So that a woman can protect herself against a possible pregnancy, there are contraceptives or contraceptive methods, which are substances capable of preventing female ovulation. They are consumed through pills for 28 days uninterruptedly, in the case of progesterone, or for 21 days, when there is a mixture of estrogen and progestogen. Both are pills made with synthetic female hormones.
These substances act to regularize the menstrual cycle, but do not stop menstruation. When the woman stops using it, her flow resumes monthly.
Only the gynecologist can prescribe the correct medication and method according to each woman's body.
Contraceptives are the most used method, especially by couples with family planning. In this sense, birth control is still controversial, when taking into account certain cultures and religious options. There are barriers on the part of those who do not accept the form of prevention, even those who do not want a living being already fertilized to be prevented from entering the uterus, where pregnancy begins.
Those who defend contraceptive methods claim a reduction in births that would help control overpopulation, which also causes major environmental problems such as global warming and the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Regarding religions, issues regarding contraceptive methods vary. Tolerant in the Catholic Church is only non-artificial family planning. The current position of the Catholic Church comes from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, under the leadership of Cardinal Dom Geraldo Magela in May 2007. In the document from the Conference, the religious reject the sexual education program undertaken by the State, as they believe that the project would encourage the premature awakening of sexuality in children and adolescents. And yet, Pope Benedict XV considered the use of contraceptives a danger for the Nations of Latin America.
In Protestantism, there are those who support contraceptive methods and others who do not. Jews also have their differences, one more conservative, defended by orthodox Jews and another that they lightly admit, like the reformists. Muslims accept the methods as long as they do not harm the organic balance and do not cause sterility, but they still continue to discourage their use. Hindus use methods, both natural and artificial.
Another recommended method is the use of condoms, considered the safest contraceptive method, offering 90% a chance of avoiding pregnancy, in addition to preventing sexually transmitted diseases, called STDs. In addition to being able to be used by both men (male condom) and women (female condom). It is easily accessible at health centers for free or can be purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies for affordable prices. One of the main precautions is to check whether it has the INMETRO seal and whether it is within its expiration date.
O spermicide It is a type of gel, purchased in pharmacies without the need for a prescription and its function is to kill or immobilize sperm, preventing them from reaching the egg. It must be applied to the vagina shortly before sexual intercourse, but it does not offer the same protection as a condom. Therefore, it must be used together with the condom.
O diaphragm is a concave, rounded, edged object made of flexible rubber. It is inserted into the vaginal canal, functioning as a protective barrier for the uterus. Ideally, it should be used together with spermicide.
O IUD (Intra Uterine Device) is a mechanism deposited in the woman's uterus by a doctor and must be monitored every six months by a gynecologist. It is contraindicated in adolescence.
A injection It is a syringe that contains hormones that prevent ovulation within a certain period (monthly or quarterly). It is possible to get pregnant six months after stopping injections. Its effectiveness is 98.5% and must be prescribed by a doctor. Contraindicated for women over 35 years of age, smokers, who breastfeed or who have had thrombosis, glaucoma, cardiovascular problems, hepatitis, hypertension, neoplasty, diabetes, among others.
Table, a table of the woman's hormonal and fertile cycle, thus detecting the days on which she can have sexual intercourse with the lowest risk of pregnancy.
Vasectomy, surgery performed on the man's scrotum, through which the vas deferens passes. The canal is cut, preventing sperm from reaching the sperm. The man must be at least 25 years old or have two living children and have attended educational groups. It's irreversible.
