There are countless ways to effectively protect yourself from pregnancy on the market, and hormonal contraception is one of the most popular methods. But how does it actually prevent pregnancy and how does it affect your menstrual cycle? Read on to find out how this method works and what you can expect.
How does hormonal contraception prevent conception?
Hormonal contraception usually comes in the form of pills, patches, injections, rings, or (hormonal) implants. This type of contraception uses synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. It can be the hormone progestin alone, a synthetic version of progesterone, or a combination of progestin and estrogen.
Hormonal contraception prevents conception mainly by:
- Suppresses the production of some sex hormones, thereby preventing ovulation in some women (other women may still ovulate)
- Thickens cervical mucus , making it harder for sperm to pass through it
- It changes the uterine lining, making it impossible for an egg to implant if fertilization occurs with sperm.
Will I have my period while taking HA?
Menstrual period refers to the shedding of the uterine lining, which occurs due to a drop in hormones when the released egg is not fertilized. Ovulation is therefore necessary in this process. Hormonal menstruation affects the menstrual cycle using synthetic hormones. When hormonal contraception prevents ovulation, natural menstruation does not occur either. Instead, during the expected week of the month, what is called withdrawal bleeding occurs, which is caused by a drop in hormone levels when you temporarily stop taking active pills (or patches and other methods).
Hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods
A form of contraception that prevents pregnancy through synthetic hormones , you can find it in various forms: oral pills, injections, patches, or a (hormonal) intrauterine device.
However, you can protect yourself effectively without hormones : condoms, spermicidal gels, non-hormonal intrauterine devices, pessaries or diaphragms, or natural pregnancy planning, which includes the symptothermal method , which is based on measuring basal body temperature, monitoring changes in cervical fluid, cycle length, and other accompanying symptoms.
Each method may have its benefits and disadvantages, but it is up to you which form of contraception suits you and which one you choose.
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