You don’t like to plan everything, or maybe you’re afraid of getting pregnant? Then you will enjoy long-term contraception. Contrary to the contraceptive methods mentioned in the previous article, which must be used according to a certain schedule, with these methods you will be able to completely forget about protection for at least 3-10 years.
Contraceptive implant
It is a small, flexible plastic rod implanted under the skin. Such an implant releases the hormone progestin, which blocks ovulation and therefore pregnancy. Efficiency over 99%! An implant costs an average of 60 to 300 euros, but implantation can cost extra. The effect lasts up to 3 or 5 years and can be removed at any time. This implant does not contain estrogen, so it is a good choice for people who want to avoid this hormone. However, there are some downsides: Implantation requires local anesthesia, and some women may experience minor side effects: acne, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
Copper IUD
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. In addition to the variant made of copper, there are also hormonal IUDs. The copper IUD creates an unfavorable environment for sperm in the uterine cavity, thus preventing sperm from reaching the egg and, if the egg is fertilized, preventing it from starting to develop.
It does not affect the menstrual cycle, but sometimes menstruation can become stronger or more painful. Copper IUD is extremely effective – it protects against unwanted pregnancies in more than 99 percent of cases! Their price is not high compared to hormonal IUDs. It can last up to 10 years and can be removed at any time.
Hormonal IUD
It is also placed in a woman’s body in a gynecologist’s office. This device releases a small amount of progestin and thus inhibits ovulation, making pregnancy virtually impossible for 3-12 years. However, it is important to mention that with prolonged use of the hormonal IUD, menstruations may disappear for some time.
Inserting the IUD in a young woman carries a slightly higher risk of injury to the uterus, as well as a slightly higher risk of the IUD slipping out. It is also very important to make sure that a woman does not have any sexually transmitted infection before inserting the IUD. You must remember that even if there are no complaints, the infection can still be in the genitals and can have future consequences, such as infertility.
If you are interested in other methods of contraception, read our previous articles:
- Contraception: Which to Choose?
- Birth control to use during sexual intercourse
- Birth control options: Contraception that you have to use on schedule