Fancy sex, but please without the pill? What came onto the market in 1960 as the official contraceptive and was celebrated at the time as a woman's sexual self-determination has a nasty aftertaste for many women today.
Summary
The pill can have some side effects.
Although it is still considered the safest form of contraception, many today decide against the pill.
We don't tell you anything here - whether you take the pill or not is entirely up to you!
Table of contents
Contents
1. Contraceptive with the pill
Yes, the birth control pill is one of the safest contraceptive methods of all.
Yes, the pill is easy to use.
Yes, we women have the ultimate power over our bodies with this form of contraception.
Or maybe not?
One thing is clear: If you take the pill at the same time every day and also observe a few other important rules, this contraceptive is almost a Holy Grail. However, it hasn't been shining for a long time.
Quite the opposite! The façade of the oh-so-great-pill is beginning to crumble. Pff, what do we say - huge spikes break out of the crown. No wonder that the pill for men is strangely long in coming. But of course, why pump yourself full of hormones when the female sex has been doing it "voluntarily" for years? *face palm*
2. Contraceptive without a pill
For many, taking it is no longer an option. Because since the birth control pill came into being, the libido often just doesn't want to come by. YAY! Absolute jackpot - not.
If you then stop taking the pill, you panic a little and have 3000 question marks in your head. What do I use now for contraception? Logo, we all know the condom and the hormone spiral, but if they don't make you feel good either, what to do? Otherwise you could have left it with the pill somehow the same.
Of course, there is always the opportunity to chat with the gynecologist about alternative contraceptive methods, she is used to being overwhelmed after stopping the pill and you don't have to be uncomfortable in front of her.
3. Are there alternatives?
Of course, individual experiences vary with the pill. But for whatever reason you don't feel like using this type of contraception (anymore), we're serving you alternatives here on a silver platter.
Did you know that we women can choose between more than 10 different contraceptive methods? Can someone please explain to me why we almost always take the pill?
4. Contraceptive methods 2.0 in the quick check
The Copper Spiral
It doesn't matter whether it's a copper spiral, a copper chain or a copper bead ball, they all belong to the so-called intrauterine devices and do not require any hormones. So far so good.
What? Visually, the copper spiral is reminiscent of a T-shape, the trunk of which is wrapped in copper wire. The copper chain, on the other hand, consists of a nylon thread on which small copper tubes are threaded. I've never heard of the copper bead ball, here the tubes are said to be attached to a three-dimensional thread structure. Um, okay!
How? They all have one thing in common: the copper changes the biochemistry in the uterus and thereby inhibits the mobility of the sperm cells. If a sperm is particularly quick and fertilizes an egg cell, the copper ions prevent the egg cell from attaching itself to you.
Where? All intrauterine devices are only used by your gynecologist and yes, it can be really painful due to the narrowness underneath. Therefore, it is mostly recommended to women who have already given birth to a child. Although the copper coil can remain in the uterus for three to five years, regular follow-up checks are recommended.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm also works without hormones, but it is a little complicated to use. If it is incorrectly fitted, it logically cannot reliably protect against unwanted pregnancy. If you are not planning any babies, you should always go to your gynecologist first.
What? Visually, the diaphragm is reminiscent of a round silicone cap.
How? The diaphragm is the bouncer of your mumu. Sperm don't come in here! This contraceptive thing covers the cervix and is held in place by the muscles of your vagina. There are also smaller cervical caps. These attach themselves directly to the cervix.
Where? Is the woman herself or how was that the same? The diaphragm is inserted before sex. Either right before or up to two hours earlier. So a quickie is not possible or the pleasure is miserably interrupted by the actual act of contraception. But that's not all - you also have to apply a contraceptive gel that immobilizes sperm. After sex, the diaphragm should remain in the vagina for at least eight hours. Yippee!
The hormone spiral
Ever heard? The name already suggests it: The hormone spiral has something to do with hormones. So if you no longer want to take the pill because of the necessary hormone supply, the hormone spiral is really not for you.
What? You have the choice between different models, which differ in size, amount of hormones and duration of use.
How? The hormone spiral sits in the uterus and continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin. So it works like a mini pill. Women who use the spiral often have hardly any menstrual pain and significantly less bleeding. As with the pill, spotting can occur, especially at the beginning.
Where? Remember: Please always have spirals inserted into the uterus by a doctor. Otherwise there will be a mess and it can be dangerous ...
The vaginal ring
Hormones ole! The vaginal ring also works with hormones and can be compared in principle to the pill.
What? The vaginal ring is five centimeters in size and is inserted into the vagina like a tampon, where it continuously releases hormones.
How? As already mentioned - the vaginal ring is a kind of counterpart to the pill. Once inserted, it is removed again after 21 days. The subsequent seven-day break with a withdrawal bleeding sounds very familiar to us here too?!
Where? Can be used and removed wonderfully on its own. Going to the gynecologist is only necessary if you have symptoms. If the ring slips during sex, wash it off with lukewarm water and put it back on immediately.
The female condom
Of course, the male pill is a long time coming, but of course the female condom already exists. Notice what?
What? The female condom is made of nitrile or polyurethane and looks like the classic condom, just a lot wider. At the end sits a ring that is supposed to ensure a firm hold in the vagina.
How? Nothing is over-stretched here, but inserted – the female condom is slipped over the labia and gallantly guided into the vagina. For optimal lovemaking, you should also apply lubricant to the female condom and to the penis.
Where? Applicable at any time. Even hours before sex. But like the classic condom, the model for women is also unique - fortunately!
5. Contraception without condoms
If you are looking for contraception without hormones, you do not necessarily have many options. In addition to natural family planning, which is ideal for women who want to have children in particular, condoms and diaphragms are a light at the end of the tunnel - but somehow they are not really the yellow of the egg. The copper spiral is more contemporary.
