Contraceptive methods: which are the safest?
The surest way not to get pregnant is to not have intimate relationships. But let's be honest: the safest way in this case isn't necessarily the best! A good contraceptive assures us the right erotic dose without having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.
Before starting to list the effectiveness of individual contraceptive methods, it is good to eliminate the false myths about conception. Watch this short video, eradicate these unfounded prejudices and allow yourself to calm down!
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The safest contraceptives: expert opinion
The most popular contraceptive among women is the pill, because it offers reliable protection and is easy to use. In recent years, several other hormone-based contraceptives have come onto the market, such as stick or patch, which are also very safe.
The Pearl Index is a measurement scale for assessing the safety of a contraceptive. The lower the Pearl Index, the safer the contraceptive, provided it is used correctly.
An overview of all contraceptives
What contraceptives are there and how safe are they? Do you know the Knaus-Ogino method, for example? If not, don't worry, as this method of contraception is not recommended, as you can read below.
Better the condom or the pill, where the condom has the convincing advantage of being a contraceptive with double protection.Used correctly, it prevents pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases at the same time.
1. Condom
The condom: how safe it is depends a lot on the correct application! It protects not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from sexually transmitted diseases. By the way: condoms are also available in different sizes.
Conclusion: safe when used correctly (Pearl index: 2 - 12)
2. Birth control pill
When taken regularly, the contraceptive pill is very safe. Suppresses ovulation with the help of hormones.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.1 - 0.9)
3. Minipill
The mini-pill: The low-dose progestin affects the mucus of the cervix so that sperm do not enter the uterus.
Conclusion: safe (Pearl index: 0.5 - 3)
4. Contraceptive injection
For women who forget the pill often, depot injection injected every three months (quarterly injection) may be an alternative.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.3 - 0.88)
5. Contraceptive ring
Contraceptive Ring: The flexible vaginal ring releases hormones and can be changed once a month.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.4 to 0.65).
6. Subcutaneous implant
The subcutaneous contraceptive implant is a hormonal method of contraception that offers up to three years of protection from pregnancy.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0 - 0.08)
7. Birth control patch
The hormone-containing birth control patch works for a week, after which it is changed. As it is very thin, it can also be worn under tight clothing.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.72 - 0.9).
8. Spiral
The spiral usually consists of a small T-shaped plastic body, partially wrapped in copper, and is valid for 3 to 5 years.
Conclusion: safe (Pearl index: 0.3 - 0.8, depending on the copper content and the correct size).
9. Contraceptive sphere made of copper
Similar to the spiral, the copper sphere is positioned in the uterus. There it continuously releases copper ions, which slow down the man's sperm in their mobility and shorten their survival time.
Conclusion: safe (Pearl index similar to that of the pill)
10. Copper chain
The copper chain is a new generation intrauterine device, it is therefore a variant of the copper IUD. The copper chain is more flexible due to its shape and consequently it is supposed to have fewer side effects.
Conclusion: safe (the Pearl Index is between 0.1 and 0.5)
11. The hormonal spiral (IUD)
The effect of the IUD is based on hormones, more precisely on the progestin levonorgestrel.
The "Pearl index depends on the hormone content of the IUD used. C" is a smaller IUD that is used for 3 years, with a Pearl index of 0.33. And there is a slightly larger IUD that is used for up to five years, which releases more levonorgestrel and therefore has a Pearl Index of 0.16.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.16 - 0.33, depending on the hormone content)
12. Basal temperature method
Temperature Method: The time of ovulation is determined by measuring cyclic fluctuations in basal body temperature. Good complement to the Knaus-Ogino method or the Billings method, but requires precision and discipline.
Conclusion: only recommended in combination (Pearl index: 0.8 - 3).
13. Billings method
With the Billings method, the woman examines the cervical mucus daily to determine ovulation. Suitable to complement other methods of natural contraception (for example the basal temperature method).
Conclusion: recommended only in combination (Pearl index: 5).
14. Contraception monitor
Contraceptive monitors are not an anti-concomitant method, but they can determine fertile days, for example by taking the temperature or determining the hormones in the urine.
Conclusion: Security depends on the methods supported by the monitor (Pearl Index: 2 - 5).
15. Female condoms
Female condoms offer protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, they are very insecure.
Conclusion: safe when used correctly (Pearl index: 5 - 25).
16. Diaphragm
Diaphragm: Once your doctor has determined the appropriate size of the latex or silicone diaphragm, you can get it at the pharmacy.
Conclusion: safe when used correctly (Pearl index: 1 - 20), spermicides increase safety!
17. The Knaus-Ogino method
Knaus-Ogino Method: To determine ovulation, the woman notes the days of her period in a menstrual calendar. The possible fluctuations of the cycle make this method very uncertain.
Conclusion: not recommended (Pearl index: 9)
18. Vaginal douches
Forget about douching - nearly one third in 100 women get pregnant within a year using this method! Consequently, it is very little recommended.
Conclusion: not recommended (Pearl Index: 31)
19. Spermicides
Spermicides kill spermatozoa, prevent their penetration or hinder their mobility. However, as a stand-alone method they are very insecure.
Conclusion: only recommended in combination (Pearl index: 3 - 21).
20. Female sterilization
Women who have completed family planning may consider sterilization.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.2 - 0.3)
21. Male sterilization
Man can also think about sterilization if his family planning has already been completed.
Conclusion: very safe (Pearl index: 0.1 - 0.3)
You should know this too:
Unfortunately, there are still some misconceptions about contraception and getting pregnant that persist. So, back here to be sure, make this information clear.
1. Breastfeeding does NOT protect against pregnancy
Many women do not ovulate while breastfeeding and therefore do not become pregnant. However, it is difficult to say when the first ovulation will occur after giving birth and this method is therefore not recommended.
Conclusion: not recommended (Pearl index: not known).
2. The "morning after pill" is NOT a contraceptive
The morning after pill is for emergencies only, it is not a contraceptive to be taken regularly. It is used, for example, if the condom has broken or if another contraceptive accident has occurred. The hormone preparation is now available in pharmacies, however, it is advisable to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion: only for emergencies (the Pearl index varies according to the type of pill).
