With this issue of “Cupiditas” we start a new series on the theme of contraception. In recent years there were many tips for mental health, such as tips for preventing burn-out and tips for working safely. With the new series we want to present several methods for preventing pregnancy.

A very well-known form of contraception is the condom. The condom prevents you from becoming pregnant. It is also the only way you can protect yourself against many sexually transmitted diseases (if used correctly)! If you don’t want to depend only on a condom, additional contraception can provide more security.

There are natural (e.g. basal body temperature), mechanical (e.g. condom) and hor- monal contraceptive methods (e.g. the pill). Most contraceptives prevent a fertiliza- tion of the egg cell, so that a pregnancy does not result. Hormonal contraceptives attempt to inhibit monthly ovulation, for example by the release of hormones. Here are a few examples of hormonal contraceptive methods:

The pill: It must be taken daily, preferably at the same time. You can buy it from a pharmacy with a prescription from a specialist physician. The pill can have many side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, headaches. Positive side effects can be an alleviation of menstrual cramps. It is also possible for menstrual bleeding to decrease. A monthly package costs about 7-15 €. Bulk packages are often cheaper.

Contraceptive implant: The implant is a plastic rod that is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. The implant may irritate or slip, and menstrual bleeding may occur less often. An advantage over the pill is that you don’t have to think about contraception every day. The implant is inserted by health care professionals and removed again after about three years. The costs amount to about 300 €.

The contraceptive patch is an adhesive patch that provides hormonal contra- ception through the skin. It must be changed every week. You can shower with it, engage in sports, etc., but it can bother you in everyday life or become de- tached. You can buy it from a pharmacy with a prescription from a specialist physician. Monthly costs amount to about 18 €.

Taking hormones is always an intervention in the hormone system of your body. There can be many side effects and later damage. That is why it is im- portant to have examinations first and discuss risk factors with specialized physicians.Gynecologists are specialized physicians for questions of contraception. They can give you advice, prescriptions and necessary examinations. How- ever, contraception is not free in Austria! There is no charge for exami- nations, if you have health insurance from the GKK in Austria. If you are self-employed and ensured with the SVA, then you have to pay a deduct- ible (20% of the costs).