
Birth control (family planning) is a couple’s right to have as many children as they want and when they want. Uncontrolled, successive births, having too many children and terminating unwanted pregnancies by abortion cause physical and psychological harm to the mother.
What should an ideal contraceptive method look like?
An ideal method of birth control:
It must be a method that both partners agree on
Pregnancy must be definitively prevented
Should not harm health
Should be easy to implement
Cost should be low
Couples should feel comfortable using this method
Is it necessary to consult a doctor when choosing a contraceptive method?
When determining which contraceptive method is right for you, you should consult your doctor. Your lifestyle, habits, health status, the condition of your reproductive organs, your family and your medical history will be evaluated together and birth control methods that may be suitable for you will be recommended.
Hormonal Birth Control Methods
What are birth control pills?
Combined contraceptive pills are preparations containing the hormones estrogen and progesterone that prevent pregnancy when taken once a day.
What is the mechanism of action of combined birth control pills?
Birth control pills;
Prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation (ovulation). The estrogen (female hormone) contained in the pills prevents ovulation by preventing the release of FSH and LH hormones from the brain, while the progesterone hormone suppresses the release of the LH hormone from the brain, which triggers the egg to hatch. By changing the structure of the inner layer of the uterus called the endometrium, it prevents the embryo (fertilized egg) from attaching to the uterus. The progesterone contained in the pill causes the secretion in the cervix to thicken, preventing sperm from swimming upwards.
How long are birth control pills effective?
When used regularly, the contraceptive pill is 99.9% effective. It is the most reliable contraceptive method after surgical sterilization.
How are birth control pills used?
The contraceptive pill usually contains 21 pills. The medication is started with the onset of menstrual bleeding. One pill is taken every day in the order shown on the package. Care should be taken to take the pill at the same time every day. Menstruation starts a few days after the pills are finished. The use of the pills should be started again after a 7-day break.
What should be considered when taking birth control pills?
Start the medication within the first seven days after the onset of menstruation
The medicine should be taken at the same time every day
Every morning, check whether the medicine of the day before has been taken
Other medications taken while taking birth control pills should be consulted with a doctor
Do not smoke while taking birth control pills
Gynecological examination, smear examination (pathological examination of a swab taken from the cervix) and breast examination should be performed every year. Intermittent bleeding in the first month should be considered normal. However, if intermittent bleeding recurs in the second month, the medication should be discontinued and a physician should be consulted.
In which cases should birth control pills never be used?
Clotting problems and vascular diseases such as thrombophlebitis
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Liver tumors and active liver disease
Breast cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
Women over 35 years of age and smokers
What are other situations in which birth control pills may be contraindicated?
Sickle cell anemia
Kidney failure
First six weeks after birth
Diabetes (diabetes)
Before planned surgical procedures
Epilepsy
Gallbladder diseases and jaundice due to obstruction
Excessive smoking (20 or more cigarettes per day)
Migraine headaches
What are the side effects of birth control pills?
Birth control pills can cause nausea, headache, intermittent bleeding, decreased menstrual bleeding, skin spotting, breast pain and fullness, weight gain, mood changes and depression. Some of these symptoms subside within a few months. When complaints occur, they should be reported to the physician.
What are the misconceptions about birth control pills?
It is not true that birth control pills cause congenital anomalies, infertility, infertility, sexual inadequacy, body enlargement and that you should take a break for a while after use.
Are birth control pills associated with uterine, ovarian and breast cancer?
Studies have shown that taking the contraceptive pill reduces the risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancer. Some studies have shown that the incidence of cervical and breast cancer increases in women who use the pill for more than 5 years. Since these findings have not been proven, studies on this subject are ongoing.
Does getting pregnant while using the contraceptive pill negatively affect the formation of the baby?
If women who are protected by the contraceptive pill become pregnant while continuing to use the pill or immediately after stopping it, it does not adversely affect the health of the baby. Pregnancies that occur within the first month after stopping the pill are more likely to have twins.
Does the use of birth control pills increase the risk of miscarriage in future pregnancies?
The risk of miscarriage and stillbirth is lower in women who have used the contraceptive pill. The risk of having an abnormal baby in future pregnancies does not increase in women who are protected with the contraceptive pill.
Is there any harm in breastfeeding women using birth control pills?
Birth control pills have been shown to reduce the quantity and nutritional value of milk. It is also thought that the duration of breastfeeding is shortened in mothers who use birth control after birth. Another concern about using birth control pills while breastfeeding is the possibility that the hormones they contain may harm the baby, but this has not been confirmed. It is recommended to use progestin-only pills called minipills during this period.
Do birth control pills protect against infections?
The incidence of pelvic inflammatory infections (genital infections that spread into the abdomen) has been found to decrease in women who use the pill for more than 12 months. The secretion of the cervix, which thickens with the effect of the pill, prevents germs from traveling upward from the vagina to the uterus. Birth control pills do not protect against infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact.
