By Darci L. Duro Janarelli
Gynaecologist

Means of contraception have always raised concern throughout history and the standing ground lies perhaps on the discovery of hormonal contraceptives.

Since then, having new methods been developed, some allied to the traditional already. Hence, means of administration wound up widely diversified.

One of which being via vaginal, until recently excluded out of the administration means of remedies.

Contraception via vaginal can be undertaken through sex barrier methods, which impede spermatozoid access beyond the uterine cervix, so much so as through medicine, whether topic or systemic.

Such as barrier methods, are both the diaphragm and the cervix hood. The diaphragm is latex or silicone made device that when placed at the end of the vagina blocks up spermatozoids from its entrance to the uterus.

It can be placed up to four hours beforehand or immediately prior sexual intercourse and shouldn't be removed until eight hours post sexual relation, thus not to remain over twenty four hours inside the vagina.

The cervical hood features basically the same characteristics as the diaphragm, distinguishable by its reduced scale, which might render its correct fitting difficult.

The female condom of low profile still, a wrap obtained from polyurethane, consisting of an internal enclosed ring inserted right at the vaginal cervix and an open external ring to encapsulate the external genitalia covering the vulva.

The reasons of which the method remains yet with low clientele it's the lack of information about this product, its anti-aesthetic feature and noise produced during sex.

Likewise, chemical methods, the spermicides are readily available in assorted forms ranging from creams, gel, foams or vaginal suppository to the monoxinol-9 as the mainstay drug employed.

Its toxic action against the spermatozoids is often employed alongside the diaphragm or cervical hood as back support for the contraceptive effect.

The sponges bear the spermicide effect as main mechanism of action, even though a barrier method.

It may be placed twenty fours in advance or shortly before the sex act as it should remain in the vagina for about six to eight hours post aftermath of sexual intercourse.

Yet, hormonal methods can be applied via vaginal in specific features for such matter.

There are available vaginal capsules of daily usage, during 21 days in a row, with a seven-day pause, the same way as in oral administration. The inconvenient being exactly its daily schedule, not a single day to be missed.

Another hormonal method is the vaginal ring of monthly use, that is, the woman remains with it inside the vagina during 21 days post insertion followed by 7 days without it.

Its practicality is positive a factor, although the size of the ring circumference at first glance usually causes impression of discomfort.

The gynecologist is the most indicated person to clarify doubts regarding such contraceptive methods, therefore don't hesitate to seek one out when necessary.