I want to start using contraception - what should I know?
People have been trying to avoid unplanned pregnancies since ancient times - in ancient times it was popular to count the fertile days of a woman, the ancient Chinese advocated the termination of sexual intercourse. Today, we can rejoice that much more effective methods of contraception have been developed: condoms and chemical methods of contraception, which have become widespread in the twentieth century, have been perfected by current scientists to be effective and do not cause unwanted side effects. However, speaking out loud about contraception is still not for everyone. Although experts emphasize that information is the key to choosing the right method of contraception.
"It is not without reason that so many different methods of contraception have been developed, which should be chosen not on the basis of rumors or advice from friends, but on the basis of individual health, lifestyle or age, necessarily in consultation with specialists - some measures are more appropriate already after starting a family or approaching menopause ", says BENU pharmacist Inga Norkienė.
It is important to consult your gynecologist before deciding on the most appropriate method of contraception for you.
"Once you find out about your cycle, regularity and lifestyle, your gynecologist will be able to use the contraceptive methods that are best for you. It is worth knowing that if you do not have a regular partner or have sex, it is best to start with a barrier protection - condoms. In this way, you will not only avoid unplanned pregnancies, but also sexually transmitted diseases or infections, ”advises I. Norkienė.
When to start using contraceptives is determined not only by age, but also by the beginning of sexual intercourse, so it is best to consult a specialist only when planning to start having sex.
Interview with BENU pharmacist Inga Norkiene
What contraceptives are optimal during adolescence?
If you and your partner have agreed that you both want to make love, one of the most important things to think about and consult is contraception. As many as 85 out of 100 sexually active women who do not use any contraceptive method become pregnant in one year.
Hormonal measures at this age would be the most reliable to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it should be borne in mind that these measures do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (of which there are about twenty by the way). It is advisable to use a condom at the same time as having sex in life, even with hormonal protection, especially if there is a change in sexual partners.
What contraceptives can I buy and use without a doctor's prescription and without a prescription?
One such tool is condoms. They can be used by anyone who wants to have a healthy sex life, regardless of age. It is not difficult to buy condoms - you can find them not only in pharmacies, but also in ordinary grocery stores and gas stations at a price incomparably lower than other contraceptives.
Other remedies that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription are spermicides, a vaginal sponge filled with spermicides. They are used before sex - a spermicidal cream, gel, suppository or cervical sponge is placed in the vagina with a spermicide that neutralizes the sperm by preventing them from moving and entering the uterus. These measures are suitable for you if you have sex rarely, but their contraceptive effect is not high (less than a condom).
Emergency contraception, what is it?
Emergency contraception is a pill that is used in "extra" cases - after unplanned, unsafe sex, a rupture in a condom. The first tablet should be taken within 72 hours of this ratio, and the second after 12 hours. These tablets inhibit and delay ovulation, slow down the fertilization process or prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, if the girl is already pregnant, this remedy will not terminate the pregnancy. Although emergency contraception is also sold without a prescription and should only be used in extreme cases, it should not become a permanent tool!
Another thing that is very important to know!
Interrupted intercourse is not a method of contraception and will certainly not always help prevent unplanned pregnancies!
The article was prepared by Skirmantė Sabaliauskienė, a public health promotion specialist
Based on: https://manoteises.lt/zyma/lietuvos-medicinos-studentu-asociacija-limsa/ information
Useful information
Useful links:
Youth Health Network - www.sveikatostinklas.lt
Ukmergė District Municipality Public Health Bureau - www.ukmergesvsb.lt
Youth line - www.jaunimolinija.lt