When does the contraceptive pill start to protect?
If you start taking the pill on the first day of your period, the pill’s protection starts that month (menstrual cycle). If you start taking the pill later, additional contraception such as condoms should be used during that menstrual cycle.
What should I do if I forget to take a pill while taking the contraceptive pill?
If a single pill is forgotten, the forgotten pill should be taken as soon as possible and the following pills should be continued in the normal order. In this case, there is no need for additional contraception. If two pills are forgotten on two consecutive days during the first two weeks of medication, two pills should be taken on each of the following two days and an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, is recommended for 7 days. If two pills or more than two pills are missed at any time during the third week of the pill, a new pack of pills should be started and an additional method of contraception should be used for one week.
What are the benefits of using birth control pills?
Women who use the contraceptive pill do not need abortion and surgical seterization. Uterine and ovarian cancer is less common and the risk of ectopic pregnancy is reduced. Menstrual bleeding is regular and less painful. Menstrual bleeding is reduced and anemia (anemia) is less common. Inflammation of the ovarian ducts, endometriosis (a female disease that causes bleeding into the abdomen), ovarian cysts, benign breast diseases, arteriosclerosis and joint rheumatism are less common and bone density increases.
Are there any cases where birth control pills are used in treatment?
Birth control pills can be used for irregular bleeding and menstrual irregularities, menstrual and ovulation pain, acne and excessive hair growth, missed periods due to hormone deficiency, premenstrual tension syndrome, treatment of ovarian cysts and prevention of endometriosis.
What is emergency contraception?
It is a contraceptive method applied following sexual intercourse without contraception. Pregnancy is prevented by taking high-dose combined birth control pills or high-dose progestin-containing pills within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The second dose of the pill should be taken 12 hours after the first dose taken after intercourse.
What are the advantages of birth control pills used after intercourse?
Birth control pills used after intercourse are safe, effective and easy to use. They can be used at any time of the menstrual cycle and are easily available. Emergency contraception does not cause miscarriage and does not harm an existing pregnancy.
What are the side effects of emergency contraception pills?
Women who use these pills may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tiredness and breast tightness.
What are hormone implants (implanons)?
Hormone implants are soft capsules that are placed under the skin. The implants release the hormone progesterone to prevent ovulation and provide protection for five years. Women who are not allowed to use birth control pills should not use implants. Annual gynecological examinations, Pap smear tests and breast examinations should be performed when using implants.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Implanon?
Implanon is a reliable, effective, continuous contraceptive method that does not require much effort. It can be withdrawn at any time and can be inserted immediately after birth. In addition to all these advantages, Implanon causes menstrual cessation within the first year in 80% of cases. Implanon requires a surgical procedure for insertion and removal. This increases the cost of the procedure and carries surgical risks such as infection, bleeding and allergic reactions. Some women may be uncomfortable with the Implanon showing under the skin.
What are hormone injections?
Hormone injections containing the hormone progesterone, administered once a month or once every three months, are a long-lasting contraceptive method. Hormone injections, which can cause menstrual cessation when used for more than a year, are not recommended for women who plan to have children in the future. Women who are not allowed to use birth control pills should also use these injections.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hormone injections?
Hormone injections are an easy-to-use, safe, effective contraceptive method that is free of estrogen-related side effects. These injections can cause menstrual irregularities, weight gain and psychological tension. Another disadvantage of this method is that it cannot be stopped if desired.
How does the intrauterine device (spiral) prevent pregnancy?
Intrauterine devices come in different shapes and sizes and can be made of pure plastic or copper. In recent years, hormone-releasing types of spiral have also been produced. The spiral reacts like a foreign body in the uterus. This reaction creates an environment in the uterus that kills sperm. Such an environment also affects the inside of the tubes and prevents fertilization of the egg. Even if fertilization occurs, the environment in the uterus prevents the fertilized egg from settling and prevents pregnancy. The protection rate is 97-99%.
What are the additional advantages of using hormonal intrauterine devices?
Hormonal intrauterine devices provide additional protection by intensifying the cervical secretion, reducing the mobility of the tubes and disrupting the sperm-egg relationship. The types containing the hormone gestagen produced in recent years can be used for a longer period of time (5 years) than the types containing the hormone progesterone (1 year). With this type of IUD, complaints such as weight gain, headache, prolonged and painful bleeding are minimized.
How is the intrauterine device applied and what should be considered?
The intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus on the 3-4th day of menstruation. During this procedure, which takes a few minutes, pain is rarely felt. Following a gynecological examination, the cervix is cleaned and disinfected with a solution. The cervix is fixed with an instrument and the spiral is inserted into the uterine canal. Antibiotics may be used to prevent infection. If there is an infection in the genital organs, the spiral should be inserted after the infection has been treated.
What are the advantages of an intrauterine device?
