What is reproductive and sexual control?

Have you heard about reproductive and sexual control? Do you know the different contraceptive methods that allow you to enjoy a free and safe sexuality?? If you still do not solve these questions, do not miss the information that we provide below.

What is reproductive and sexual control?

Reproductive control is based on reproductive and sexual rights. The former give the ability to all people, regardless of their gender, age or race, to freely decide on their reproductive life. Sexual rights refer to the autonomy of individuals to exercise their sexuality freely, healthily, without abuse, violence or discrimination of any kind.

Currently there are a lot of contraceptive methods and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It is essential that we have access to them in order to exercise our sexuality safely and freely. Below we will explain the most common contraceptive methods, differentiating by male and female sex.

Methods for reproductive and sexual control for the female sex

It is necessary to make a distinction between those methods that are contraceptives and those that also protect against the possible transmission of an STD. Among the most common, the only method that prevents STDs, for women, is the internal condom. The rest only prevent unwanted pregnancies, with greater or lesser degree of effectiveness.

Read more: STDs, what are we talking about?

Female or internal condom

The female condom has become a very popular method of contraception. Not only prevents pregnancies, but sexually transmitted diseases.

They are small polyurethane covers that are inserted into the vagina, covering the inside and some parts of the vulva. In this way creates a reservoir for the ejaculated sperm preventing it from reaching the egg.

• This method helps prevent STDs, reduces the likelihood of contact with semen or skin and contagion.
• It is commonly used because it is not expensive, it does not require a prescription and it is easy to apply. It is vital to follow the instructions and place it correctly so that it can fulfill its function effectively.

Contraceptive implant

It is a thin and small rod that a health professional places under the skin of the arm. Its mechanism of action consists of the release of the hormone progestin, which thickens the mucus of the cervix preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. It has an estimated duration of five years and is one of the most effective and safe methods.

IUD intrauterine device

The IUD is a small T-shaped device that is implanted inside the cervix with the help of a health professional. There are two types: copper and hormonal. Both avoid pregnancies by changing the way the sperm move to prevent them from coming in contact with the egg. The basic differences between them are the following:

• The Copper IUD It acts as a spermicide due to the effect of increased levels of copper ions that inhibit sperm motility.
• The Hormonal IUD It releases the hormone progestin to thicken the cervical mucus, just like contraceptive implants.
• It does not have a permanent effect, so that when you look for a pregnancy, you simply have to retire.

There are other effective contraceptive methods such as the pill, the ring or the contraceptive patch. These require greater care in their application and therefore, are more likely to fail than the IUD and implants. For example, in the case of pills, remember to take them every day.

It is important to choose a method for reproductive control appropriate to our needs and lifestyle and do not hesitate to go to the doctor to find the most appropriate.

Read more: 5 non-hormonal methods of contraception

Methods for reproductive and sexual control for the male sex

The use of the male condom remains one of the safest methods to enjoy a free and full sex life. However, men can access other methods.

Currently, there are far fewer contraceptive options for men than for women. The most common is the use of condoms, since it prevents unwanted pregnancies and prevents the risk of contracting an STD.

As in the case of the female condom, It is very important to apply it correctly to ensure its effectiveness. It is generally extended the use of it combined with another contraceptive method (pill, IUD, implant) to obtain a greater degree of protection and safety.

Another contraceptive method commonly used is vasectomy. It is a surgical procedure that blocks or cuts the ducts that transport the sperm from the scrotum to the outside, ensuring the prevention of pregnancy. It is a permanent method of contraception, and therefore highly effective.

Our type of sexual life and our clinical history will determine the application of one type of method or another. You have doubts? Consult the doctor or gynecologist. Surely they will give you more support and information about the different methods to guarantee reproductive and sexual control.