Contraceptive cap: advantages and disadvantages. Types of contraceptives

Currently, there is a large selection of contraceptives, so every woman who has an active sex life, can choose the most suitable means to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are contraceptive methods, both male and female. Contraceptive is recommended to choose together with a doctor, based on the health of the reproductive system of a woman and her age.

Types of contraceptives

Contraceptive means are male and female. The first include condoms. They come from different materials (polyurethane, latex), various forms (ribbed, with antennae, with pimples), classic, super-thin and with additional lubrication. Condoms are the most common means of contraception. Protect from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Women's contraceptives come in several forms:

• Oral contraceptives;
• Vaginal ring;
• Female condoms;
• The vaginal diaphragm;
• A cap for the uterus;
• intrauterine device.

Hormonal Contraceptive

Oral contraceptives are hormonal birth control pills that contain female hormones that suppress ovulation in order to prevent the onset of unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptive pills most effectively perform their functions and prevent fertilization in 90% of cases, however they do not save from STDs. These drugs are also prescribed for the prevention of diseases: endometriosis, infertility, menstrual cycle disorders.

The vaginal ring is a hormonal contraceptive. It is placed in the vaginal cavity. From the ring to the uterus and the ovaries, hormones enter that block the maturation of the egg.

Barrier contraceptive

Female condoms outwardly represent a tube with two ends, one of them is placed in the vagina, the other remains outside. The advantage of female condoms is that they can be installed in the vagina in advance. They can be there without harm to the health of a woman up to 10 hours.

The vaginal diaphragm is placed inside the vagina and blocks access to the spermatozoon to the cervix. Externally it looks like a cap, it is made of latex rubber and springs made of stainless steel.

Uterine cap looks like a vaginal diaphragm, but smaller in size. The most convenient to use due to the repetition of anatomical features of the female body, is made of antiallergenic high-tech silicone rubber. Suitable for repeated use.

An intrauterine device is a device that is placed in the uterine cavity and does not allow a fertilized egg to join its walls.

Further in the article, we will consider in more detail one of the methods of contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, cervical caps. Otherwise they are called uterine caps.

Contraceptive cap - barrier method of contraception

The purpose of this tool was to protect women from unwanted pregnancies and from STDs, while making this method of contraception the most convenient and easy to use.

The contraceptive cap was made taking into account all the anatomical features of the cervix. Also during the creation, the state of the cervix was taken into account on various days of the cycle, the age of the woman, the changes that occur during excitement.

Contraceptive cap is made of silicone rubber, which does not cause allergic reactions, and it can not be damaged. The product is made from a very soft and flexible material, which is very durable at the same time.

Advantages of the vaginal cap

The main advantage of the vaginal cap is that contraceptive activity persists for 48 hours. The cap can be worn beforehand, and not immediately before intercourse, while it can be in the body of a woman up to 2 days. However, finding a more appropriate time in the vagina is not recommended, since this can cause the development of a bacterial infection.

There are a number of other advantages:

• The cap is used in conjunction with any spermicide to achieve the best contraceptive effect;
• The cap can be used on any day of the cycle, including during menstruation;
• Is not a hormonal drug, so it is suitable for women breastfeeding;
• Suitable for repeated use.

Disadvantages of the vaginal cap

Despite a number of advantages, the cap also has its drawbacks:

• Insufficiently high contraceptive ability compared to other barrier agents;
• The difficulty of introducing into the vagina cavity, especially the first time;
• During the sexual act, the cap can move out of the cervix, which will reduce its effectiveness;
• Small availability in cities, you can buy at the pharmacy only under the order;
• It is not recommended for use in cervical erosion;
• It is not recommended to use in the presence of diseases of the genitourinary system.

To select a vaginal cap it is possible only together with the doctor-gynecologist. If the size is not suitable for a woman, the risk of a contraceptive shift during sexual intercourse increases, as well as the likelihood of injury. With prolonged wearing and poor hygiene, reproduction of pathogenic flora is possible, which leads to inflammation of the vagina (colpitis).

Women's contraception should be used only after a full-time consultation of a gynecologist and conducting tests that exclude diseases of the reproductive system. Despite the fact that the cap can be used several times, it is not recommended to use it for more than a year. In order to avoid the development of diseases, the thorough hygiene of the genitals, as well as the adaptation itself, is important. Contraceptive cap does not give a 100% guarantee. Therefore, it is important to use it with high-quality spermicide.

Any type of contraceptive can not completely eliminate the risk of infection with STDs, HIV or hepatitis, so it is important to take responsibility for choosing a partner and not to allow unprotected sexual intercourse with unfamiliar people.