Do You Prefer to Use Long-Term Method of Birth Control?

25.08.2010 | By: J. P.

We present methods of long-term birth control that will make it easier for women who already gave birth to control pregnancy.

Women can choose various methods of birth control, either short or long-term. (Photoxpress)

We need different methods of birth control at different stages of life, which is enabled by a wide range of contraceptives that prevent pregnancy. Girls and young women mostly prefer to use methods of short-term birth control, most commonly contraceptive pills or condoms, while mature women, who decide to have a longer interval between childbirths, have slightly different desires and needs, particularly those who believe that their reproductive days are over.

1. Method of birth control: sterilization

Women who don’t want to have children any more can decide on sterilization, the advantage of which is that it doesn’t affect their sex life and there’s no need to use some other method of birth control, but they have to be aware that it is a permanent procedure. Namely, an attempt to re-establish the function of the fallopian tubes is a risky and complicated procedure that isn’t always successful. Experts therefore recommend that, before making a final decision on sterilization, women think thoroughly about the methods of long-term birth control, which are equally effective, but not permanent, meaning that a woman can get pregnant again soon after discontinuing use of a contraceptive or within a short space of time.

2. Method of birth-control: Copper intrauterine devices

A copper intrauterine device has been a well-known and well-established method of birth control for a long time. It’s made from plastic and copper and doesn’t contain any hormones. It works by preventing sperm cells from traveling through the fallopian tubes and by having a local effect on the womb and thus stopping sperm from reaching the egg. Protection lasts from three to ten years, depending on the device, and if used properly, it’s 99.5% effective. It may already be inserted within four to six weeks after childbirth and it’s also safe to use it during breastfeeding. It can be removed at any time and fertility returns immediately. As some women may have heavier, longer and more painful periods, and sometimes they may also suffer from an inflammation of the womb, gynecologists don’t recommend this method of birth control for women who haven’t given birth as well as women with anemia.

3. Method of birth control: Intrauterine systems containing hormones

An intrauterine system containing hormones is a similar device in terms of its shape and method of use, but instead of copper, it releases a small dose of the female hormone progesterone into the womb on a daily basis. This hormone prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb and move normally if they succeeded in entering the womb, and as it has a local effect on the womb, it also thins the womb lining. Owing to that, periods are usually lighter, shorter and less painful, while some women no longer have their periods. At the same time, the system provides protection against infections of the pelvis and reduces the risk of developing endometrial cancer. The system mainly works locally and therefore doesn’t change a woman’s hormonal balance. The device may already be inserted six weeks after childbirth and it’s suitable for women who breastfeed because it has no effect on the production of milk. It’s 99.9% effective and lasts for five years. If requested, it can be removed at any time and it’s possible to get pregnant immediately. However, it normally isn’t the first choice for women who haven’t given birth.

4. Method of birth control: Contraceptive injections

A hormonal injection of progesterone (Depo-Provera) is one of the newest forms of medium-term hormonal methods of birth control. A woman is given this progestin-injection once every three months. During that time, the hormone is released slowly into the body, thus preventing ovulation and thickening the mucus of the cervix at the same time, which prevents sperm from traveling easily through the vagina. If used properly, it’s 99.97% effective. Disadvantages of this method of birth control are potential irregularities of the menstrual cycle and weight gain. Injections are suitable for women who’re unable to tolerate estrogen and women who breastfeed after six weeks of their birth. However, it may lasts up to a year to restore regular periods and fertility after discontinuing use of the injections.

You should be aware that no method of birth control, not even sterilization, provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The best protection against them is still a good old condom.