Contraceptive Methods

These are cultural beliefs or practices that people follow with the belief that they help prevent pregnancy. However, these methods lack scientific evidence and are therefore not effective.

Natural methods are contraceptive methods with a low efficiency rate because they rely on the natural functioning of the male and female reproductive systems to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, no external protection mechanism is used. These methods are unreliable—not only for avoiding unintended pregnancies but also because they do not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

The natural methods are:

• Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus): This consists of removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation so that semen does not remain inside the woman. This method carries a high risk because before ejaculation, the man releases a fluid that contains sperm capable of fertilization.

• Rhythm or Calendar Method: This involves tracking menstrual cycles over a year to identify a woman’s fertile days—when the risk of pregnancy is highest. The rhythm method requires avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile (ovulation) days. It only works for women with regular menstrual cycles.

• Basal Body Temperature: This method involves taking the woman’s temperature daily, at the same time and in the same body area (mouth or armpit), before getting out of bed—from the first day of menstruation until the next cycle—to identify changes that indicate ovulation. Normal temperature ranges between 36°C and 36.5°C; on ovulation day, it rises to 37°C or higher and remains elevated until the next menstruation. Sexual intercourse should be avoided on the day the temperature increases.

• Cervical Mucus: This is a fluid located in the cervix that becomes clear and stretchy—like raw egg white—during ovulation. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during these days.

• Breastfeeding (Lactational Amenorrhea): This method involves breastfeeding the baby at least every three hours from birth (exclusive breastfeeding) more than five times a day, which reduces the likelihood of ovulation. Its effectiveness ranges from 80% to 95%, depending on proper use.

Natural methods have high failure rates because they lack strong scientific evidence and are therefore not highly recommended for preventing pregnancy or protecting against STIs.

Modern methods help prevent pregnancy through means external to the body and are divided into temporary modern methods and permanent modern methods.

As their names suggest, temporary methods can be discontinued at any time, and fertility will return if a woman wishes to become pregnant. Permanent modern methods are surgical procedures that permanently prevent men or women from having children.

Modern methods are highly effective, offering about 98% protection, and are classified into:

• Hormonal methods
• Barrier methods
• Device-based methods
• Permanent methods

No. None of these substances have contraceptive effects to prevent pregnancy. This idea is simply a popular myth and part of people’s imagination. What truly works is the proper use of modern contraceptive methods — or abstinence.

No. However, although it’s uncommon, latex condoms can cause reactions in people who are allergic to latex, and some people may be allergic to the lubricant used in certain condom brands. If discomfort occurs frequently, it’s important to consult a doctor.

It is a thin, transparent sheath made of soft plastic that is inserted into the woman’s vagina before penetration. During intercourse, the penis remains covered, and semen is collected inside the condom.

Its effectiveness is similar to that of male condoms, and it can be used along with other contraceptive methods to provide greater protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Just as using two male condoms at once is not recommended, using a female and male condom simultaneously is also discouraged, as it does not increase effectiveness and may actually reduce protection.

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy; however, it does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). That’s why it’s important to seek counseling from trained healthcare personnel.

To use emergency contraception effectively, a woman has up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. This method works immediately in the body to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting — in other words, it prevents fertilization.

No. As their name indicates, they are emergency contraceptive pills, and they work in several ways:

• They increase and thicken the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to move and reach the uterus.

• They inhibit or speed up the ovulation process, preventing fertilization from occurring.

The use of contraceptives has nothing to do with reproductive disorders or fertility problems. They prevent pregnancy only while being used correctly; once discontinued, fertility returns.

What often happens is that many people use contraceptives without knowing their reproductive health status or whether they have any underlying condition. When they stop using the method to try to conceive, they discover they have difficulties—but not because of the contraceptive; the issue existed beforehand.

Reproductive disorders or fertility problems can be caused by genetic factors, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), or conditions affecting the male or female reproductive system.

Contraceptive methods can have side effects and work differently for each person. That’s why, before starting any method, it’s essential to receive guidance from a healthcare professional who can provide accurate and timely information.

There is a wide variety of contraceptive options available that can be adapted to each person’s physical condition and economic situation.

Using contraceptive methods is a sexual and reproductive right, and emergency contraception is one of those methods. No one needs permission to exercise their rights.

In Colombia, any adult (18 years or older) can decide for themselves whether or not they want to have children, and therefore may choose to undergo a permanent contraceptive method.

Yes. There are two other emergency methods: traditional birth control pills taken in a special dosage (Yuzpe Method) and the Intrauterine Device (IUD).

They are emergency contraceptive pills used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sex. Although commonly called “morning-after pills,” they can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

They can be used in the following situations:

• When the condom breaks or slips inside the vagina.

• When you forget to take or apply your regular method — for example, missing two or more traditional birth control pills or forgetting to get your contraceptive shot for over a week.

• When a woman has been a victim of sexual assault.

This method is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, and to use it correctly, it is important to seek medical counseling.

Today, it is known that the effectiveness of these pills is not reduced by repeated use; however, it is strongly discouraged to use them as a regular contraceptive method, since taking such a high hormonal dose frequently can be harmful to a woman’s health.

It’s also important to remember that the morning-after pill does NOT protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

This situation is considered a high-risk pregnancy. During gestation, the IUD may cause complications such as placental detachment, bleeding, or risk of miscarriage, and it can also rupture the membranes surrounding the embryo, leading to miscarriage or premature birth.

If the pregnancy is diagnosed before 10 weeks of gestation and the device is found to be far from the embryo, it can be safely removed, allowing the pregnancy to continue normally.

Cervical cancer can have several causes, but one of the most common is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can be acquired if condoms are not used during sexual intercourse.

To detect HPV, it is essential to have a Pap smear. Like many types of cancer, it can be treated effectively if detected early.

Currently, there are only two contraceptive methods for men: the condom and vasectomy. The condom is an effective method that simultaneously prevents pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); it must be used correctly in every sexual encounter.

The vasectomy is a permanent surgical procedure for men who do not wish to have children or who already have the number of children they want. There are no contraceptive injections or pills for men at this time. However, ongoing research aims to develop a method that could temporarily stop the daily production of sperm.

At whatever age they consider necessary and appropriate. Men and women of any age have the right to be informed about and access contraceptive methods. What’s most important is that the person understands how the method works, how to use it properly, and whether it has any side effects.

It varies from woman to woman. Some may become pregnant immediately after stopping the method, while others may take up to a year. This depends on the body’s hormonal functioning.

If the woman has been using a hormonal method, ovulation may take between 30 and 180 days to return, depending on the hormone content. In contrast, with an IUD, ovulation is not affected, meaning a woman can become pregnant almost immediately after it is removed.

No. Condoms should be used always, in every sexual encounter, because they are the only method that can prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.

There are several reasons:

• Lack of information: Some young people have heard about contraceptive methods but haven’t been properly informed about how to use them, their advantages, disadvantages, costs, or where to obtain them.

• False beliefs about the methods.

• Fear of side effects such as weight gain or loss, facial spots, acne, varicose veins, or infertility. These ideas often come from common myths in society and are closely linked to the lack of accurate information mentioned above.

Yes. A person can use a hormonal method along with a device, for example. However, this is not necessary, since each method provides about 98% contraceptive protection, and using them simultaneously does not increase effectiveness—it only adds cost and effort for the user.

What is essential, and can reinforce any protection, is the use of condoms.

The responsibility belongs to both, since it’s a situation that forms part of each person’s life plan. It’s important to remember that protection is a shared responsibility.