There are many different options of contraception, some are barrier methods whilst others are hormonal contraception and devices.
Each method has its benefits and considerations to explore before choosing the right one for you. Knowing all the options helps empower individuals to make informed decisions.
What is contraception?
Birth control methods are used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. They play a vital role in reproductive health and allow individuals to plan when they want to have children. Though no form of birth control is 100% effective, some methods are more preferred than others.
Depending on the method chosen, some can also prevent transmission of STI. There are many different types of contraception.
Oral Contraceptive pill
A birth control pill contains hormones that prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, the cervical mucus thickness and altering of the uterine lining. These medications are also used for different purposes such as acne or PCOS however do not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
The oral pill is said to be 99.7% effective. The effectiveness can be less if it’s taken irregularly. Certain medications can affect the absorption of medicines and if they are unwell with diarrhea and vomiting.
There are certain ways to take these medicines especially if a tablet is late or missed. There is a risk of getting pregnant if the tablet is more than 24 hours late or several ones are missed in a row. It is important to follow the doctor’s advice on how to effectively take the pill. The pill is not for women with a history of focal migraine, history of blood clotting, liver problems or unusual bleeding. It is always best to consult your doctor before starting on any hormonal contraception.
Combined contraceptive pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill has two hormones oestrogen and progesterone. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month whilst thickening the cervical lining. Females need to take the pill at the same time each day.
There are many different types of combined hormonal contraceptives. The pill packs come in a pack of 28 tablets, one of each day of the month with 21 hormone tablets and 7 non-hormone pills or 24 hormone pills with 4 non-hormone ones.
Progesterone only contraceptive pill
The progesterone only pill has only one hormone, progesterone, also known as a mini pill. It thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb stopping sperm from passing through to fertilize the egg. It is taken at the same time every day.
This contraceptive pill is suitable for women who are breastfeeding whilst the combined oral pill is not.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are certain advantages such as developing a regular menstrual cycle with reduced blood loss. PMS symptoms can also be improved or become absent whilst on the pill. The OCP helps with acne and with many individuals this medication can be given for non reproductive reasons only. It can also help with endometriosis and heavy periods.
The disadvantage of the pill is that it must be taken daily to be effective. It may not work when an individual is unwell and there are side effects from when you first start the medicine. The pill does increase the risk of blood clots and stroke and can cause a short delay in the return of a normal cycle and fertility.
Side effects of oral contraceptive pill
Like all other medicine there are side effects of the oral combined pill which range from tender breasts, nausea, spotting/breakthrough bleeding, weight gain and mood changes. There are rare side effects which, if experienced, should be consulted with a doctor.
Other contraception options
There are other forms of contraception. Some which are hormone based whilst others are external methods of contraception.
Barrier Methods
The male condom is a thin rubber/plastic cover which is to be worn by the male during sexual intercourse. This prevents the sperm from entering the vagina. These are widely accessible, inexpensive and can provide protection against STI in addition to unplanned pregnancy. However this contraception option requires proper use for effectiveness.
The female diaphragm is a barrier inserted into the vagina to prevent the sperm reaching the cervix. They aren’t as common but offer similar benefits including STI’s.
The Vaginal ring
The ring contains the two hormones as the pills and works the same way as the pill does to prevent an egg from being released each month. The ring is usually placed high in the vagina and left there for three weeks. Followed by taking it out for a week to allow for a monthly bleed to occur. It is also claimed to be 99.7% effective.
The contraceptive injection
This is an injection method of a long lasting synthetic injection. Women need to have an injection every 12 weeks for effective contraception. This can be used when breastfeeding. Some common side effects could be mood changes, tummy discomfort and headaches.
The contraceptive Implant
A small plastic rod is inserted underneath the skin of the upper arm. This slowly releases the hormone progestogen, stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. This results in a different bleeding pattern for some whilst others stop getting their periods altogether. The common side effects could be skin changes, mood changes and weight gain. It will last 3 years and is 99.95% effective.
The intrauterine device (IUD)
This device is placed in the uterus and there are two kinds. The copper IUD lasts 5-10 years and progestogen IUD lasts for up to 5 years. The device affects the sperm survival in the uterus so they cannot reach the egg to fertilize it. It also changes the lining of the womb so it’s not suitable for pregnancy.
The emergency contraception pill
At the time of unprotected sex or when a condom may break, the emergency contraception can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However this isn’t for a regular contraception option.
Withdrawal Method
This method though may be the easiest with no side effects at hand, it is risky to use if actively wanting to avoid pregnancy. This method is based on the ability of the man to pull out quick enough before ejaculation. Even if ejaculation happens at the entrance to the vagina, some sperm can swim inside and women can get pregnant. Using this method with perfection is hard to achieve.
Fertility awareness method
This method relies on the females knowledge of her cycle and when precisely ovulation occurs and avoiding intercourse at that time. Couples using this method need to seek education around family planning to ensure they are accurately pressuring ovulation. This method is not most effective and if another reliable method can be used it’s best avoided.
Consulting a doctor
When deciding on any sort of contraception, it is important to discuss with your doctor about any concerns, questions or preexisting conditions you may have. Most methods of contraception need a doctor’s prescription so they can best advise you on the options which are right for you.
