Protection Methods: Women who have sexual intercourse without using any method to prevent pregnancy 80-85% within one year becomes pregnant. Therefore, if you do not want a baby for a while or at all from now on, there must be an effective solution. contraceptive method should be used.
It is every woman's natural right to have as many children as she wants, whenever she wants. In medical terms, it refers to the temporary prevention of pregnancy that may occur. “contraception”, and the methods used for this purpose “contraceptive” methods It is called. The aim is for the mother and the unborn children to be healthy and for pregnancy to occur when you want to have a child. Because births at intervals of less than two years significantly impair the body health of the mother, increase risks during pregnancy, and even births given consecutively without a break to maternal deaths It may even cause In addition, frequent births of children In these cases, their development in the womb is not complete, low birth weight babies are born, the disability rate increases, their care becomes difficult and infant deaths increase. Of course, birth control should be provided with methods that will not harm women's health.
Generally speaking, it is possible to examine contraceptive methods in two groups;
1. Natural protection methods
2. Medical contraceptive methods
Although natural methods are easy to apply and common, their effectiveness is low.
WHAT ARE THE NATURAL PROTECTION METHODS?
Starting from adolescence, a man's ability to reproduce is continuous due to uninterrupted sperm production, while in women, this ability is limited to certain days of the menstrual cycle. In the ovaries located in the abdomen of women, under the influence of reproductive hormones after puberty, one egg every month It develops and is thrown into the abdominal cavity in a state suitable for fertilization on certain days. During these days, which are defined as the ovulation period, there are some symptoms in the female body that can be considered as preparation for pregnancy. By being aware of this issue and monitoring the changes that are signs of fertility, women can actually understand on which days they can get pregnant. If pregnancy is desired, it is possible to become pregnant by having sexual intercourse on these days, and if not, it is possible to avoid pregnancy by abstaining from sexual intercourse.
Methods Based on Fertility Symptoms
During the menstrual cycle, during fertile periods, there are changes in the type and amount of discharge from the cervix, the shape and consistency of the cervix, and body temperature.
-The type and amount of discharge coming from the cervix changes.
The days when there is a discharge in the vagina (chamber) that is not very thick, abundant, transparent, slippery and extends between two fingers (mucus elongation) are favorable days for pregnancy.
-The shape and consistency of the cervix changes.
The cervix, which is hard at the end of the menstrual days, begins to soften 4-5 days before the egg matures. It can be felt in the upper part of the vagina when touched with a finger. On the days of ovulation, the cervix softens and is at a depth that is difficult to reach.
-Body temperature changes.
Immediately after ovulation, body temperature rises slightly (about half a degree) and remains high.
Method Based on Monitoring the Quality of the Flow
.When menstrual bleeding ends completely, there will be no discharge from the vagina for a few days. These days are considered “DRY” days.
After dry days, a small amount of discharge that is sticky, thick and rough is felt. Its color is yellow or white. This discharge may sometimes not be noticed.
As ovulation days approach, the discharge increases, its consistency becomes thinner and its appearance becomes clearer. It can extend between two fingers. In this environment, which is felt as "WET" in the vagina, sperm can easily survive for 3-5 days, pass into the uterus and fertilize the egg. Wet days are fertile days. If pregnancy is desired, have regular sexual intercourse; if not, do not have sexual intercourse.
.After ovulation, the discharge changes again. It decreases and becomes rough and sticky. The vagina still feels DRY. In this environment, the movement of sperm becomes difficult, they cannot pass through the cervix and cannot survive.
Those who want to protect themselves from pregnancy by following these findings can start protection only after observing their discharge for three months and recording and reviewing their findings. In the meantime, the guidance of a health personnel trained in this field is absolutely necessary. Sexual intercourse causes the quality of fluids to change, so sexual intercourse is avoided in the first month. Since the discharge cannot be observed, sexual intercourse should not be attempted while menstrual bleeding is ongoing.
EXCESSIVE INTEREST MAY OCCUR ON DRY DAYS, when there is no discharge after menstruation. IF THERE IS MORE FREQUENT INTERACTION, VALID MONITORING CANNOT BE MADE.
.When WETNESS is felt in the vagina, sexual abstinence begins. THE FOUR DAYS AFTER A THIN CONSISTENCY, PROLONGED, CLEAR DISCHARGE DISCHARGE ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS DAYS.
