10 Mistakes that are often made when using contraceptives

Couples who are not ready to have children or do not want to have more children need to use contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of contraception that you can choose from. All of these methods of birth control will give effective results if done correctly. So, avoid a number of these mistakes so that your efforts are not in vain.

List of common mistakes when using contraceptives

1. Assuming all contraceptives are the same

One of the most common mistakes made is hitting the average effectiveness of all existing contraceptives, and expecting too much on the efficacy of the contraceptive chosen. In fact, the different contraceptives you use will also differ in their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

For example: If used consistently and correctly, the efficacy of condoms to prevent pregnancy can reach 98 percent. Meanwhile, if the birth control pill is taken regularly and on time, its effectiveness is reported to reach 99 percent. Copper spiral birth control can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. Meanwhile, vasectomy and tubectomy include sterile birth control whose effects are permanent and difficult to reverse.

On the other hand, natural contraceptives such as external ejaculation (27 pregnancies out of 100 partners each year) and calendar systems (25 pregnancies out of 100 partners each year) are among the less effective but most favorite methods used.

2. Do not use condoms because you have used other birth control programs, or vice versa

In fact, the decision to use a condom when you are already taking birth control pills (or vice versa) is yours. What should be noted here is, negligence to take birth control pills or how to use the wrong condom is a common thing. This is what can reduce the effectiveness of both of them to prevent pregnancy.

If you really want guarantees to prevent pregnancy, it doesn't hurt to use both at the same time. Keep taking birth control pills regularly, getting birth control injections, or wearing patches in your daily life while using condoms during sex.

Moreover, condoms are the only means of contraception that can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

3. Forget to take birth control pills

If used perfectly according to the rules of use and taken regularly at the same time without ever being missed, the effectiveness of birth control pills can reach 99 percent. Using wrong methods, being late, or even forgetting to take the dose can reduce the effectiveness of the drug by 92 percent.

Immediately take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Even if this means you take two pills in one day, provided that it is not more than 12 hours on the same day. Then, continue to take the usual dose. You need to use a condom when having sex if you have missed the pill dose for more than 2 days.

4. Not sticking the KB patch properly

The birth control patch works similar to the birth control pill, in that it releases estrogen to prevent the body from producing eggs. The KB patch must be attached properly, for example on the upper arm, stomach, or buttocks.

Improper placement of the birth control patch, for example when the skin is damp or even wet, can reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, place the KB patch on clean and dry skin. Remove it in the fourth week after installation, to be replaced with a new one.

5. Undergo other medications that can affect the effectiveness of contraceptives

If you are on certain medications, make sure the doctor who treats you knows that you are taking birth control. Some medications can change how the hormones work with birth control pills or patches, increasing your risk of pregnancy and other side effects. For example:

• Certain antibiotics, such as rifampin.
• Certain herbal remedies.
• Certain antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine.
• ARV therapy specifically used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir.

Your doctor may be able to change the type of medication to minimize the risk of side effects.

6. Carelessly use lubricants or lubricants

Using lubricants can help increase enjoyment during sex. Even so, pay attention to the type of sex lubricant you use. If you use an oil-based lubricant while you are using a latex condom, this will put the condom at risk and increase the chance of pregnancy. Therefore, choose a lubricant that is water or silicone based which is safer for all types of condoms.

7. Not preparing for emergency contraception

No contraceptive device is 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Not to mention coupled with the wrong way to use it or use it too late so that the risk of pregnancy increases.

To anticipate torn condoms or forget to take birth control pills, you can be on guard by preparing emergency birth control, aka morning-after pill. Emergency birth control pills are easy to get non-prescription oral contraceptives.

You need to drink it as soon as possible after having sex without a condom. If you take the pill within 1 x 72 hours after that, emergency birth control pills can reduce your risk of pregnancy by 89 percent. If you take emergency contraception within 24 hours of having sex, its effectiveness jumps to 95%. But as the name suggests, emergency birth control pills are not the main form of pregnancy prevention.

8. Smoking while still taking birth control pills

Smoking while regularly taking birth control pills can double the risk of pregnancy, especially for women aged 35 years and over. In addition, there are also other side effects of this bad habit, namely increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and other serious diseases.

So, you should stop smoking if you choose to take birth control pills. If you can't stop smoking, it's a good idea to choose another form of contraception.

9. Stop using contraceptives because they cannot stand side effects

Apart from condoms, some contraceptives can cause uncomfortable side effects. For example, birth control pills can cause dizziness, nausea, and heavy menstrual bleeding. The side effects of the birth control patch can cause skin irritation. A spiral IUD can cause stomach cramps and increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Even so, you cannot just stop using contraceptives just because you are not ready for the side effects. In fact, this will increase your risk not only for pregnancy, but also other side effects. It's a good idea to discuss first the choice of birth control methods with your doctor so that you are better prepared for the side effects that may arise.

10. Do not consult a doctor about permanent contraceptives

If you are worried about making mistakes with contraception, you should consider whether you are ready to switch to another form of contraception. For example, if you are absolutely sure you don't want to have a baby, you can choose a permanent method of contraception such as tubal ligation or tubectomy for women or vasectomy for men. After three months after surgery, you will no longer worry about having sex or the side effects it causes.

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