As a consequence of the confinement orders applied in different countries in the face of the pandemic
coronavirus (COVID-19), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated that
7 million women could face unwanted pregnancies.
coronavirus (COVID-19), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated that
7 million women could face unwanted pregnancies.
In this scenario, it is essential that people, mainly women and adolescents, have
access to scientific and secular information on contraceptive methods so that, in case they do not
want a pregnancy at this time, they can access options within or outside the services of
public health, through pharmacies, for example.
access to scientific and secular information on contraceptive methods so that, in case they do not
want a pregnancy at this time, they can access options within or outside the services of
public health, through pharmacies, for example.
Here is a list to help you identify the most
and least effective contraceptive options.
and least effective contraceptive options.
The most effective:
The methods that have proven to be most effective are the so-called permanent methods:
tubal ligation, OTB or salpingoclasia in the case of women and vasectomy, in the case of
men. Both are generally irreversible and have few side effects.
These methods are followed in efficacy by the subdermal implant and the hormonal IUD, whose side effects
such as irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain, changes in mood, among others, should be monitored by a health professional.
The male condom is the cheapest and easiest option to use, but its disadvantages include
allergic reactions and that it can slip or break during intercourse. However, its correct use
has less than 3 pregnancies per 100 women in a typical year of use. In addition, it is the only one that
also prevents Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), just like the female condom.
allergic reactions and that it can slip or break during intercourse. However, its correct use
has less than 3 pregnancies per 100 women in a typical year of use. In addition, it is the only one that
also prevents Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), just like the female condom.
The least effective
Rhythm and coitus interruptus are the least effective methods
in preventing pregnancy, they are called “natural
methods” and neither is recognized as a modern contraceptive method.
For more detailed information on contraceptive methods, we suggest you review this
table that gives you general information on 16 contraceptive options, their description, level of
efficacy, a list of advantages, disadvantages and possible side effects.
Informed access to contraceptive methods is a human right
recognized by international treaties and, as such, should be guaranteed by health personnel,
who should:
recognized by international treaties and, as such, should be guaranteed by health personnel,
who should:
– Ensure user privacy and confidentiality.
– Be respectful of the user’s choices, culture, religion and sexuality.
– Listen actively and with interest.
– Be attentive to the user’s specific questions and needs.
– Use clear language that the user can understand.
– Avoid one-way communication and avoid open-ended questions.
– Avoidance of critical activities and behaviors.
– Provide unbiased, evidence-based information.
– Be respectful of the user’s choices, culture, religion and sexuality.
– Listen actively and with interest.
– Be attentive to the user’s specific questions and needs.
– Use clear language that the user can understand.
– Avoid one-way communication and avoid open-ended questions.
– Avoidance of critical activities and behaviors.
– Provide unbiased, evidence-based information.
Author: Ipas CAM