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What is contraception?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Unfortunately, in Ukraine the main method of family planning is artificial abortion. The main method of abortion prevention is the use of various contraceptives.
Classification of contraceptive methods
| Women's | Reversible | Natural | Periodic abstinence Coitus interruptus Lactational amenorrhea method Symptothermal methods |
| Barrier | Mechanical Chemicals |
||
| Intrauterine | Inert Medicinal |
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| Hormonal | Combined hormonal contraceptives Progestogen-only contraceptives |
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| Irreversible | Sterilization | ||
| Men's | Reversible | Natural | Periodic abstinence Coitus interruptus |
| Barrier | mechanical | ||
| Irreversible | Sterilization | ||
The term "contraception" means protection against conception and comes from two Latin words: contra - against and conceplio - conception, perception.
Accordingly, the term "contraceptive" means "contraceptive means".
According to WHO requirements, a modern “ideal” contraceptive should maximally meet the following basic conditions:
- be highly effective;
- do not have a systemic effect on the body;
- have a reversible effect;
- be easy to use;
- be accessible to all social groups;
- be economically beneficial.
Contraceptive effectiveness
When assessing the effectiveness of a contraceptive method, a distinction is made between the theoretical and practical effectiveness of the method.
Theoretical effectiveness is determined by the properties of the contraceptive itself. The woman's skills and correct use of the method determine the practical effectiveness of the contraceptive.
The practical effectiveness of various contraceptives is determined by the Pearl Index. This indicator reflects the number of pregnancies that occur in 100 women using a given method for 12 months.
There are two groups of contraceptives, the effectiveness of which differs by 2-3 orders of magnitude. The most effective of them are: medicinal IUDs and all types of hormonal contraceptives. According to WHO experts, they are modern methods of contraception.
Contraception safety
The safety of contraceptive methods is determined by the possibility of side effects (both negative and positive) and complications characteristic of the method or its components.
Side effects should be understood as changes in the woman’s well-being or her body that do not lead to serious disruption of the functions of vital organs and systems.
Complications of the method are health disorders that arise during its use, leading to disruption of the normal functioning of the body.
Acceptability of contraception
Increasing the acceptability of the methods used remains a pressing issue. According to statistics, up to 25% of women refuse to use the chosen contraception during the first year. Two groups of factors can be identified that determine the acceptability of contraception methods.
Factors Determining Contraceptive Acceptability
Personal factors
- Age
- Presence of concomitant diseases
- Social status
- Sexual command
- Reproductive history
- Experience in the use of contraceptive methods
- The need for protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Method factors
- Side effects (positive and adverse)
- Complications
- Reversibility
- Availability
- Price
Today, more than 50 million women worldwide use intrauterine devices and more than 120 million hormonal drugs to prevent unwanted pregnancy.