.When the dangerous days pass, there is no longer a risk of pregnancy in sexual intercourse until menstruation.
If bleeding occurs, intercourse is not allowed during these days and until at least three days after the bleeding.
It is also possible to prevent pregnancy by simply monitoring body temperature or changes in the cervix. However, these are less effective methods. In the Standard Days Method, which is a practical but calendar-based method that requires longer-term sexual abstinence, women whose menstrual frequency varies between 26 and 32 days can protect themselves from pregnancy by not having sexual intercourse between the 8th (eighth) and 19th (nineteenth) days from the start of menstruation or by using a condom on these days. This method is a more valid implementation of the previously recommended calendar method.
Can Effective Protection Against Pregnancy Be Provided with Methods Based on Fertility Signs?
When applied carefully and correctly, these methods are of course protective. If the rules are not fully followed, the protection is greatly reduced. Applying these methods together with barrier methods such as male or female condom, diaphragm and spermicide increases the effectiveness. Ovulation days may change due to certain illnesses, major distress or sadness, and during holidays. In these cases, monitoring requires special attention. It is not appropriate to apply this method as the quality of the discharge will change in the presence of genital tract infections.
Protection through Breastfeeding (Lactational Amenorrhea)
This is the method popularly called milk preservation. During the first six months after birth, if the mother breastfeeds her baby exclusively with breast milk at frequent intervals for at least 60 minutes a day, ovulation may not occur. In this case, pregnancy does not occur even if there is sexual intercourse. However, if menstrual bleeding occurs during this period, supplementary feeding is started, or the mother stops breastfeeding, the protection of this method decreases significantly. Its protection is high when all its rules are followed. You should know that protection through breastfeeding will not be possible after the first six months, and a method that is effective but will not affect breastfeeding should be switched to before this period ends.
Withdrawal Method
During sexual intercourse, before ejaculating inside the vagina, the man removes his sexual organ from the woman's vagina and ejaculates outside. In order for this method to be applied correctly and sexual intercourse not to be negatively affected, both parties must be willing and determined about this issue. If it is not applied fully, its protection decreases significantly.
Washing the vagina after sexual intercourse for contraception purposes is a completely ineffective practice. Washing the vagina is definitely not recommended as it disrupts its natural protection and increases the risk of infections.
Do Natural Methods Have Any Other Effect on the Body Apart from Preventing Pregnancy?
It is necessary to be very conscious and determined to carefully apply these methods, which have no side effects. They cannot be used without full compatibility with the partner. If for any reason you cannot fully comply with the rules of natural contraceptive methods, you can consult a physician within 72 hours at the latest to benefit from emergency contraceptive measures for protection after intercourse.
DON'T FORGET!
NATURAL METHODS DO NOT PROTECT FROM SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS. The only way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections is for a man or woman to use a condom during sexual intercourse.
In summary, it is useful to remind some common but misunderstood points.
Men's sperm can survive in the woman's body for up to 3 days. this too calendar method reduces its reliability.
It is known that sperm settle in the structure called mucus in the cervix 2-3 minutes after intercourse and begin to travel towards the uterus. Therefore, after intercourse vaginal douche It has no protective effect!
The withdrawal method is not reliable and varies greatly from individual to individual.
Failures in this method % 30’can reach.
Therefore, modern and effective prevention methods should be applied today.
What are these?
1. Condom (condom, sheath)
It prevents pregnancy by preventing male sperm from being thrown into the vagina, thus preventing sperm and egg from meeting. Another feature is that it prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. one method is that it is. (e.g. AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.) It is also known as a sheath among the public. When used correctly by men before sexual intercourse, the protection rate is 95 - 98%. Each condom should be used once. It has no harm to health.
