Women’s birth control methods are generally hormone-based and sometimes cause many side effects. In cases especially where these effects negatively affect a woman’s psychology and sexual life, it becomes necessary for the man to be protected. In such a situation, it is important to carefully evaluate the following factors to determine the most suitable method for you:

• Ingredients and side effects of the product being used
• Method of application
• Rate of protection

When choosing the most suitable method for you, you should also consider the opinions of your partner and consult your doctor.

Should Birth Control be Applied to Women or Men?

First of all, we must emphasise that there is no definitive answer to this question. Because the implementation of birth control depends on the relationship with your partner and your expectations. Although condoms are the most preferred method by men, many men express that they do not want to use condoms because they reduce the sensation.

Considering that most of the applications for women are hormone-based, the protection of men can be a preference. Because hormonal content is rarely found in birth control methods applied to men. In this context, who the birth control method will be applied to varies from person to person or your relationship. So what are the birth control methods for men? Let’s examine together.

Birth Control Methods for Men

Condom

It is one of the most preferred methods by men. It protects by preventing sperm from reaching the uterus through the reservoir at the end. It is generally made of latex or rubber. It is worn on the erect penis. The important thing here is to properly place the condom. It is important to roll it to the end of the erect penis. Otherwise, improperly used condoms do not provide protection.

Condoms are disposable and also play an important role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. It is recommended to be preferred by men who have an active sexual life. Condoms come in various types such as ribbed, ultra-thin, delayed effect, and classic. You can easily obtain them from pharmacies and supermarkets.

If you are wondering how to choose the right condom among these types for yourself, first of all, you should choose your condom according to the size of your penis. After making this selection, you should choose a type according to your relationship with your partner and your expectations of sexuality.

If you experience premature ejaculation, it is advisable not to choose thin or ultra-thin variants. If you have no problem with premature ejaculation and have chosen a thin condom, you should know that this product is at risk of tearing quickly. If you are experiencing premature ejaculation, the most ideal condom for you is the one with a delayed effect.

If your partner’s pleasure is crucial to you, in this case, you can choose a ribbed product.

If you are only concerned with protection, you can choose a classic condom aside from all of these.

Withdrawal Method (Pull Out)

It is a method of protection that occurs when the man withdraws his penis from the woman’s vagina and ejaculates outside during sexual intercourse. The withdrawal method, which is one of the traditional protection methods, is quite risky. Because there is a possibility of having some amount of semen in the prostate secretion. This possibility can cause your partner to get pregnant. To avoid such an unwanted pregnancy, it is best to use modern protection methods.

Vasectomy 

Sperm is produced in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. There is a seed canal between the testicles for the sperm to reach the penis. Vasectomy is applied by simply tying this seed canal with a simple surgical procedure. This method provides the highest level of protection among birth control methods for men. It is even said to have a protection rate close to 100%.

However, we cannot say that any protection method provides full protection. After vasectomy, it is advisable to apply an additional protection method for the first 20-25 sexual intercourses. Because immediate protection may not be provided right after this procedure.

If you are considering vasectomy, you should know that the return of this method is difficult. Because it is challenging for the tied seed canal to regain its function. If you do not want to have children for your entire life, this method may be suitable for you. You should apply such a serious method with a joint decision with your partner.

Vasectomy is a procedure that leads to the loss of sperm function. It does not cause any negative effects on the man’s erection or sexual desire. So there will be no change in your sexual life after this procedure.

The most suitable protection method for you should be one that does not affect your psychology and health. Please consult an expert when determining your method. Proper birth control is of great importance for a free and comfortable sexual life.

Birth Control Methods for Women

When we examine birth control methods, we see that there are more methods applied to the female reproductive system compared to those applied to males. We can list the birth control methods applied to women as follows:

• Calendar Method
• Intrauterine Device (IUD)
• Birth Control Pill
• Subdermal Implants
• Mesigyna (monthly) & Depo-Provera (3-monthly) Contraceptive Injections
• Tubal Ligation 
• Diaphragm
• Spermicide

Calendar Method

The system that ensures protection by calculating a woman’s ovulation periods is called the calendar method. To apply this method, you need to have a regular menstrual cycle. You can calculate your menstrual cycle by recording the day of your first period and the day of your next period.

A regular menstrual period typically recurs every 28 days. In such a cycle, the probability of getting pregnant is low between the 1st and 10th days when menstruation starts, as the ovulation rate is also low during this period.

Please be careful between the 11th and 18th days, as ovulation rates are high during this period.

Between the 19th and 28th days, ovulation rates decrease again, making this period suitable for sexual intercourse.

If you find all these date calculations and note-taking challenging, don’t worry. With the advancement of technology, applications installed on computers, tablets, or phones can track your menstrual cycle for you. The important thing to know here is that this method does not provide high protection.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

One of the most preferred birth control methods among women is the intrauterine device (IUD), commonly known as the coil. These devices, known as coils, are inserted into the woman’s uterus.

