The offer of contraceptives is evolving. The pill is a little less acclaimed, while the use of copper IUDs and natural methods are progressing. Overview (and drawbacks) of hormone -free contraceptions.
What are the means of contraception without hormones available in France?
► Male or female condom are the only methods of contraception that protect against HIV-AIDS and IST
► The use of Spermicides in egg creamssponges or vaginal tablets
► The implementation of a Copper intrauterine device (Formerly called “IUD”) is the most recommended hormone contraception. Its effectiveness is, in theory, 99.4 % and in real life of 99.2 %, which is significantly higher than the pill.
► cervical cape and diaphragm Can be used in additional spermicidal to increase their protection efficiency.
► “Women can also use a final contraception Like the ligature of the tubes, the Essure method or the vasectomy for men, Described Dr. Ghada Hatem-Gentzer, hospital practitioner at the Saint-Denis hospital and chief doctor of the house of women.
► There are also “natural” contraceptive methods without hormones which aim to know its period of ovulation as The temperature curve or the Billings method With the analysis of his cervical mucus to avoid reports during this time to not get pregnant. Withdrawal before ejaculation Can be part of it (even if it is not a contraceptive method proper). But They are not very reliable Because ovulation never occurs fixed in the menstrual cycle of women. A regular cycle corresponds to the fact of always having the same number of days between two periods of rules. Which rarely happens or almost never in women.
For what women are these methods indicated?
“These non-hormonal methods can generally be proposed women for whom hormonal contraception seems prohibited (damage to breast cancer for example) and especially women with unforeseen relations and not using long -term contraception. These contraceptives can also be used when fertility is not at best its form, in immediate postpartum, in pre-menopause, and at a certain distance from ovulation “, specifies our expert.
What are the advantages of hormone -free contraception?
“The main interest of non -hormonal contraception is obviously the absence of taking sex hormones that have a Slight impact on certain cancers (breast) But which protect against others (ovaries, colon) “ explains the gynecologist. Hormone -free contraception can also reduce side effects Other methods supported by certain women (weight gain, drop in libido …).
What are the drawbacks and risks of contraception without hormone?
“With the exception of the intrauterine system which offers optimal protection, the contraceptives without hormones have A little lower efficiency than hormonal contraceptives. They also have inconvenience by default, in fact, the rules are less painful and abundant under pill. “ Finally, another negative aspect is their intrusive character during a moment of sensuality Who can disturb some people or encourage them to drop their contraceptive so as not to spoil the moment, taking the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.
Thank you to Dr. Ghada Hatem-Gentzer, hospital practitioner at the Saint-Denis hospital and chief doctor of the house of women.
