Contraception
Modern hormonal contraceptives can help women plan their families more intentionally. It allows them to experience sexuality with greater confidence by reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Being able to take a conscious decision on whether and when to have children has decisively strengthened women’s role in society. Modern hormonal contraceptives are highly reliable in terms of protection against an unplanned pregnancy. They are also reversible, i.e. a woman can become pregnant once she stops taking her contraceptive.
Different methods – individual prescription
There are different methods of birth control: Short-acting, long-acting, hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives. Some non-hormonal options include condoms and fertility awareness-based methods as well as intrauterine devices (IUDs). Hormonal contraceptives work by helping to prevent pregnancy and can be highly effective when used as directed. Their effect is similar to the sex steroids estrogen and progesterone produced by a woman’s body. There are various forms of hormonal contraceptives available. They include oral contraceptives ("the pill”), intrauterine systems (IUS), the patch, the vaginal ring, implants and injectables.
All forms of hormonal contraceptives have to be individually prescribed – usually by a healthcare professional. When choosing a method, important criteria such as a woman's age, her medical history and conditions, her current situation in life, her personal preferences, as well as her expectations of the contraceptive method should all be considered.
An overview and further details on all contraceptive methods is also available on Your Life.
Bayer offers a wide range of contraceptive methods. It is important that healthcare professionals and patients discuss all available options so that the patient receives the method that is best suited to her.