Vaginal and intrauterine contraception

With the introduction of modern contraceptives (i.e. oral contraceptives and IUDs) women in France as well as those in Europe in general tend not to use vaginal contraceptives as their principal contraceptive method. Vaginal contraceptives include the condom diaphragm and spermicide in the form of a pessary tablet jelly cream or sponge. When vaginal contraceptives are used correctly they have an acceptable efficacy and are useful at least as interim methods. It is important to also consider their part in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Further the vaginal barrier methods the condom and the diaphragm provide significant protection against cervical cancer. 14% of women aged 15-49 in France and 90 million women worldwide use the IUD. Worldwide the IUD is the primary reversible contraceptive method used. The contraceptive mode of action of the IUD is not yet clearly understood. The most popular IUD is the copper-releasing IUD. The IUD releasing progesterone or a synthetic progestin is useful in treating anemia menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea.