Contraception2023-09-13T15:08:07+02:00

Individual contraceptive advice

The product range of contraceptives is large. But not every contraceptive is suitable for everyone. For many women it is not easy to find the right contraception. In our practice you can get detailed advice on the different methods.

If you want to avoid taking the pill but are looking for long-term contraceptive protection, you can choose between different models of an IUD or the contraceptive rod (Implanon). Some of the intrauterine contraceptives (IUDs) provide safe contraception without hormones. We will inform you and help you decide.

If you are interested in a spiral insert, it is best to send us a messageso that we can clarify the further procedure directly.

Spirals

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Gynefix copper chain

The Gynefix copper chain is a further development of the classic IUD and consists of a small flexible chain with 4 - 6 copper beads.

More info about the Gynefix copper chain

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The copper bead ball forms itself into a spherical shape after insertion into the uterus.

More information about the
Copper bead ball

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The classic copper coil consists of a small T- or anchor-shaped plastic body wrapped with a fine copper wire.

More information about the Copper IUD

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Gold spiral - Gold-T - Gold-T mini

The gold spiral looks like the conventional copper T on the outside, but has a core of pure gold inside the copper wire winding.

More information about the Gold spiral

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Hormone IUDs:
Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess

The hormone IUDs contain the hormone progestogen and thus combine the effect of the IUD with that of the mini-pill.

More information about Hormone IUDs

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Implanon - contraceptive sticks

The Implanon is a thin, soft plastic rod that is inserted as an implant on the inside of the upper arm just under the skin.

More information about the Implanon

Video: How do I find the right contraception?

For whom is the pill unsuitable and which alternative contraceptive methods are particularly recommended for young women?
A film clip with Dr. Deiters on Pill, IUD & Co. on STUGGI.TV

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IUDs at a glance
After the IUD insertion: tips and recommendations

Pill, IUD & Co: How do I find the right contraceptive?

Pill & Co: Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives contain artificially produced hormones that have the same effect as the body's own hormones. Oestrogens and Progestogens correspond to the body's own hormones. Hormonal contraceptives are particularly safe. However, since they interfere with the hormonal cycle, side effects cannot be ruled out.

The first hormonal contraceptive came onto the German market as the "birth control pill" in the 1960s. Compared to today's pill, it had a high dosage and strong side effects. In the meantime, a lot has happened in the research and development of contraceptives. Modern hormonal contraceptives use a much lower dose, are better adapted to the female hormonal cycle and are generally well tolerated.

The market offers a wide range of hormonal contraceptives:

"The Pill" is one of the most commonly used contraceptives and is offered by many pharmaceutical companies in a wide variety of products. It is an oral hormonal contraceptive and contains the hormones Oestrogen and Progestogen in different compositions and dosages.

In general, the pill is taken for 21 days at the same time of day if possible. This is followed by a break of 7 days, during which there is a discontinuation bleeding or withdrawal bleeding. Some types of pill are suitable for use in the long-term cycle, in which there is no break between pills and no withdrawal bleeding.

Mode of action: The hormones oestrogen and progestogen prevent ovulation.

Advantages: The cycle is regular, premenstrual discomfort and period pains are less, the skin appearance can improve.

To note: The pill must be taken regularly and daily. Errors in taking the pill, vomiting, diarrhoea or taking medication can affect its safety. The hormones interfere with the woman's cycle and can cause undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weight gain, bleeding between periods, a feeling of tightness in the breasts, mood swings and sexual unwillingness. In rare cases, severe side effects such as high blood pressure, thrombosis (blood clots) and liver function disorders may also occur.

Recommended: The pill is particularly suitable for young and healthy women who want to use contraception safely. The pill is not recommended for women over 35, women who are overweight and heavy smokers because of the increased risk of thrombosis.

Security: Very high security with a Pearl index of 0.1 - 0.9

The mini pill does not contain Oestrogensbut a Progestogen in a small dosage. Unlike the oestrogen-containing pill, the mini-pill is taken daily without interruption. Depending on the preparation, there are 28 or 35 tablets in a pack. The mini-pill must be taken extremely punctually, always at the same time. In exceptional cases, a maximum delay of three hours is possible. Most preparations contain the progestogen levonogestrel. A mini-pill preparation contains the progestogen desogestrel in a slightly higher dosage. This preparation can be taken up to 12 hours late.

Mode of action: The hormone levonorgestrel changes the lining of the uterus and the consistency of the mucus plug in the cervix. This prevents the sperm from penetrating the uterus and prevents fertilisation and implantation of a fertilised egg. If the preparation contains the hormone desogestrel, ovulation is also prevented.

Advantages: Taking an oestrogen-free pill is also possible during breastfeeding.

To note: Taking the conventional minipill requires great discipline and punctuality. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle and bleeding may occur. Some women complain of breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings or sexual desire.

