The Chemical contraceptive methods Are synthetic agents used by women to prevent potential pregnancy. These methods can be used before or after intercourse, depending on the preferences of the woman who uses them (Prowoman, 2017).
The chemical contraceptive methods that are used before having sex are produced based on hormones like progesterone and estrogens.
The"morning after pill"is one of the most commonly used chemical contraceptive methods
These are usually consumed orally and are designed to prevent female gametes (ovules) from meeting male partners ( Spermatozoa ).
On the other hand, the chemical contraceptive methods that are used after the sexual relation are vaginal spermicidas.
The purpose of these is to destroy the spermatozoa present in the vagina thanks to a cytotoxic effect. These contraceptive methods can also be divided between those that release hormones and those that do not release hormones.
Currently, globally this type of contraceptive methods are the most commonly used by women. This is due to their high effectiveness rate when preventing pregnancy (Femenina, 2016).
Hormonal chemical contraceptive methods
Hormonal contraceptive methods are chemical contraceptives that block the ovulation process from the use of hormones.
These hormones are chemically designed to inhibit the stimuli sent by the pituitary to the ovaries. In this way, the ovaries stop their egg production (Delvin, 2015).
Another effect of hormonal contraceptives is the thickening of the cervical mucus. In this way, the cervix becomes inaccessible for spermatozoa.
Many women opt for the use of this type of chemical contraceptives because they have multiple advantages.
These include regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing vaginal discharge, attenuating menstrual cramps, reducing the risk of anemia, and improving conditions that may harm the health of the ovaries, endometrium, and colon .
However, this type of method also presents some deficiencies. For example, they are not useful as barrier methods, ie they do not block the transmission of any sexual disease.
On the other hand, they can have side effects in some women, like headaches, dizziness, reduction of the libido, among others.
One of the advantages of this type of methods is that they come in different presentations, as you can see below:
Pills
Chemical tablets are supplied by the oral route. These affect the hormonal system of women, preventing the ovulation process and fertilization of the egg.
Its effectiveness is 99% when consumed on a regular basis (every day). If you forget to take one of the pills, its effect is greatly reduced (NIH, 2017).
Subdermal Implant
It is a device the size of a match whose main objective is to release hormones constantly.
This is installed in the woman's arm, under the skin. Its effectiveness rate is 99%. It can be removed at any time.
Vaginal ring
It is a flexible and translucent ring that is inserted and left in the vagina for three weeks.
This should be removed during menstruation, and must be renewed every month. It is a device that releases half of hormones that other hormonal methods, however, its effectiveness rate is 99.7%.
Pill of the day after
This pill is not considered properly as a contraceptive method. However, it is responsible for preventing a possible pregnancy in case of emergency.
It should be consumed only once or twice (once every twelve hours) within three days after intercourse. It has the effect of inhibiting ovulation and fertilization of the ovum.
Non-hormonal chemical contraceptive methods
These types of methods are designed for people who do not want or can not consume hormones to prevent a possible pregnancy.
They are designed from a chemical component and an inert other whose main function is to exterminate the spermatozoa entering the vaginal canal before they can fertilize the egg.
They come in multiple presentations (gel, cream, sponges, sprays, tablets, and vaginal ova), and can be easily bought at any pharmacy.
Ideally they should be combined with a barrier method that helps prevent the possible spread of a sexually transmitted disease.
Some of the most common non-hormonal methods on the market are the following:
Foam
Contraceptive foam is a spermicidal substance that is applied inside the vagina before intercourse. It can be applied immediately before intercourse and its protection lasts for approximately one hour.
After this time, it should be applied again. However, in case of ejaculation, it should be applied again so that the time of one hour has not been fulfilled.
To make the foam really effective, the vagina should be washed six hours after intercourse (Planifica.net, 2009).
Ova
Ova or tablets are spermicides that can be used alone or accompanied by other barrier methods such as the condom.
It should be inserted into the vagina at least 10 minutes before each sexual intercourse, located in the deepest part of the vaginal cavity.
For each intercourse a new ovule must be introduced and a minimum of 10 minutes should be expected again. On the other hand, lavage of the vagina can only be performed at least six hours after intercourse.
If these indications are ignored, the risk of pregnancy increases dramatically. On the other hand, it is normal that after the coital relationship there is a vaginal discharge.
Creams and jellies
Although they are safe, it is recommended to use them in the company of the condom to guarantee their effectiveness.
This type of chemical contraceptive is applied with the help of a device before intercourse. Its protection is immediate and lasts approximately one hour.
After each sexual intercourse the cream or jelly should be reapplied, since its effect is lost after each relationship.
Similar to foam and ova, the vagina should be washed six hours after sexual intercourse so that the cream or jelly is truly effective.
On the other hand, it is normal that after the coital relationship there is a vaginal discharge.
References
- Delvin, D. (January 19, 2015). Netdoctor . Obtained from Chemical contraceptives: netdoctor.co.uk
- Female, S. (April 26, 2016). Women's Health . Obtained from Chemical and hormonal contraceptives: saludfemenina.net
- (2017). NIH . Retrieved from"What are the different types of contraception?: nichd.nih.gov
- Net. (2009). Planifica.net . Obtained from Spermicides: planificanet.gob.mx
- (2017). Prowoman . Retrieved from Chemical contraceptives: prowoman.at.