Biological possibility of conception through digital penetration questioned.
In the realm of reproductive health, it's essential to make informed choices about birth control and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. Here's a guide to some of the most effective methods available.
For those seeking highly effective birth control options, several stand out for their high efficacy and long-lasting nature. Implants, small rods placed under the skin, release hormones to prevent pregnancy and last up to 3 years, requiring no daily attention [1][5]. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), long-acting devices placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider, offer highly effective and long-lasting contraception [5]. Sterilisation, a permanent solution involving tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men, boasts over 99% effectiveness and is suitable for those certain they do not want children in the future [1][2]. Birth control shots, injections of progestin given every three months, are also highly effective but may delay return to fertility after discontinuation [1].
Hormonal methods like pills, patches, and rings require daily, weekly, or monthly attention and are effective when used correctly but typically do not protect against STIs [3][4]. However, it's worth noting that a vaginal ring is a device inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks, releasing hormones, and is about 91% effective, while contraceptive patches deliver hormones to the bloodstream through skin contact and are about 91% effective [6].
When it comes to protection against STIs, the only birth control methods that also provide protection are male and female condoms. These act as barrier methods preventing both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV [2]. Other barrier methods such as cervical caps, diaphragms, and spermicidal sponges help prevent pregnancy but do not reliably protect against STIs [4].
It's important to note that fingering may lead to pregnancy if semen is present on the fingers or hand. Sperm cells can survive outside the body for up to 5 days in a warm and wet environment [7]. Pregnancy can occur even with the use of certain forms of birth control, such as an IUD, and may lead to severe complications [8].
For those seeking to confirm a pregnancy, at-home pregnancy tests look for the hCG hormone produced by the placenta and can detect pregnancy 12-15 days after ovulation, but accuracy varies depending on hCG levels and test instructions [9].
In conclusion, for maximum prevention of unintended pregnancy and STIs simultaneously, condoms (male or female) are the most effective choice. For pregnancy prevention alone, long-acting reversible contraceptives like implants and IUDs, or permanent sterilisation, are the most effective options [1][2][4][5]. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice and to discuss the best options for your individual needs.
References: [1] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Birth Control: Choosing the Method That's Right for You. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/birth-control [2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Birth control: Choosing the right method for you. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/family-planning/in-depth/birth-control/art-20047966 [3] Planned Parenthood. (2020). Birth control methods. Retrieved from: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-methods [4] World Health Organization. (2020). Contraceptive methods. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/contraception/contraceptive_methods/en/ [5] NHS. (2020). Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/long-acting-reversible-contraception/ [6] NHS. (2020). Vaginal ring. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/vaginal-ring/ [7] American Pregnancy Association. (2020). How Long Can Sperm Live Outside the Body? Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/how-long-can-sperm-live-outside-the-body/ [8] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Complications of IUD Use. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/complications-of-iud-use [9] American Pregnancy Association. (2020). Home Pregnancy Tests. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/home-pregnancy-tests/
- Despite being highly effective for pregnancy prevention, hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, and rings do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Pfizer's contraceptive patches deliver hormones to the bloodstream through skin contact and offer about 91% effectiveness, similar to that of the vaginal ring.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and sexual health, a significant concern for women's health is STI prevention. Condoms (male or female) are the only birth control methods that also reliably protect against STIs, including HIV.
- For women who want a permanent solution for pregnancy prevention, science has provided options like tubal ligation (for women) and vasectomy (for men), which boast over 99% effectiveness and are amongst the most effective birth control methods, according to health care professionals in the field.