Recommended: The minipill is suitable for all women who should not take oestrogens, e.g. women with an increased risk of developing a Thrombosissmokers, breastfeeding mothers and older women.

Safety: High safety with a Pearl index of 0.5 - 3 (mini pill with desogestrel 0.5)

The 3-month injection contains a high dose of the hormone Progestogen in a high dose and ensures contraception for a period of up to 12 weeks. Due to the high dosage, it interferes more strongly with the hormone balance than other hormonal contraceptives. The active ingredient is injected into the buttock muscle every three months between the 1st and 5th day of the cycle.

Mode of action: The progestogen prevents ovulation.

Advantages: The 3-month injection has a long-term effect, and there are no mistakes in taking it.

Please note: Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, intermittent or continuous bleeding may occur. Depression and weight gain are possible. Even after stopping the depot injection, it may take some time for the cycle to return to normal. The injection must not be used in the case of some diseases (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, jaundice, phlebitis).

Recommended: The 3-month injection is suitable for women who have a particularly irregular rhythm of life or who do not want to or cannot use other contraceptives.

Security: High security with a Pearl index of 0.3 - 1.4.

Like the pill, the hormone patch contains a hormone combination of Oestrogens and Progestogens and prevents monthly ovulation. The skin-coloured patch (size 4.5 x 4.5 cm) is stuck to the skin on the inside of the upper arm and renewed weekly. After three weeks, there is a break of seven days during which contraceptive safety continues and withdrawal bleeding begins. The patch should always be changed on the same day of the week.

Mode of action: As with the pill, monthly ovulation is prevented.

Advantages: The patch only needs to be changed once a week. Vomiting and diarrhoea do not affect the effect.

Please note: The patch may become unsightly after a few days and cause skin irritation. The hormonal side effects are similar to those of taking the pill: Nausea, vomiting, weight gain, intermittent bleeding, tightness in the breasts, mood swings and sexual unwillingness.

Recommended: The hormone patch is particularly suitable for women with an irregular rhythm of life.

Security: Very high security with a Pearl index of 0.9 - 1.2

The hormone ring is a soft plastic ring with a diameter of 5.4 cm. It is inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Like the pill, it contains a combination of Oestrogens and Progestogenswhich are released continuously and enter the bloodstream through the vagina. After 21 days, the vaginal ring is removed and replaced with a new one after a seven-day break. If the ring is felt to be a nuisance during sexual intercourse, it can be removed for up to two hours without the contraceptive effect diminishing.

Mode of action: The hormones prevent monthly ovulation.

Advantages: There is no need to think about contraception every day. Vomiting, diarrhoea or taking medication do not influence the effect.

To note: The side effects of the hormones are comparable to those of the pill: Nausea, vomiting, weight gain, bleeding between periods, tightness in the breasts, mood swings and sexual unwillingness. The ring itself can cause vaginal irritation and increased discharge. Some women find the insertion and removal of the ring uncomfortable or feel that the ring is a foreign body in the vagina.

Recommended: The hormone ring is particularly suitable for women who have an irregular rhythm of life and do not want to think about taking the pill every day. Vomiting or diarrhoea do not affect the contraceptive effect.

Security:

High security with a Pearl index from 0.4 - 1.8

This contraceptive is a thin, soft plastic rod that is inserted as an implant on the inside of the upper arm just under the skin. The Implanon is smaller than a matchstick - 4 cm long, 2 mm thick. The active ingredient etonogestrel, a progesterone hormone, is embedded in the plastic of the rod and is released evenly in small quantities.

Mode of action: The corpus luteum hormone (Progestin) suppresses monthly ovulation and changes the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus. Sperm cells can only overcome this barrier in isolated cases. In addition, the hormone causes a remodelling of the uterine mucosa and thus makes it more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant.

Application period: 3 years

Possible complaints and complications: As with all hormonal contraceptive methods, undesirable side effects can occur, such as acne, weight gain, breast tenderness and harmless ovarian cysts. Irregular bleeding or spotting is possible, and often there is no period at all.

Safety: Very high safety with a Pearl index of less than 0.1

Advantages: Contraception is ensured in the long term without the risk of ingestion errors that occur with oral contraceptives (e.g. the pill or mini-pill). The active ingredient enters the bloodstream directly, the gastrointestinal tract is not affected, so the effectiveness is not impaired in case of diarrhoea or vomiting. Implanon does not contain oestrogens like the pill.

Insertion: By taking the mini pill (e.g. Cerazette) for three months, it is possible to test whether a purely progestogen-containing contraception is well tolerated before inserting the implant. If this is the case, the contraceptive rod is inserted between the 1st and 5th day of the cycle. The contraceptive effect is then ensured immediately. The insertion is done under local anaesthetic with the help of a special insertion syringe. Generally, the inner side of the upper arm is chosen - the left arm for right-handed women and the right arm for left-handed women.

If a new rod is desired after 3 years, it is reinserted in the same place after removing the old rod.

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