2. Vaginal barriers (diaphragm, spermicide cream, foam, suppository)
The diaphragm is attached to the cervix and prevents sperm from passing inside. Spermicides render all sperm in the vagina useless. When diaphragm and spermicides are used together and correctly, their effectiveness increases. It is placed in place by the woman before intercourse. They have no harm to health. In order for the tablets to dissolve, they must be applied deep into the vagina 10 to 15 minutes before sexual intercourse. In order for it to show its full effect, the vagina should not be washed for at least 6 hours after sexual intercourse for any reason. Unless recommended by a doctor, washing the vagina for any reason is definitely not recommended as it will disrupt its natural protection and increase the risk of infections. It is very effective when used correctly. The application should be repeated for each sexual intercourse. Since it does not affect breast milk, breastfeeding women can also use it. Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
3. Intrauterine devices (IUD) (spirals)
By being applied into the uterus, it prevents the transfer of the egg into the uterus, the sperm from going to the egg, and the implantation of the fertilized egg by disrupting the properties of the inside of the uterus, even if fertilization occurs. When removed, fertility returns in a short time. Spirals can remain in the uterus for 1 - 5 years. They are usually made of plastic or metal with a string at the end. Some IUDs contain copper or the hormone progesterone. Because of its association with genital organ infections, there has been controversy in the use of IUDs. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, have an infection in any of the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, tubes) or have a history of ectopic pregnancy, talk to your doctor about using an IUD.risks You should talk about it. It has few side effects, and if checked regularly, it provides 98% protection for 10 years. Most frequently today copper spiralsis used. There are also hormone-releasing (progesterone) types, but they are preferred for special purposes.
How to Use Spiral?
The spiral is placed into the uterus by the specialist physician. It is usually worn during the menstrual period, as this is the period when the possibility of pregnancy is very low and the cervix is slightly dilated. It usually takes a few minutes to install.
You may rarely feel cramp-like pain when inserted. After the IUD is inserted, check its string to make sure it is in the uterus. Also check the thread a few times after your menstrual period. You can do this by inserting your finger into the vagina and feeling the string near the cervix. As long as you feel the rope, the spiral is in its normal position and your chance of getting pregnant is very low. If you feel the hard plastic, it is not in the right place. You should consult your doctor to change it.
In the first few months, the IUD may come out without you noticing. Therefore, check the IUD before each intercourse in the first months. IUD can be used for 1 - 5 years. Usually progesterone-containing IUDs are replaced after 1 year. IUDs containing copper can be used for 5 years.
When the spiral expires, if there is no problem, a new spiral can be inserted immediately after removing the old one. uterus for a while to rest A concept like this is not valid.
If;
• If you cannot feel the rope,
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge,
• Severe, unexpected abdominal pain, especially during intercourse,
• Fever of unknown cause,
• If there are pregnancy symptoms,
In such cases, you should call your doctor immediately.
Can I get pregnant while using the spiral?
Rarely, pregnancy may occur while the spiral is in place. In such a situation, the probability that the pregnancy will end in miscarriage is 50%. However, if the spiral is removed as soon as pregnancy is noticed, this rate drops to 25%.
Therefore, what to do when such a situation is noticed is removal of the spiral. However, the person should be aware that problems may occur during the removal process and the pregnancy may be damaged, albeit with a low probability, and should be prepared for this possibility.
Failure to remove the spiral even though the pregnancy continues is at a level that can threaten the life of the expectant mother. infection carries with it the risk. Therefore, if the thread of the spiral cannot be seen or its location cannot be determined on ultrasound, curettage should also be considered.
Leaving the spiral in place while the pregnancy continues carries the risk of premature opening of the amniotic membrane. In this case, premature birth will be inevitable.
When should the spiral not be applied?
* If there is any suspicion of pregnancy
* In the presence of recent or recurrent gynecological inflammation
* If there is undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
* If there is a disorder in the uterine anatomy
* If there are large myomas
* Chronic immune deficiency
* If you are allergic to copper (for spirals containing copper)
* If there is Wilson's disease (for coils containing copper)
4. Hormonal methods (birth control pills, injections)
Almost all of them stop ovulation, thicken the cervical plug and prevent sperm from entering the uterus, and thin the uterine lining. The pills contain two of the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that occur naturally in women. The pills are taken orally, and some are used for 21 to 25 days.
• It should be taken regularly every day.
• It is very effective when used correctly.
• It should be taken within the first five days of the menstrual period, preferably on the first day.
• Prevents premenstrual tension and menstrual pain.
• It protects against uterine and ovarian cancers.
• Since it reduces the amount of menstrual bleeding, it has protective effects against anemia that may occur.
