Contraceptive Options
Several methods of contraception are available. The method you choose will depend on your general health, lifestyle and relationships. Contraceptives available include physical barriers and devices, hormonal (oral, implant and injectable) methods, sterilisation, emergency and ‘natural’ methods. Keep in mind that different contraceptions have diiferent effects and are used for different things. For example, the male condom will most likely protect one from STI's and sperm entering the vagina, while a implanon injection will not stop an STI from infecting someone, but will simply affect ovulation in order to stop a woman from becoming pregnant.
Physical Barrier Methods
Physical Barrier Methods include
· Male Condom
· Female Condom
· Diaphragm
· Male Condom
· Female Condom
· Diaphragm
Male Condoms
Male condoms are thin latex sheets that cover the erect penis and prevents semen from entering the vagina. This is an effective contraception as it works 98% of the time when used correctly. This means to apply the condom before contact between the partners genitals have contact. Male condoms are relatively cheap and are available in pharmacies, supermarkets and sexual health clinics.
Female Condoms
A female condom is a loose polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at each end that sits in the vagina and prevents semen from entering the serving by collecting them. It can be inserted several hours before intercourse and is stronger than the male condom, though it is harder and more time consuming to apply. Female condoms are harder to buy than male condoms as they are available in fewer places but can be found in some retail health outlets and sexual health clinics.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a soft shallow rubber dome that fits in the vagina, covers the cervix and stops sperm from entering the uterus and in turn stops the man from impregnating the woman. The diaphragm must stay in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse and is 94% effective if used, positioned and fitted correctly. To do so, the diaphragm must be fitted by a suitably trained doctor or nurse. While diaphragms may decrease the risk of STIs, they should not be relied upon completely for this purpose.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Hormonal contraception is available by prescription for women in the form of a pill, patch or vaginal ring. Hormonal contraception’s are highly effective (99.7%) if used correctly. But, if pills or ring are missed or skipped in regular use, their effectiveness may drop to 92%. Hormonal contraception DOES NOT PREVENT STI’s or may produce side effects.
Combined Pill
The pill is composed of synthetic forms of oestrogen and progesterone. It prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and alters the lining of the uterus and changes the lining of the uterus to make it less suitable for a fertilised egg to stick.
Different brands and manufacturers produce different kinds of combined pills with different amounts/ratios of the two hormones. The pill is generally not recommended for women who are at risk of heart disease and smokers over the age of 35.
Different brands and manufacturers produce different kinds of combined pills with different amounts/ratios of the two hormones. The pill is generally not recommended for women who are at risk of heart disease and smokers over the age of 35.
Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring contains similar hormones to the combined pill (Oestrogen and Progesterone) and works in the same way. Once inserted, the ‘one size fits all’ ring remains in place for 3 weeks. During those three weeks, hormones are slowly released that pass through the vagina and into the bloodstream. After three weeks, the ring is removed and replaced by another ring a week later. By using a vaginal ring, it saves you having to remember to take the pill on a daily basis and is low dose. All the while, it is easy to insert (similar to that of a tampon) and is 99.7% effective.
Mini Pill
The mini pill contains a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It makes the cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The mini pill must be taken at the same time on a daily basis and is not as effective as a combined pill. It is usually for women who obtain side effects from the oestrogen in the combined pills or shouldn’t take it for health reasons.
Hormonal Contraceptives- Implants and Injections
Hormonal contraceptives for women are also available as implants and injections. These methods are more effective than other hormonal methods but may produce side effects and like other hormonal contraceptives, don’t prevent STI’s. Male injectable contraceptives are currently being trialled.
Implanon
Implanon is a hormone implant the is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It contains etonogestrel, a progesterone-like hormone that prevents ovulation and hinders sperm from entering the cervix by changing cervical mucus. Implanon lasts for three years and is near 100% effective. The device is inserted by doctor under anaesthetic and is suitable for most women who can’t tolerate synthetic oestrogens.
Depo-Provera (DPMA) Injections
DPMA injections are long acting (12-14) injectable contraceptives containing progestogen. They prevent ovulation, block sperm by thickening the mucus made by the cervix and cause changes in the lining of the uterus to make it unsuitable for a fertilised egg to stick. DRMA injections provide a very private method of contraception and are highly effective.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is a permanent surgical procedure that requires the consent of a specialist. Female and male sterilisation are highly effective methods of contraception but don’t prevent the spread of STI’s.
Female Sterilisation
Female sterilisation blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing an egg from passing down the tube and being fertilised by a sperm. The two common surgical methods (both performed under general anaesthetic) are:
· Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) is done by the methods shown in the diagram to the left.
· Essure (having small coils inserted)
· Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) is done by the methods shown in the diagram to the left.
· Essure (having small coils inserted)
Vasectomy (Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves the blocking sperm by cutting the tubes they pass through from the testes to the penis.
Emergency Contraception
In certain cases, it is necessary to prevent pregnancy after sex, rather than before. For example, a broken condom or if contraception is not used while having sex e.g. rape. Emergency contraception, also known as the ‘morning after pill’, is a hormonal method of contraception that prevents or delays ovulation in the cycle. It may also stop a fertilised egg from sticking to the wall of the uterus and prevents 85% of pregnancies that may have otherwise occurred.
There are different types of emergency contraception available. A single pill containing the hormone progestogen (the most commonly used form), can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. Emergency contraception is best used within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 120 hours after sex, but is far more effective when taken within the first 24 hours.
There are different types of emergency contraception available. A single pill containing the hormone progestogen (the most commonly used form), can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. Emergency contraception is best used within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 120 hours after sex, but is far more effective when taken within the first 24 hours.
Natural Methods
Natural family planning is based on an understating of the menstrual cycle. Methods include monitoring cervical mucus changes, body temperature changes and rhythm or cycle calculations to help determine when a woman is most likely to be fertile each month.
The effectiveness of natural family planning varies in relation to whether one ar a combination of methods are used. Confidence, correct us and effectiveness improve the longer the method is used. Natural family planning methods however, do not protect against STI’s.
The effectiveness of natural family planning varies in relation to whether one ar a combination of methods are used. Confidence, correct us and effectiveness improve the longer the method is used. Natural family planning methods however, do not protect against STI’s.
External Links
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Guidetocontraception.aspx
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Contraception_choices_explained
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Contraception_choices_explained