Is it necessary to use contraception during pregnancy: hormonal and physiological changes in a woman’s body, necessary conditions for conception and explanations from gynecologists

Ambiguous answer

Even experts do not have a consensus on the safety of unprotected sexual intercourse during pregnancy. There are both pros and cons to refusing contraception during this period. Therefore, there is no clear answer to the question of whether it is necessary to use contraception during pregnancy. Some doctors believe that unprotected intimate contacts are dangerous for the expectant mother and child, as they can cause infections. Others argue that in the absence of individual sperm intolerance and health problems, pregnant women can forget about contraception. Both points of view are valid. However, each couple, depending on the woman’s well-being and the characteristics of the period of gestation, decides for herself whether it is necessary to use contraception during pregnancy.

Some spouses claim that sexual relations during such a period become more vibrant, and even signs of toxicosis do not worsen the quality of sex. Many expectant parents forget about condoms, which they previously had to constantly use. However, we should not forget that expectant mothers have a deteriorating immune system. As a result, there is a high risk of infection with candidiasis and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, a woman can infect her partner. During the period of gestation, due to hypothermia and ignoring hygiene standards, the expectant mother may develop bladder inflammation. It is accompanied by pain in the lower part of the peritoneum, frequent release of urine mixed with blood. The disease is explained by the fact that there are small cracks on the surface of the genitals, through which microbes enter the body during sex. Many infectious pathologies pose a danger not only to the mother, but also to the embryo.

Sexual intercourse and pregnancy

Experts believe that pregnancy and sex are not always compatible. For example, the threat of miscarriage in 80% of cases occurs in the first trimester, and to prevent this from happening, a woman needs to abstain from sexual relations with her husband. While the embryo is very small, it should attach well to the wall of the uterus, and its contractions during orgasm will lead to the fact that it will spontaneously come out, and the pregnant woman will have a miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.

If a woman is plagued by toxicosis, her sexual desire fades away, but the body needs a release, so relationships 2-3 times a month in the second trimester can be called the norm. Before giving birth, a woman simply needs sex, because sperm, when it hits the walls of the uterus, softens them, and this perfectly prepares her for a quick and timely birth.

Candidiasis during pregnancy

When talking about protection during pregnancy, we should not forget about the likelihood of developing such an ailment as thrush. Expectant mothers who overuse desserts and smoked foods have a disrupted immune system.

These women are often diagnosed with candidiasis. Microorganisms found in the partner’s seminal fluid, in the presence of a favorable environment, take root in the pregnant woman’s body. Infection of a man is also possible, so the expectant mother should be careful about her health and the condition of her husband. To protect yourself from this problem, it is recommended to use a condom as a method of contraception.

What about oral contraceptives?

Gynecologists note that taking oral contraceptives should be stopped 3 months before the planned conception. However, a woman who found out late about her pregnancy and took OCs need not worry about the baby’s health. Up to 6 weeks, these tablets are safe for the fetus.

After 6 weeks, taking oral contraceptives is possible only after consulting your doctor. For example, during pregnancy a woman may encounter a problem such as low levels of hormones in the body. Birth control pills containing artificially synthesized substances will help compensate for the deficiency of progesterone and estrogen.

Many women continue to take oral contraceptives during pregnancy in the hope that the pill will cause a miscarriage. Such a disdainful attitude towards oneself is a mockery of the body. These experiments may cause hormonal changes that are difficult to reverse. Not everyone succeeds in terminating a pregnancy on their own, but most experience bleeding, and then problems such as sepsis, infertility, infectious diseases of the reproductive system, etc.

Thus, taking pills during pregnancy is possible only after consulting a doctor. Contraceptives are no exception.

Superfetation

This phenomenon is extremely rare. No more than ten cases have been reported worldwide. Superfetation is the process of fertilization that occurs during the gestation period of the embryo. It is explained by the maturation and fertilization of several gametes during one menstrual cycle. Babies born under these circumstances are not considered twins. Children are born on the same day, but their development proceeds differently. These babies are not diagnosed with health problems. Concern about superfetation explains why couples ask whether to use birth control during pregnancy.

There are very few spouses who become parents of such children. But to avoid this phenomenon, expectant mothers should use contraception.

What is the probability of fertilization?

The Pearl index will help determine what percentage of the probability of getting pregnant using a condom. It refers to the miss rate that leads to the likelihood of getting pregnant with a condom.

Statistics have been kept since 2007. It shows that there is a risk with a protected act and a correctly selected product. It is about 2%. If you look at data from population surveys about whether a girl can get pregnant, even if protected with a condom, the results are disappointing.

