Contraception: other methods

What is it about ?

The hormonal methods and the IUDs are presented in two other guides. This patient guide presents other contraceptive methods:

• Barrier methods
• Natural methods
• Sterilization

Barrier methods

Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg by placing an obstacle between them. These are condoms, the contraceptive sponge and the diaphragm associated with a spermicidal gel.

• The condom is the only method of contraception that protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is why, even if you already have a contraceptive method, it is also advisable to use a condom if you want to protect yourself from an STI. Latex-free condoms are also available if you are concerned about an allergy. Oil-based lubricants and vaginal medications can quickly damage the condom.
• The contraceptive sponge is made of foam and is impregnated with a gel that kills sperm (spermicidal gel).
• The diaphragm or pessary is a latex cup that is placed on the cervix. A caregiver helps you find the correct diaphragm size. The diaphragm should always be used with a spermicidal gel.

The effectiveness of barrier methods is reduced if they are not applied correctly. There is also an increased risk ofurinary tract infections.

Spermicide alone is not a safe method of birth control.

Barrier methods are particularly suitable for less frequent or occasional sexual contact.

Natural methods

Natural methods rely on sexual abstinence during the fertile period of the cycle. These methods require regular and precise attention to the functioning of the female body. If these methods are not rigorously applied, they are not very reliable. You may therefore be able to use them if absolutely reliable contraception is not necessary, for example if you want to wait a little longer between two pregnancies, but a pregnancy which would arrive fairly quickly (by method failure) does not occur. is not a problem.

The egg can be fertilized within 20 hours of ovulation. Semen often retains its ability to fertilize for 3 to 7 days after ejaculation. The fertile period lasts about 10 days. For the rhythm method, the first eight days and (probably) the last ten days of a regular 28-day cycle are “safe”.

There are a number of tools available to help you better determine when you ovulate. However, they are not very precise.

• In the temperature method, the woman takes her temperature every day. An increase in temperature can be observed at the time of ovulation.
• The Billings method involves looking at mucus in the cervix. They become more abundant when the fertile period begins.
• There is also a device called Persona, which measures hormones in the urine. Red indicates ovulation, yellow indicates approaching ovulation, and green indicates safe time.

In case of’feeding with milk on demand (Breastfeeding and Amenorrhea Method (LAM method), i.e. without pumping or bottle supplementation and you are not adjusted, you do not need tono contraception during the first 6 months. If your period returns during this time, your risk of pregnancy is increased and you need to take birth control.

Contraceptive sterilization

Sterilization is an effective and permanent form of contraception that can be considered when you no longer wish to have children.

• In women, sterilization involves closing the fallopian tubes (a conduit that goes from the ovaries to the uterus) so that the eggs cannot enter the uterus. The surgical intervention, which is carried out by endoscopy, results in incapacity for work lasting 3 to 5 days.
• In men, the vas deferens (which runs from the testes to the seminal vesicles) is closed so that sperm are no longer found in the semen. The operation takes place under local anesthesia. Since sperm remain in the vas deferens, another form of contraception is still needed for three months after the operation or until after at least 10 ejaculations. The semen check, which takes place three months after the operation, must show the absence of living sperm.

Sterilization is in principle reversible, but it is not always possible to regain fertility. Before having the operation, you must therefore be sure that you do not want any more children.

Want to know more?

• Our bodies – Mon Contraceptif – O’Yes
• The rules, C kwa that?, Here, Where to find on this page of the Christian Mutuality
• Puberty, KeskeC ?, here, Where to find on this page of the Christian Mutuality

• Contraceptions: what are we talking about? how much does it cost ? what is the female menstrual cycle? – LoveAttitude
• My Contraceptive – O’Yes

Are you looking for more specialized help?

• Approved family planning centers in Wallonia and Brussels – LoveAttitude

Source

Foreign clinical practice guide ‘Other methods of contraception’ (2000), updated on 08/21/2017 and adapted to the Belgian context on 10/25/2019 – ebpracticenet