It is normal for a sexually active woman to become pregnant, especially when she has unprotected sex during her fertile period. To prevent this from happening, there are a number of precautions to take.
How does pregnancy occur?
When a woman has unprotected sex during her fertile period, she can become pregnant. This is a period in the middle of the menstrual cycle that usually lasts 12 days. During intercourse during this period, sperm is released and travels up the cervix.
Once there, in the presence of the egg, a single spermatozoon has the chance to fertilize the egg. The embryo is then born and will develop into a baby. However, for one reason or another, a pregnancy may not always be welcome. It is then advisable to take preventive measures to avoid it. This is called contraception.
Some contraceptive measures
Of course, the best contraceptive measure is abstinence. Since it is naturally impossible to become pregnant without sexual intercourse. Nevertheless, other types of contraception exist, such as
- The condom;
- The female condom;
- Spermicides;
- Vasectomy and tubal ligation;
- The contraceptive pill;
- The morning-after pill.
Condoms
The male condom is a latex device that unrolls on the erect male sex and collects sperm. It prevents the spermatozoa from reaching the ovum and is for single use only.
As for the female condom, it is also a device with a flexible ring that is placed in the female genitalia. It acts as a barrier between the spermatozoa and the egg and is also single use.
Spermicides
These are gels or ovules that are placed in the vagina. Their purpose is to eliminate spermatozoa.
Vasectomy and tubal ligation
These are surgical methods that result in sterilization.
Birth control pills and morning-after pills
These are pills that a woman must take every day. It is a very common method of hormonal contraception. The morning-after pill can be taken within 3 to 5 days after sexual intercourse. It blocks ovulation.