Structurally, they resemble the letter ‘T’. By neutralising the sperm that enters the female uterus, they prevent fertilisation. It is preferred to insert an IUD during menstruation because the likelihood of pregnancy is high and the cervix is more open during this period.

Intrauterine devices come in three types: copper, hormonal, and beaded. You can evaluate each of these devices in detail, considering their positive and negative aspects for you.

Copper IUDs

We previously mentioned that intrauterine devices resemble the letter ‘T’. Copper devices are named after the copper wire wound around the long rod in the middle.

It is a type of product that you can use if you have low menstrual density and short menstrual periods. Because these types of devices have properties that increase bleeding intensity, duration, and menstrual cramps.

They can be used for up to 5 years. You can continue to use copper IUDs safely by having your gynaecological examination once a year.

Hormonal IUDs

These types of intrauterine devices contain the progesterone hormone. After being placed in the uterus, they release a certain amount of progesterone hormone and prevent sperm from fertilising the egg.

Hormonal intrauterine devices are a method of control that reduces menstrual bleeding intensity. Therefore, they can be preferred by those already experiencing menstrual bleeding intensity.

IUB (Intrauterine Ball)

Ballerine intrauterine devices are more advantageous compared to copper and hormonal devices. After being placed in the uterus, they prevent sperm from fertilising the egg with the copper ions they contain.

Since they do not cause any changes in menstrual regularity and intensity, they can be a more comfortable option compared to the other two choices. It is suitable for use for 5 years.

You can safely choose the intrauterine device suitable for you and continue to use it under the advice of a gynaecologist by evaluating it according to your uterine characteristics, menstrual regularity and density.

Birth Control Pills

The second most commonly used birth control method among women is birth control pills. These pills, which contain estrogen and progesterone hormones, have a function that prevents a woman from ovulating. There are types of pills used for 21 days and 28 days. 

In the type used for 21 days, you should take a tablet every day at the same time for 21 days, starting on the first day of your period (preferably the first 3 days of your period). When the 21-day period is over, take a 7-day break and start a new pack after 7 days. 

In the 28-day type of pills, you should take a tablet every day at the same time, starting from the first day of your period. At the end of 28 days, without interrupting the use of the medication, you should continue protecting with a new pack.

Let’s say you forgot to take the pill and realised it later on. Then, you should take your medication immediately without delay and then continue to use it as usual. If you forget to take 2 or more pills within a week, it is advisable to use an additional method of protection.

Spermicide

Chemical-based spermicides that have the effect of killing sperm are also among the contraceptive methods applied to women. They come in different forms such as suppositories, foam, and tablets. They are applied by inserting into the vagina 15-20 minutes before sexual intercourse.

It is important to note that spermicides are not effective when used alone like other birth control methods.

To ensure the effect of spermicide, no washing application should be made to the vagina for up to 6 hours after intercourse. You should renew your spermicide before each sexual intercourse. If you have an allergic reaction to certain chemical substances, it may be risky to use these substances.

Implanon (Subdermal Implants)

Implants placed under the skin by a specialist doctor prevent the egg from attaching to the uterine lining by thinning the uterine lining.

Subdermal implants also contain hormones. If taking a birth control pill at the same time every day seems difficult for you, you can try this method. However, you must also consider that it may cause irregularities in your menstrual period as a side effect.

Mesigyna (monthly) – Depo Provera (3-monthly) Contraceptive Injections

In 3-monthly contraceptive injections, there is progesterone; in monthly injections, there are both progesterone and estrogen hormones. With these hormones, sperm cells cannot reach the uterus and thus, pregnancy does not occur.

Monthly injections are applied once a month, and 3-monthly injections are applied by injecting into the muscle once every 3 months. Like some other birth control methods, it can also cause menstrual irregularities.

Tubal Ligation (Tying Tubes)

This method has the highest level of protection. By losing the functions of the fallopian tubes, the places where the sperm fertilises the egg and located on the right and left of the uterus, protection is provided.

However, an important point to be considered in this birth control method is that the chance of having another child is almost non-existent.

Diaphragm

Made of latex and placed in the cervix, the diaphragm is an elastic material that prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. It is more effective when used with spermicide.

It should be inserted 3 hours before sexual intercourse and should not be left for more than 6 hours. Unlike condoms, they are not disposable. They can be used multiple times after washing. It is a method that breastfeeding mothers can use comfortably.

If you want to lead a safe sexual life, it is beneficial to discuss in detail the birth control methods for women. As a woman, if you want to maintain a peaceful relationship with your partner without constantly worrying about pregnancy, you should take your own precautions first.

You can ensure safe and high protection by determining the most suitable birth control method for you together with your gynaecologist.