The IUD prevents pregnancy from the moment of insertion and provides protection for up to eight years. Intrauterine devices can be removed immediately upon request and can be replaced with a new one, and pregnancy can be conceived immediately after removal. Intrauterine devices do not interfere with sexual intercourse and breastfeeding, are economical and have few side effects.
What are the disadvantages of an intrauterine device?
Intrauterine device users may experience groin pain, vaginal discharge and intermittent bleeding. The amount of menstrual bleeding increases and bleeding may last longer. It can be painful to apply and remove. It does not prevent infections transmitted through sexual contact. The incidence of infection in the reproductive organs increases.
When should the intrauterine device be removed?
The IUD should be removed if symptoms increase, if there are recurrent infections in the reproductive organs, if the IUD is displaced or if there is a suspicion of cervical cancer.
Can I feel the strings of the intrauterine device?
The strings of the intrauterine device extend out of the cervix and you can control it by touching the strings.
Barrier methods
What are barrier methods?
Barrier methods are methods that prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Some couples prefer to use barrier methods such as diaphragms and condoms. When applied correctly, barrier methods provide 96-97% protection.
How to use a diaphragm?
The latex diaphragm should be inserted one hour before intercourse to cover the cervix. Diaphragms treated with spermicidal chemicals called spermicides are more protective. The biggest problem is that the diaphragm is inserted by the woman herself, rather than by a specialist, and unwanted pregnancies often occur due to improper insertion.
How is condom contraception used?
A condom is a thin rubber sheath that is put on the penis during intercourse. It prevents semen from coming into contact with the vagina. Some condoms are treated with spermicidal chemicals. A condom with 97% protection should be checked after intercourse. In case of rupture or breakage, you should consult a doctor for additional contraception.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of condoms?
The most important advantage of condoms, which are easy to use, cheap and reliable, is that they protect against infections transmitted through sexual contact. The only known side effect of condom use is mild allergic reactions in some women. Allergic reactions to rubber, powder or lubricants may occur. It is a safe method for couples who have never had children.
What are spermicides (spermicides)?
Spermicides, which are applied to the vagina before each intercourse, are available in gel, cream, granule, granule, foam, ointment and tablet forms. Not very reliable, these products are used to enhance the effect of other methods.
Calendar method
How is the calendar method applied?
It is one of the most commonly used methods, although it is not reliable and not recommended. It is a method applied by abstaining from sexual intercourse on days when there is a possibility of conception. In women with very regular menstrual cycles, the seven days before and seven days after ovulation in a menstrual cycle are risky. Ovulation occurs in the middle of two menstrual cycles on days 13-15. A woman with regular menstrual cycles can be considered risky for a total of 16 days between days 6-22 from the start of menstruation.
How can you tell if ovulation has occurred?
Ovulation can be detected by measuring body temperature, changes in cervical secretion, tests showing hormonal fluctuations in the body and ovulation pain. However, determining the day of ovulation and not having sexual intercourse on those days is not a reliable method.
Sterilization Methods
What are sterilization methods?
It is the ligation of the reproductive ducts (fallopian tubes) in women and the sperm duct in men. In developed societies, about 24% of couples choose surgical sterilization as a contraceptive method. Contrary to popular belief, it is mostly reversible. In cases where reversal surgeries are not successful, those who want to have a child can have a baby with IVF and microinjection therapy.
How is tubal ligation performed in women?
Today, this procedure is mostly performed laparoscopically (bloodless-bladeless surgery). The procedure takes about 20 minutes and the patient can return home the same day. Laparoscopy allows direct visualization of the intra-abdominal organs and allows the diagnosis and treatment of some existing diseases at the same time. Tubal ligation has no side effects on sexual life and menstrual cycles. The protective effect starts immediately and its reliability is 99.8%. Surgical sterilization is generally recommended for women over the age of 35 who have had the desired number of children and is performed after the couple’s joint consent.
How is sterilization performed in men?
The sterilization procedure called vasectomy, in which the sperm duct is ligated, is more reliable (99.9%), easier and more economical than tubal ligation in women. It takes 10-15 minutes under local anesthesia and has a very low complication rate. Vasectomy does not have any negative effects on male sexual health.
Postpartum Contraception
Is it true that women who breastfeed do not get pregnant?
The level of prolactin, known as milk hormone, increases in breastfeeding women. This hormone provides birth control by suppressing ovulation and protects the new mother from pregnancy. Ovulation and pregnancy can occur when breastfeeding is not continuous or when blood prolactin levels fall despite breastfeeding. Breastfeeding cannot be relied on for protection and is not recommended as a contraceptive method.
Which contraceptive method should be used after birth?
Mothers who are not breastfeeding can use birth control pills.
Breastfeeding mothers can use birth control pills containing low-dose progestin
Intrauterine device can be inserted 1 month after delivery
Implanon can be applied into the arm.
Depo Provera injection (3-month protective injection) can be applied.
Condoms can be used from the first sexual intercourse after the puerperium.
Couples who do not want more children may prefer surgical sterilization methods.