Understanding the different hormonal birth control methods is crucial for medical professionals. If you’re learning Spanish and working in the medical field, knowing these terms and their explanations can help you communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking patients. Below, we explore six common hormonal contraceptive methods: “las inyecciones,” “la píldora o pastillas anticonceptivas,” “el DIU,” “el parche hormonal,” “el implante,” and “el anillo hormonal.”
Las Inyecciones (Injections)
Explanation: Hormonal injections are a convenient birth control method for many women. These injections typically contain a hormone called progestin.
Example Conversation:
- Doctor: “¿Está interesada en las inyecciones anticonceptivas?”
- Patient: “Sí, he oído hablar de ellas. ¿Cómo funcionan?”
- Doctor: “Las inyecciones se administran cada tres meses y funcionan suprimiendo la ovulación y espesando el moco cervical.”
La Píldora o Pastillas Anticonceptivas (The Pill or Contraceptive Tablets)
Explanation: Contraceptive pills are one of the most well-known and widely used birth control methods. There are two main types: combined pills (containing estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills.
Example Conversation:
- Doctor: “¿Ha considerado la píldora anticonceptiva?”
- Patient: “No estoy segura. ¿Qué opciones hay?”
- Doctor: “Tenemos pastillas combinadas, que contienen estrógeno y progestina, y pastillas solo de progestina. Deben tomarse diariamente.”
El DIU (Dispositivo Intrauterino) (IUD – Intrauterine Device)
Explanation: The hormonal IUD is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that releases a small amount of progestin.
Example Conversation:
- Doctor: “¿Ha pensado en usar un DIU?”
- Patient: “He oído hablar del DIU, pero no sé cómo funciona.”
- Doctor: “El DIU hormonal se coloca en el útero y puede durar entre tres y cinco años. Funciona espesando el moco cervical y a veces suprimiendo la ovulación.”
El Parche Hormonal (The Hormonal Patch)
Explanation: The contraceptive patch is a discreet and effective method that is applied to the skin and replaced weekly. It releases hormones such as estrogen and progestin.
Example Conversation:
- Doctor: “¿Le interesaría usar el parche hormonal?”
- Patient: “¿Cómo se usa el parche?”
- Doctor: “El parche se aplica sobre la piel y se reemplaza semanalmente. Funciona inhibiendo la ovulación y espesando el moco cervical.”
El Implante (The Implant)
Explanation: The contraceptive implant is a small rod inserted under the skin of the arm that releases a continuous dose of progestin.
Example Conversation:
- Doctor: “¿Le gustaría saber más sobre el implante anticonceptivo?”
- Patient: “Sí, ¿qué es exactamente?”
- Doctor: “El implante es un pequeño bastoncillo que se inserta bajo la piel del brazo y dura hasta tres años.”
El Anillo Hormonal (The Hormonal Ring)
Explanation: The vaginal ring is a flexible device inserted into the vagina that releases hormones like estrogen and progestin for one month.
Example Conversation:
- Doctor: “¿Ha considerado el anillo hormonal?”
- Patient: “No estoy segura de cómo se usa.”
- Doctor: “El anillo se inserta en la vagina y se deja durante un mes. Funciona inhibiendo la ovulación y espesando el moco cervical.”
For medical professionals learning Spanish, being familiar with these hormonal birth control methods and their terms in Spanish is essential. Each method has its benefits and considerations, and choosing the right one should be based on the individual needs and preferences of each patient. Providing clear and accurate information will help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
