5 Important Facts About Contraception You Should Be Aware of

If you are a sexually active person, you should understand that contraception is an essential part of proper self-care. Unprotected sex can have a lot of unpleasant consequences that significantly affect the quality of your life. 

If your partner refuses to use contraception, it can be a sign that something is wrong and it may be better to avoid sexual intercourse with this person. Even though condoms and some other contraception options can cause insignificant discomfort during sex, they are still required. Here is a list of five important facts about contraception you should be aware of.

1. Unprotected sex can result not only in pregnancy

Many people think that the only issue that they can face after unprotected sex is unwanted pregnancy. That’s why they tend to use interrupted intercourse as the only contraception option. But in addition to the fact that the withdrawal method doesn’t guarantee complete procession from pregnancy, unprotected sex can also result in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

STDs are caused by infections and viruses that are transmitted between sexual partners during unprotected sex. They can cause a lot of unpleasant and even life-threatening complications. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause the development of cervical cancer. That’s why the usage of contraception and regular testing for STDs is essential.

2. There are male and female condoms

A condom is deemed the most effective contraceptive option that protects from both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Even though male condoms are more popular, you should know that there are also female condoms. They are bigger than male condoms and should be inserted into the vagina right after intercourse. 

3. Condoms don’t prevent the transmission of viruses

Even though condoms can prevent the spread of STIs, they still don’t provide complete protection from viruses like HPV and herpes that can be spread during sex and/or skin-to-skin contact. If the condom doesn’t cover the affected area, you can easily become infected. 

Nevertheless, the use of contraception can limit the spread of STDs and save you from many pleasant consequences. It is important to understand that sexually transmitted infections and viruses can develop in a person without any symptoms. This means that your partner may even don’t know that he or she is already infected. 

4. Hormonal contraception doesn’t protect you from STDs

Some people think that if they use hormonal contraception, it can protect them from all the negative consequences of unprotected sex. But the reality is that hormonal contraception can only prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, it can’t protect you from STDs. That’s why the usage of condoms is necessary even if you use birth control. 

5. Hormonal birth control can help treat some health issues

There is a common myth that hormonal birth control contributes to infertility. But you should know that there are many health issues that can cause fertility issues and can be treated with the help of hormonal contraception. In addition to the fact that hormonal contraception helps prevent unwanted pregnancy, it can also cope with many unpleasant symptoms. 

Additionally, hormonal contraception can help treat hormonal imbalance and its complications. Women with PCOS can take hormonal birth control to regulate their periods, reduce acne, and prevent weight gain. Hormonal birth control can also help treat endometriosis and prevent the development of ovarian cysts. 

The bottom line

Even though there is a lot of information about the necessity of contraception, many people tend to neglect it. There is no need to think that you are lucky or skilled to avoid pregnancy since it is not the only consequence that can occur after unprotected sex. There are not so many people that can confess that they are infected so the use of condoms is a necessity.