Sergio Haimovich, researcher at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona as well as author of the study that was printed in the European Journal Of Contraception And Reproduction Health Care, elucidated that the long-acting birth control means like the IUD, contraceptive injection or contraceptive implant are yet to be extensively used.

In European women subsequent to the male condom, the pill is the vastly accepted contraceptive means, whilst the intrauterine contraception (copper IUD or hormone-releasing IUS) is widely chosen as a long-lasting answer. From the more than eleven thousand women that were studied in fourteen European countries, long-term means were employed by 1,088 women – that was about ten percent of the sample.

The Spanish research, a branch of a broad-ranging study on the wide-ranging contraceptive outline of European women, assesses the usage of long-functioning reversible birth control means. Haimovich stated that those using them were thirty plus women who did not wish to bear more offspring and were exploring long-standing solutions. According to experts, girls in the younger age bracket employed diverse contraceptive methods.

Haimovich explicated that the reasons why particular birth control methods were chosen and how, were still unidentified. However, why was there a technical curiosity in the user report? He answered by saying that these queries could aid in formulating birth control recommendations that would be better modified to suit user needs.

Condom – A clear winner in Spain

The data takes into consideration the particular requirements of each country. Spain is one among the European countries where the condom is widely used by all age groups. But, a study revealed that hormonal methods like the pill or the ring are widely been employed.

The outcome of this study that garnered the award for the best work at the National Congress of Gynaecology during 25th September the current year, aids in elucidating what user’s wants are and enabling more apposite birth control means to be produced. Haimovich asserted that the scientist’s approach must perennially be to acclimatize their dissertation to that of the user’s needs and work in a way that makes them sentient to the user’s requirements.

An IUD is a miniature plastic device resembling the letter ‘T’, swathed in copper or could contain hormones. The insertion of the IUD is a procedure carried out by a doctor who inserts it into the uterus. The IUD has a plastic string that is attached to the IUD end that dangles down through the cervix into the vagina. The IUD could be checked for its correct placement by feeling for the presence of the string. This string is additionally employed by the doctor during the removal procedure of the IUD.

IUD Types

• LNg or Levonorgestrel IUD – This type of IUD is additionally known by the name ‘Mirena’ that works by releasing levonorgestrel – a type of progestin. The effectiveness of LNg IUD has been noted to being slightly more than copper IUD in the prevention of pregnancy. It might lower the chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease or PID which is an added benefit not noted in other IUD’s. The LNg IUD has been found to be effectual for a span of five years.
• Copper IUD – The widely used IUD is the copper IUD (for e.g. Paragard). The T-shaped IUD has a copper wire wrapped around its stem portion. The copper IUD is known to stay in situ for a period of at least ten years and is quite an effective contraception means.

Working Principle

Both the kinds of IUD’s are known to hinder fertilization of the egg by having a marring effect on the sperm. The IUD additionally has an effect on the lining of the uterus which is the lodging and growing location for the fertilized egg.

• LNg IUD – The LNg IUD operates by thickening the mucus in the cervix that acts like a barrier for the sperms attempting to make an entry into the uterus, thus impeding fertilization. LNg IUD also avoids the endometrial lining of the uterus from becoming quite thick that in turn makes the endometrial lining an unfavourable place for implantation and growth of the fertilized egg. The hormones present in the LNg IUD also cause a reduction in monthly periods flow and associated discomfort due to cramps.
• Copper IUD – Copper has a lethal effect on the sperm. It causes the uterus and fallopian tubes to produce fluid rich in WBC or white blood cells, copper ions, enzymes and prostaglandins that have a fatal impact on the sperm.

The female condom is intended to be introduced within the vagina prior to sex. The casing holds a stretchy ring on both ends. One of the rings is to be placed within the vagina and aids in keeping the condom in the appropriate position and placing. The outer ring remains on the exterior part of the body which would aid in stopping the condom from being thrust within the vagina. A lubricant is normally supplied in the packaging along with the condom, though additional amounts might be required.

There are many pros and cons to the use of the female condom. The plus points to its use comprise of:

• It is the amongst the few female contraception means that offer a certain degree of protection from STD’s.
• Due to its manner of use, a section of the exterior genitals get a kind of covering that makes it more effectual in warding off STD’s as compared to the male condoms.
• The female condom could be introduced prior to the act commencing, thus there is no disruption or waiting time for erection to be able to use as in male condoms.
• It has no evident side effects and does not require doctor’s consultation, prescription or any fitting required, which is not the case for several other means of female contraception.
• There is no notable lowering of sensation in the use of female condom as compared to the case of male condoms wherein many men report decreased sensation. Hence, it is favourable for both sexes.
• Following the act, immediate withdrawal by the man is not necessary as in the case of male condoms.

The shortcomings of the female condom comprise of:

• It might seem to have an unappealing or unusual appearance by those that use them.
• Comparatively costly than the male condoms. The average female condom has a price of two dollars.
• It might appear to be noisy, could slide out, shift or tear at the time of usage.
• The one-size- to-fit-all female condoms that are available might not favour many women.
• The external ring might cause irritation in the clitoral and labial region.
• Data regarding its effectuality and safety is still inadequate.

The single use female condom must never be used again. Following use one needs to cautiously remove it from the vagina to avoid any semen spillage within the vagina. The female condom must not be used during the same instance as a male condom. It usage for anal purposes is still being investigated by scientists.

Women that have opted for this means of contraception have been noted to follow it much similar as the usage of male condoms. The key motive for its stoppage is been due to its odd appearance.