Modern contraceptive methods have paved the way for women to take charge of their reproductive health. With a wide variety of options available, women have the opportunity to choose the best method that suits their lifestyle and preferences.

Despite this, there are still women who are at risk of getting pregnant despite using contraceptive methods. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the factors that put women at risk and what can be done to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Types of Contraceptives

There are various types of contraceptives available in the market. These include:.

Hormonal contraceptives
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Barrier contraceptives
Sterilization methods
Natural family planning methods

Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives work by suppressing ovulation. These include oral contraceptive pills, patches, injections, and vaginal rings.

Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a failure rate of less than 1% if used correctly. However, missing a pill, applying a patch late, or forgetting to renew a ring can increase the failure rate to 9%. Additionally, certain medications, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

IUDs are small T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal.

Hormonal IUDs work by thickening cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg, and inhibiting ovulation. Non-hormonal IUDs work by creating an inflammatory response that is toxic to sperm. IUDs are one of the most effective methods of contraception, with a failure rate of less than 1% regardless of whether they are hormonal or non-hormonal.

However, IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Barrier Contraceptives

Barrier contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. They work by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.

While condoms are the most effective barrier method in preventing STIs, they have a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy compared to hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. The failure rate of condoms is 18% with typical use, which means that out of 100 women who use condoms as their primary method of contraception for a year, 18 will become pregnant.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception that involves surgical procedures such as tubal ligation or vasectomy. These procedures are highly effective, with a failure rate of less than 1%.

However, sterilization methods are irreversible, and the decision to undergo the procedure should be carefully considered.

Natural Family Planning Methods

Natural family planning methods involve tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle and avoiding intercourse during the fertile days of the month.

While these methods are free and do not have any side effects, they require a high degree of self-control and discipline. The failure rate of natural family planning methods is around 24%, with the risk of getting pregnant being highest during the fertile days of the menstrual cycle.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Unintended Pregnancy

Despite the various methods of contraception available, there are still women who get pregnant unintentionally. Some of the factors that increase the risk of unintended pregnancy include:.

Skipping contraceptive pills or not renewing rings or patches on time
Not using condoms consistently or correctly
Not using contraception during intercourse
Choosing a contraceptive method that is not suitable for one’s lifestyle
Having unprotected intercourse during the fertile days of the menstrual cycle

What to Do if Contraception Fails

If contraception fails, there are still options available. Emergency contraception pills, also known as morning-after pills, can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. These pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation.

If emergency contraception is not available, or if it fails, the woman can consider having an abortion. Abortion is a safe and legal procedure that can be carried out up until a certain stage of pregnancy depending on local laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Contraception has given women the power to control their reproductive health, but there are still factors that put women at risk of unintended pregnancies.

It is important for women to choose a method that suits their lifestyle and preferences, and to use the method consistently and correctly. If contraception fails, there are still options available, including emergency contraception and abortion.