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis-B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
• Women who are 35 years of age or older and smoke should quit smoking if they can be protected by pills.
• It is not used during breastfeeding as it reduces the amount of breast milk and changes its structure.
• When stopped, fertility returns the next month.
• It is an ideal option for young women who do not have health problems.
• According to recent research, it is not appropriate to use it for more than 5 years.
What to do if you forget to take pills
If you forget a pill;
Regardless of how many pills it is, when you remember the pill you forgot, take it immediately and continue taking the other pills every day, including that day's pill. There won't be a problem.
If you forget more than one pill;
Take one of the pills you forgot immediately, throw away the others from the pack, and continue taking the rest every day.
Protect yourself from pregnancy with an additional barrier method for seven days rather than taking 2 - 4 forgotten pills and taking the pills of the first seven days. In the meantime, if you have had sexual intercourse, you should apply protection after sexual intercourse.
Additional seven-day protection is also required if five or more hormone-containing pills are missed, regardless of which days they occurred. In this case, if you had sexual intercourse on the days when you forgot to take the pill, you should apply protection after sexual intercourse.
If five or more pills are forgotten or the forgotten pills are fewer in number but 14-21. Instead of taking the pills of the day, you should start a new pack without a break. In this case, if you are using a pack of 28 pills, you must throw away the last seven pills and start a new pack, as they do not contain hormones.
If you are using a pack of 28 pills, forgetting the last seven pills does not cause any problems since they do not contain hormones. You can throw away the pills you forgot and continue where you left off.
needles It is available in two separate forms: monthly or quarterly. The injection is administered intramuscularly every month or every 3 months, depending on the needle type. Fertility returns when their use is discontinued. Its general properties are similar to pills. It may be a good option for women who cannot use the pill.
Hormones come in pill or injection forms, as well as in the form of matchstick-sized silicone rods that are inserted into the inner part of the arm. They contain only one of the female hormones (progesterone) found naturally in women. Their mechanisms are similar to pills.
It protects against pregnancy for three or five years, depending on the type. They are very effective. It is applied on any day when there is no suspicion of pregnancy, preferably within the first seven days of menstruation. They can cause a decrease in the amount of menstrual bleeding, breakthrough bleeding and spotting. Since it does not affect breast milk, breastfeeding women can also use it. Again, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis-B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
Before using a hormonal method, the doctor and the couple must undergo an examination and decide which method will be used and how.
Protection rates are close to 100% when used correctly.
5. Connecting the tubes (canals) – Surgical method
It is the process of closing or tying the uterine canals through which the egg passes in women. Usually laparoscopy It requires a minor surgery performed with Thus, sperm and egg are prevented from meeting. It is an irreversible method. It does not cause any menstrual disorders, hormonal changes or decreased sexual desire. Couples who do not want to have children again should prefer it. If couples change their minds later and want to have children again, it is very easy to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization. Worldwide, more than 200 million couples are protected by surgical intervention. In Turkey, after 1983, surgical sterilization (vasectomy and tubal ligation) for men and women can be performed upon the request of the person after the age of majority. Before this procedure is performed, doctors generally use the term "Voluntary Surgical Sterilization" because the woman or man must be warned that the surgical procedure is permanent and written consent is required.
6. Vasectomy (connection of sperm ducts in men)
vasectomyIt is the process of permanently preventing the sperm cells stored in men's testicles from passing through surgical interventions. Since it is almost impossible to restore the channels when this method is applied, it is a method used for those who have completely forgotten about having children. In this application, protection comes into play after 3 months after the surgery. In addition, the man may need to ejaculate at least 20 times during the period after the surgery. When this method is applied, there is no problem for the relationship. The man has the same sensitivity during sexual intercourse, and there is no difference in the appearance of the fluid released during ejaculation, sexual sensitivity and excitement. Additionally, the risks associated with the surgical procedure are very low.
Applied in the USA and some countries "pregnancy termination pill"It is likely that it will start to be used in our country in the near future. However, terminating a pregnancy is never a method of contraception, and currently the only way to do this in our country is abortion. Despite everything, despite the use of all protection methods, termination of pregnancy so abortion up to the 10th week from the last menstrual period legal It is a right.
For more detailed information about the termination of pregnancy (abortion) process, please Click here.