Important contraceptive

According to survey results, if you have sex with a condom, your chances of getting pregnant increase to 15%. This method of protection remains only 5th in effectiveness after sterilization of partners, use of an intrauterine device or hormonal contraceptives.

Prevention in the early stages of pregnancy

In the absence of health problems, a woman can make love in the first months after conception. However, we should not forget about the high probability of developing infectious pathologies.

The answer to the question of whether it is necessary to use protection during pregnancy is affirmative if the expectant mother or her partner has a viral disease. In cases where there is no danger of infection, contraception can be neglected. But do not forget about maintaining hygiene standards. If there are infections, experts advise using a condom.

Is it possible to get pregnant with a condom?

Interrupted sexual intercourse or the use of chemical contraception provides less protection against unwanted fertilization, but the possibility of becoming pregnant with a condom also exists. If we consider the probability of getting pregnant using a whole condom, then the failure rate is 1-2% out of 100.

Using intrauterine devices or oral contraceptives as a method of protection, the effectiveness of protection reaches 100%. Despite the fact that it is possible for a woman to become pregnant even using condoms, they continue to be chosen as a method of reliable contraception.

Methods of contraception during lactation

After giving birth, many women are interested in the question of how to avoid conception in the future. This is a period when you should be careful when using medications. Prevention from pregnancy during breastfeeding can be carried out in the following ways:

1. Products that do not contain hormones. These drugs have no effect on the baby's body.
2. Barrier methods of protection. They are safe, do not change the composition of milk and can be used immediately after delivery. If a woman chooses a diaphragm as contraception, she should consult a specialist.

   
   During the examination, the doctor will determine the depth of the vagina and its shape. These indicators change after delivery. Therefore, the aperture must be selected based on new parameters.

3. Contraceptives containing progesterone. These drugs do not affect the lactation process and do not cause illness in children.
4. The use of an IUD is also possible during breastfeeding. It is best to administer them 6-7 weeks after delivery. During lactation, such drugs do not cause discomfort or bleeding in women. If there is an infection, the IUD should be discarded until complete recovery.
5. Sterilization. The method is used for both women and the stronger sex. But remember: the consequences of this method are irreversible. If the spouses decide on it, they must know for sure that they no longer want children.

A natural method of contraception during lactation is not recommended. At this time, women do not have regular monthly bleeding. This means that it is impossible to determine when the gamete matures. The use of COCs during lactation is also undesirable.

This method negatively affects the health of the mother and baby. Temporary abstinence from sex is another method of protection during pregnancy. But not everyone is ready to give up sexual intercourse for a long time.

When is this needed?

There are situations when it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself, and these include::

1. Conception occurred during the woman's treatment for a sexually transmitted disease or the presence of one.
2. A woman has been diagnosed with pregnancy candidiasis and other inflammatory and infectious diseases of the vagina.
3. There are cracks, damage, and wounds in the genital area.
4. The man may be a potential carrier of the infection (has not been tested).
5. After sexual intercourse, itching in the genital area or rash appears - these may be signs of an allergy or infection, so you should urgently see a doctor.

If both partners are healthy and have decided to have unprotected sex, you need to take care of personal hygiene and be sure to shower before intimacy.

In general, most experts are in favor of contraception during pregnancy. There can be no guarantees of safety when women's immunity is severely weakened. It's better to play it safe and use condoms to be sure of your health.

Rating of protection during sex of this contraceptive

If you are not satisfied with a condom, there are other methods of protection that will help you avoid getting pregnant:

• uterine caps;
• diaphragms;
• hormonal pills;
• intrauterine device;
• hormonal injections;
• candles, etc.

Any of the methods can fail. If used properly and with a condom that does not break, unwanted fertilization and sexually transmitted infections can be avoided.

What to do to avoid getting knocked up by a condom?

Many women are interested in whether it is possible to get pregnant through a condom, and what to do if the products break. Let's look at how to use a condom so that it doesn't break:

1. Check the expiration date before use. Some manufacturers do not have it on the packaging at all, so you should not use this product. It is better to check the suitability at the time of purchase at the pharmacy.
2. If you are using this method for the first time, read the instructions. It clearly shows how to put on a contraceptive right away.
3. If you are having sex and feel that the condom has burst, immediately remove the penis from the vagina. To complete the act, a new product is required that protects against conception.
4. Men who are sexually active and have sex with different partners should change their contraceptive after each contact.

Sometimes the product breaks due to lack of natural lubrication. In this case, it is necessary to extend the foreplay time. If necessary, use water-based lubricants.

Excellent protective functions