Family Planning

Abstract

The contraception (the term is the fusion between “contra”, against, and conception): includes all methods that prevent conception. According to the physiology of human reproduction, the contraceptive methods can prevent the fecundation by hindering the female and male gametes meeting. In these mechanisms we include: The abstinence by sexual intercourse around the ovulatory phase of the cycle; The use of barriers that block contact between male gametes and female genitalia; The use of methods impeding the ascent of spermatozoa through the female genital tracts (intrauterine devices). The prevention of the oocyte from being available (hormonal contraceptives or oral contraceptives, OC). In this category there is the availability of short acting reversible contraception (SARC) (pill, vaginal ring, patch), and the long acting reversible contraception (LARC) (progestin implants). The ideal contraceptive method has to respond to four fundamental principles: efficacy, safety, reversibility, tolerability. The authors will discuss all the above contraceptive methods with the evaluation of indications and contraindications to each method.