The question of how to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy is relevant for any modern woman. The birth of a child is a big responsibility, and you don’t want him to appear at a time when he cannot be provided with everything necessary. Fortunately, now science has stepped forward, and there are a lot of ways to prevent pregnancy. Any woman will find the one that suits her.

How to protect yourself from pregnancy: barrier methods

Barrier protection methods are ideal for girls who do not have regular sexual intercourse or a permanent partner. The essence of the technique is simple: with the help of a contraceptive, sperm does not enter the vagina, and conception does not occur.

Barrier methods of contraception include a condom, a cap, a diaphragm, a pessary, etc. It is worth noting that only the use of a condom protects against sexually transmitted infections, so for girls who do not have a permanent partner, this is the only reasonable method of contraception.

How to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy: chemicals

All chemicals, spermicides, are aimed at destroying spermatozoa, but their effectiveness varies between 80-90%. They are used in addition to barrier techniques to increase efficiency.

Spermicides are available in the form of lubricants, gels, creams, tampons, suppositories, tablets, aerosols, etc. Regardless of the form, their effectiveness is at the same, not the highest level. Due to the fact that the life of spermatozoa is quite long, some can still overcome the barrier in the form of chemicals. Another disadvantage of such funds is possible irritation and allergic reactions.

calendar method of protection

Many women, in parallel with other methods, also use the calendar method. This method works only for those women whose cycle is always the same, for example, 28 days.

A woman can become pregnant only when ovulation has occurred and the egg has matured. This is approximately the middle of the cycle, that is, with a cycle of 28 days – the 14th day. The life span of spermatozoa is about 5 days. To exclude the possibility of pregnancy, you need to protect yourself 7 days before ovulation and 7 after it. With a cycle of 28 days, the first and last week of the cycle are safe, and the rest of the time it is necessary to carefully protect yourself.

This method is very unreliable, since the cycle can change from time to time, shift due to colds, etc. Many women combine this method with an accurate calculation of ovulation using a thermometer or ovulation tester, but these are troublesome methods that are inconvenient for regular use.

What is the best way to prevent pregnancy for women who have given birth?

The intrauterine device (IUD) is very effective. Its action leads to an increase in the tone of the uterus and the rejection of the embryo (if fertilization has occurred), as well as the non-viability of the fetal egg. In addition, the action dampens the activity of spermatozoa, acting in a complex way. However, the IUD is also an abortifacient, directed against a fertilized egg, which is why many women refuse it for religious and humane reasons.

The spiral has a large list of contraindications, it is selected and installed by a gynecologist after examination.

Hormonal remedies

Hormonal drugs – pills, rings, patches – are the most reliable today, but they have a large list of contraindications and side effects. Because of them, the entire hormonal system of the body is rebuilt, before using them, you need to consult a doctor.

Should you take protection during pregnancy?

If your husband passes the tests, and he does not have hidden infections, you can have unprotected sex until the 7th month of pregnancy, it will even be useful.