Since oral contraceptive methods appeared, they have attempted to reproduce a pattern of intakes identical to the average woman's menstrual cycle (28 days). After this period, a break in taking contraceptive pills has traditionally been recommended, with the belief that the uterus needed to be "cleaned" and that, therefore, it was advisable to menstruate once the cycle had finished. This deeply rooted cultural tradition is based on the conception of menstruation as synonymous with purification of the body, a thought without scientific basis but which laboratories wanted to take into account when determining the dosage of contraceptive pills.
Does this mean that any woman can avoid having her period these days by taking contraceptive pills in a row without any pauses or risks? Yes, but…
The fact that a woman does not have a period does not cause any kind of alteration in her body, either hormonally or fertilely. The problem lies in estrogen, the hormone that, together with progesterone, makes up the composition of contraceptive pills. In some women, estrogen can cause discomfort and increase the risk of thrombosis, a disease that causes a blood clot that in the worst case can break off and cause death. So is there an alternative to contraceptive pills that does not contain estrogen? Yes, intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs.
The IUD is a “T” shaped device that is placed in the uterus and is ideal as a long-term contraceptive method (5 to 10 years) that can be removed whenever the patient wishes. There are two types of IUDs: copper IUDs, which prevent fertilization thanks to the magnetic field generated by this metal, and hormonal IUDs, which achieve the same effect through the hormone progesterone.
About 15 years ago, the first hormonal IUDs appeared, which, due to their high progesterone doses, caused discomfort and bloating in some women. Over the years, this type of device has been perfected to reach the optimal level of progesterone and become completely harmless, in addition to preventing menstruation while in place.
At Gynecology Doctoras Pérez we recommend the hormonal IUD as the most effective and least harmful contraceptive method for all those women who want to live without menstruation and thus forget about all the pain and discomfort.
If you would like more information about this or other contraceptive methods, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 934545632 or by making an appointment directly with our doctors. Together we will find the method that best suits you.
