a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle, skin and hair. Contraceptive patches may also have certain contraindications and side effects, such as skin irritation, weight gain, swelling, headaches, nausea, mood changes or an increased risk of thrombosis.
• Vaginal rings. These are rings containing synthetic hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. Vaginal rings work in a similar way to contraceptive pills, suppressing ovulation and changing the cervical mucus. Vaginal rings are effective if used correctly and regularly. A vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina and left in place for 3 weeks, followed by a one-week break. Vaginal rings can also have a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle, skin and hair. Vaginal rings may also have certain contraindications and side effects, such as vaginal irritation, weight gain, swelling, headaches, nausea, mood changes or an increased risk of thrombosis.
• Contraceptive implants. These are implants containing synthetic progesterone. Contraceptive implants suppress ovulation and change the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to pass through. Contraceptive implants are very effective and long-lasting, as they work for 3 years. Contraceptive implants are inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor and can be removed at any time. Contraceptive implants can also have a beneficial effect on the skin and hair. Contraceptive implants may also have certain contraindications and side effects, such as irregular bleeding, weight gain, headaches, mood changes or an increased risk of infection.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs). These are devices inserted into the uterus by a doctor that prevent pregnancy in different ways. IUDs can be copper or hormonal. Copper IUDs work for 5 years and prevent pregnancy by killing sperm and preventing a fertilised egg from implanting. Hormonal IUDs work for 3–5 years and prevent pregnancy by releasing progesterone, which suppresses ovulation and changes the cervical mucus. IUDs are very effective and long-lasting, as they do not require regular use. IUDs can be removed at any time.