On average over the last five years, the contraceptive pill had the greatest search interest in Brazil, when compared to four other popular and reversible contraceptive methods: intrauterine device (IUD), condom, injection and implant, according to data from Google Trends.
The devices used to reduce the chances of an unwanted pregnancy are divided between barrier, hormonal, intrauterine, surgical and behavioral methods.
According to data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), among women aged 15 to 49 who were still menstruating and who were sexually active in the last 12 months, 40.6% used the contraceptive pill.
Another 22.9% used some sterilization method (17.3% tubal ligation and 5.6% vasectomy), 20.4% the male condom, 9.8% the injection, 4.4% the IUD, 0. 6% some other modern method (female condom, ring, patch, etc.) and 1.2% some traditional method (table, coitus interruptus, etc.).
To choose a contraceptive method, the ideal is to consult a doctor to talk about the clinical history, check the patient’s health conditions and discuss the different strategies.
The experts consulted by CNN explained the main advantages and disadvantages of the methods. Check out:
Birth control pills are hormonal contraceptive methods that can combine estrogen and progesterone, in the case of combined pills, or just progesterone, in the so-called mini pills.
Benefits: Relatively low cost, high and rapid effectiveness, control over the menstrual cycle, can be discontinued immediately, reduction of menstrual cramps and acne.
Disadvantages: Requires taking daily, need for a medical prescription, potential side effects (such as nausea), does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Intrauterine device (IUD)
The intrauterine device, better known as an IUD, is a small T-shaped object inserted into the uterus. Devices can be with or without hormones, with different indications and benefits.
Benefits: Long-acting contraception (varies from 3 to 12 years, depending on the type), highly effective, does not require daily reminder.
Disadvantages: Higher initial cost, need for insertion and removal by a medical professional, possible change in menstrual flow.
Condoms are barrier methods and can be of two types: male (covering the penis) and female (inserted into the vagina). It is worth remembering that you should never use two condoms together.
Benefits: Protects against STIs, available without a prescription, easy to use and affordable.
Disadvantages: Less effective compared to other methods, need to be used every time you have sex.
The hormone injection is given every one to three months, depending on the type of contraceptive.
Benefits: Long-lasting effectiveness (1 and 3 months), does not require daily reminders, easy application, relatively low cost.
Disadvantages: Need for a medical team for administration, possible side effects (such as weight gain) in the case of the quarterly injection, does not protect against STIs.
The contraceptive implant is a hormonal method that consists of inserting a small stick 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter under the skin of the arm. It stores hormones that are released into the bloodstream and act to prevent conception.
Benefits: Highly effective, long-lasting contraception (3 years or more), does not require daily effort.
Disadvantages: Higher cost initially, need for a medical procedure for insertion and removal, potential side effects (such as leaks).
In addition to the methods mentioned, there are other ways to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. The most popular method after condoms, according to the PNS, is sterilization, through tubal ligation or vasectomy. There are also other reversible options, such as diaphragms, vaginal rings, and patches.
It is worth noting that behavioral methods, such as coitus interruptus and “table” are also an option for some people, although the failure rate tends to be higher.
Sources: Karen Rocha De Pauwgynecologist, obstetrician and human reproduction specialist; Larissa Cassianogynecologist and obstetrician and Marise Samamagynecologist, president of the Women’s Science and Human Reproduction Association of Brazil and researcher at the Department of Gynecology at the Federal University of São Paulo.
On average over the last five years, the contraceptive pill had the greatest search interest in Brazil, when compared to four other popular and reversible contraceptive methods: intrauterine device (IUD), condom, injection and implant, according to data from Google Trends.
The devices used to reduce the chances of an unwanted pregnancy are divided between barrier, hormonal, intrauterine, surgical and behavioral methods.
According to data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), among women aged 15 to 49 who were still menstruating and who were sexually active in the last 12 months, 40.6% used the contraceptive pill.
Another 22.9% used some sterilization method (17.3% tubal ligation and 5.6% vasectomy), 20.4% the male condom, 9.8% the injection, 4.4% the IUD, 0. 6% some other modern method (female condom, ring, patch, etc.) and 1.2% some traditional method (table, coitus interruptus, etc.).
To choose a contraceptive method, the ideal is to consult a doctor to talk about the clinical history, check the patient’s health conditions and discuss the different strategies.
The experts consulted by CNN explained the main advantages and disadvantages of the methods. Check out:
Birth control pills are hormonal contraceptive methods that can combine estrogen and progesterone, in the case of combined pills, or just progesterone, in the so-called mini pills.
Benefits: Relatively low cost, high and rapid effectiveness, control over the menstrual cycle, can be discontinued immediately, reduction of menstrual cramps and acne.
Disadvantages: Requires taking daily, need for a medical prescription, potential side effects (such as nausea), does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Intrauterine device (IUD)
The intrauterine device, better known as an IUD, is a small T-shaped object inserted into the uterus. Devices can be with or without hormones, with different indications and benefits.
Benefits: Long-acting contraception (varies from 3 to 12 years, depending on the type), highly effective, does not require daily reminder.
Disadvantages: Higher initial cost, need for insertion and removal by a medical professional, possible change in menstrual flow.
Condoms are barrier methods and can be of two types: male (covering the penis) and female (inserted into the vagina). It is worth remembering that you should never use two condoms together.
Benefits: Protects against STIs, available without a prescription, easy to use and affordable.
Disadvantages: Less effective compared to other methods, need to be used every time you have sex.
The hormone injection is given every one to three months, depending on the type of contraceptive.
Benefits: Long-lasting effectiveness (1 and 3 months), does not require daily reminders, easy application, relatively low cost.
Disadvantages: Need for a medical team for administration, possible side effects (such as weight gain) in the case of the quarterly injection, does not protect against STIs.
The contraceptive implant is a hormonal method that consists of inserting a small stick 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter under the skin of the arm. It stores hormones that are released into the bloodstream and act to prevent conception.
Benefits: Highly effective, long-lasting contraception (3 years or more), does not require daily effort.
Disadvantages: Higher cost initially, need for a medical procedure for insertion and removal, potential side effects (such as leaks).
In addition to the methods mentioned, there are other ways to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. The most popular method after condoms, according to the PNS, is sterilization, through tubal ligation or vasectomy. There are also other reversible options, such as diaphragms, vaginal rings, and patches.
It is worth noting that behavioral methods, such as coitus interruptus and “table” are also an option for some people, although the failure rate tends to be higher.
Sources: Karen Rocha De Pauwgynecologist, obstetrician and human reproduction specialist; Larissa Cassianogynecologist and obstetrician and Marise Samamagynecologist, president of the Women’s Science and Human Reproduction Association of Brazil and researcher at the Department of Gynecology at the Federal University of São Paulo.
