Chemical, hormonal, natural, and mechanical methods of contraception. Discover the most suitable one for you
Julia Wójcik
2026-03-23
5 min. read
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This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union
Although contraception is intended to prevent pregnancy, it is related to family planning because it is usually used periodically. When a couple is ready for a child to be born, contraceptives are discontinued. In addition to planned conception, some contraceptive methods are used to protect partners from sexually transmitted diseases.
Methods of contraception
Contraceptive methods vary by gender, as both women and men can be involved in conscious progeny planning. Today, there are four main methods of contraception: chemical, hormonal, mechanical, and natural. Each of these methods differs depending on the contraceptive method used, and each has its drawbacks and advantages.
Chemical contraception
The method of chemical contraception is based on the use of a chemical which will harm the sperm. What does that mean? The chemicals contained in these agents (mainly nanoxynol-9) cause the sperm to become immobile by damaging its cell wall, which affects its motor activity. Additionally, these agents create an unfriendly chemical for the sperm and create a mechanical barrier to which they are unable to breed. What's more, they do not have to affect the genetic material, nor do they add other methods of contraception.
Hormonal contraception
Hormonal contraception is a method that uses various preparations containing hormones (estrogens, progestogens). Commonly known and used tablets enjoy great popularity. Depending on the type, they contain two or one type of hormones that, taken regularly, as recommended, maintain a constant level of the hormones in a woman's body. Hormones in the woman' s body work in many ways. They affect the building of the endometrium, mucus consistency, inhibit ovulation, delay the transport of the ovarian cells.
Natural contraception
Natural contraception is the planning of of offspring in accordance with nature without the use of invasive measures. Natural methods are particularly important for people with deeply rooted beliefs and beliefs. The calendar method is based on observing the body's response during the menstrual cycle and determining from the experience of fertile and infertile days. Fertility days are determined on the assumption that ovulation occurs 14 days before menstruation with the addition of plus and minus two days. In addition, the egg cell is capable of surviving up to 24 hours after ovulation, while the sperm cells can survive up to 48 hours long after intercourse.
Mechanical contraception
Condoms for both men and women create a mechanical barrier for the sperm, preventing them from reaching the woman's genital tract (head) whereas the use of other mechanical means, such as ovarian membranes, capsules or sponges, prevent the sperm from entering the uterus, thereby enabling inflammation. The use of condoms is very widespread because they are not only a protection against pregnancy, but also an effective method of preventing pregnancy.
