Sex can certainly add romance and strengthen the relationship between husband and wife. However, some couples have not planned and want to delay adding a baby with health considerations, as well as financial and even personal considerations. There are several ways to prevent pregnancy after intercourse the mom and dad can do the following.
How to Prevent Pregnancy After Sexual Intercourse
Here are some ways to prevent pregnancy that mom and dad should know:
1. Avoid Intercourse in the Fertile Period
One natural way to prevent pregnancy is to avoid sexual intercourse during a woman's fertile period. The fertile period occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, usually 10-16 days after the first day of menstruation. At this time, ovulation occurs and the chances of fertilization are very high.
To calculate the fertile period, women can use an ovulation calculator or monitor physical changes, such as thicker cervical mucus and increased basal body temperature. However, this method is not 100% accurate as every woman's menstrual cycle can vary.
2. Natural birth control with exclusive breastfeeding
After giving birth, a natural birth control method known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) can be used as long as the woman is exclusively breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding, where the baby gets only breast milk without any other food or drink, can delay ovulation and menstruation, ultimately preventing pregnancy.
The method is up to 98% effective in the first six months after delivery, provided conditions such as breastfeeding frequency are met. However, this method no longer applies after six months or when a woman's menstrual cycle starts again.
3. Using Condoms
Condoms are one of the most common and easy-to-use contraceptive methods. Apart from preventing pregnancy, condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms work by preventing sperm from entering the uterus during ejaculation.
Condoms are available in male and female versions, but male condoms are more commonly used. Condoms that are used correctly are about 98% effective, but in practice the effectiveness can drop to 85% due to usage errors.
4. Ejecting Sperm Outside the Vagina
The coitus interruptus method or ejaculation outside the vagina is one of the natural ways that can be used to prevent pregnancy. In this method, the man pulls the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract.
Although this method can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, its effectiveness is low (around 78%) as there is a risk of sperm escaping before ejaculation in the form of pre-ejaculatory fluid. This method also requires control and precise timing, so it is not completely reliable.
5. Taking Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills (daily contraceptive pills) contain hormones that prevent ovulation, so no egg can be fertilized. There are two types of birth control pills: combined pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) and mini pills (containing only progestin). Birth control pills should be taken regularly every day at the same time for maximum effectiveness.
When used correctly, birth control pills are about 99% effective. However, if taken late or missed, their effectiveness may decrease. It is also important to note that some medications or medical conditions may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
6. Taking the Emergency Contraceptive Pill
The morning-after pill is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or if the contraceptive method used fails (for example, a condom breaks). The pill contains a high dose of the hormone progesterone which prevents or delays ovulation.
The pill is most effective if taken within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse, but some types of emergency pills can be taken up to 120 hours afterward. The effectiveness of these pills varies between 85-95%, depending on how soon after intercourse the pill is taken. The morning-after pill should not be used as a routine method of contraception.
7. Undergoing Sterile Surgery
Sterilization is a permanent method of contraception that involves a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. In women, sterilization involves tying or cutting the fallopian tubes (oviducts) to prevent the egg from meeting with sperm. In men, the sterilization procedure is known as vasectomy, where the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles are cut or tied.
Both methods are highly effective (over 99%) and permanent, making them suitable for couples who no longer wish to have children. However, these procedures require careful consideration as they are difficult or even impossible to reverse.
To determine which way mom and dad choose, you should discuss it first. Choose a way to prevent pregnancy that suits the needs, comfort and conditions of each partner. Don't forget to consult with medical personnel or health experts before deciding on the right contraceptive method. (Aq / MKK)
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