However, sometimes there may be doubts about whether full protection is provided or not. For example, condom accidents may occur, or the birth control pill may be forgotten. In such special cases, an emergency method of protection is needed. At this point, the first solution that comes to mind is the morning-after pill. 

We have answered all the questions about the morning-after pill for you. 

What Is the Morning-After Pill? 

The morning-after pill is used by women and contains a high amount of the hormone progesterone. It is an emergency contraception method used immediately after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy in case of unprotected sexual intercourse. 

What Does the Morning After Pill Do? 

Many women may not have enough information about the morning-after pills used in emergencies. The working principle of morning-after pills preventing pregnancy can be explained as follows: 

• It delays the ovulation time and prevents the release of mature egg cells from the tubes. 
• It prevents fertilisation. (Since ovulation is delayed, the sperm cell cannot meet the egg cell.) 
• It prevents the thickening of the inner tissue of the uterus by disrupting its structure and prevents the egg from attaching to the uterus even if the egg is fertilised. 

What Is the Contraception Rate of Morning-After Pills? 

The morning-after pills are drugs that provide high success with correct use. It can provide 75% protection when taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. This rate is higher the earlier the pill is taken. Pills taken within the first 12 hours after intercourse provide up to 98% protection. For this reason, the golden rule in terms of reliability is to take the morning-after pill without losing time. 

How to Use the Morning-After Pill? 

The effect of these pills is related to the correct use as well as the immediate use. Since these drugs can be sold without a prescription, they can be easily obtained and taken. Therefore, it is necessary to know well how and when to take the morning-after pill. 

• Pills should be taken within the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse in cases where no birth control method is used or there is a contraceptive accident during intercourse. (The first 12 hours are much more important.) 
• It is taken orally in the form of 1 or 2 doses (single or double tablet) according to the brand of the drug. 
• It can be taken at any time of the day. 
• It does not have to be taken with a rule such as before, after or during a meal.
• If vomiting occurs within 3 hours after taking the drug, it should be taken again.

What Is the Effect of the Pill on the Current Pregnancy? 

Morning-after pills are not a solution for women who are not planning a pregnancy but suspect that they are pregnant. If you are pregnant or if you think you are pregnant, you cannot miscarry with the morning-after pill. This pill is intended to prevent pregnancy by acting on ovulation. An egg that has been fertilised and has started to develop by attaching to the uterus has no effect on it. In short, it cannot be used for terminating a pregnancy.

In Which Situations Can Morning-After Pill Be Used? 

When it is desired to prevent an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, the rapid effect of the morning-after pill can be used. 

The morning-after pill is used in the following cases: 

• If sexual intercourse takes place without protection,
• If the condom breaks during sexual intercourse, 
• If the routine use of the birth control pill is forgotten, 
• If the reliability of the birth control method is doubted, 
• If the spiral comes out,
• After rape cases.

However, the most important point to note at this stage is that this method should not be used constantly, and it should not turn into a habit. The morning-after pills can be used once a month and up to three times a year. Please note that more of them can cause serious side effects. 

Side Effects of the Morning After Pill 

Morning-after pills contain high levels of progesterone or oestrogen hormone. While their high hormone levels help prevent unplanned pregnancies, they can also cause some side effects in the body. In particular, the use of tablets containing the hormone oestrogen can lead to more intense side effects. 

Side effects of the morning-after pill can be listed as follows: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Stomachache
• Severe headache
• Tenderness in the breasts 
• Pain in the uterus 
• Severe menstrual bleeding 
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting 
• Menstrual delay 

More than one or long-term use of drugs per month may also cause more serious problems in the endocrine system and, accordingly, in other organs, such as long-term ovulation problems and menstrual irregularities, cardiovascular diseases or some types of cancer.

Morning-After Pill and Breastfeeding 

For women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding, the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy can be pretty worrying. It is often difficult for breastfeeding mothers to find a suitable contraceptive method for their new life. For this reason, it is often wondered whether breastfeeding women can use the morning-after pill. 

Women can use the morning-after pill while breastfeeding. However, after the use of the drug, breastfeeding should be interrupted for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 1 week. There is a possibility that the active ingredients of the drug can pass to the baby through breast milk. This period varies according to the active ingredient of the drug taken. 

Is the Morning-After Pill a Birth Control Method? 

Although the morning-after pill is referred to as an emergency contraceptive method, it is not actually a birth control method. Birth control methods are ways of protection that provide long-term use to the person at the times and intervals recommended by a doctor. However, the same is not true for these drugs. It is not the right behaviour to constantly use the morning-after pill to prevent pregnancy. 

Continuous use of morning-after pills may result in serious damage to the hormonal system of the body and adversely affect reproductive health in women. For this reason, women with an active sexual life should learn the appropriate contraception methods which suit them best. You should not be deceived by the ease of use and the morning-after pill should not be used unless it is necessary. 

If you have further questions, you may share your experiences as a comment.

Have a nice and healthy day!