How to Approach Contraceptives and Know what is Right for You.
Contraception and choosing the right one for you can seem a bit of a daunting task, especially with so many options out there. As a someone with a vagina, picking one that suits your body, considering what you wish to take it for, and your personal preferences around contraception are really key in making your decision and should not be forgotten for the pure simplicity of choosing the common pill. While it will always be your doctor’s first suggestion, make sure when you make that appointment you truly know what you want out of it. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources to help you choose. It’s essential to understand the different methods, effectiveness rates, and the short- and long-term factors that come with each option. So, here is the ‘Galene breakdown’ of approaching contraceptives for you so you can really take control of your reproductive health.
The Many…Many Options
Most women are aware that there is a wealth of choice for contraception. However, many of them are ignored in favour for the pill. Below is an explanation of ALL the options you have, including effectiveness, how to use, pros and cons, and anything else about that choice you should know. It must be said that none of these contraceptive methods prevent STDs, unfortunately only a condom can do that.
Caps or Diaphragms: These are soft silicone caps that cover the entrance to the uterus (cervix) and prevent sperm from entering. They can be used at any time and are reusable. When used correctly with spermicide, diaphragms are 94% effective in preventing pregnancy. Sometimes, cystitis can be a problem among some who chose this option. However, advantages of this type of contraception is its non-hormonal and thus does not affect your period, there are also no notes of any long-lasting health risks by using it.
Combined Pill: The oral contraceptive is a pill containing synthetic hormones that prevent the release of an egg. When taken consistently, it is more than 99% effective. However, with the typical case, it is approximately 95% effective. The pill can side effects such as mood swings, nausea, headaches, and increased blood pressure. There is also current research into the links of the pill and depression. But this, according to researchers, is still being explored. It must be said that if you suffer with heavy periods and/or painful periods they can be helped by taking the combined pill.
Contraceptive Implant: This is where a small rod inserted under the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. It is more than 99% effective with perfect use. Some people who do use the implant complain of a continuous light period, potential mood swings, headaches and nausea and issues with acne. Your periods could be irregular or stop altogether. However, the implant is incredibly easy to fit, is long lasting, is suitable for those who are unable to use birth control that uses oestrogen. It is also safe to use while breastfeeding.
Contraceptive Injection: Is a long-acting synthetic hormone injected every 12 weeks for contraception. It is 99.8% effective with perfect use. This is a very useful option for women who can’t use contraception that contains oestrogen and is not affected by other medicines. Side effects, however, do include weight gain, headaches, mood swings and irregular bleeding.
Contraceptive Patch: This is patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. When used correctly, it is more than 99% effective. However, with typical use, it is approximately 95% effective. This may not a suitable option for women over 35 or over and those who weigh more than 14 stone, but this is still under discussion. It is simple, convenient, can help against acne and has been said to help regularity with periods.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) or Copper Coil: This is a T-shaped device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Copper IUDs are more than 99% effective, while hormonal IUDs (IUS or hormonal coil) are also highly effective. The pros and cons for the IUD and Coil are slightly different due to the hormonal element. For the hormonal IUD, it’s very small, the most effective contraception you could be on, is easily reversible, and only has to be replaced every 5 to 10 years so the small procedure required definitely gets is longevity in use. Things that must be considered with it are it can lead to heavier bleeding, there is no anaesthetic during its insertion, and there is the possibility of weight gain. The copper coil is pretty much the same, but as a non-hormonal birth control, typical side effects of hormonal contraception aren’t possible. There is the potential for heavier, longer periods and possible cramping but overall, the copper coil has very minimal side effects.
Natural Family Planning: Methods that involve monitoring fertility signs, such as menstrual cycle patterns, mucus consistency, and body temperature, are used to determine fertile days for women trying to get pregnant. But these can also be used to avoid pregnancy as well. When done perfectly, these methods are 95% to 99.6% effective. This option is good for those looking to get pregnant, but also those who don’t wish to use hormonal or physical methods of contraception. In tandem with the use of condoms, you have to keep a daily record of your fertility signals, but illness, stress and travel must also be considered when these are taken. However, there are absolutely no physical side effects to this way of preventing pregnancy.
Considering Your Body & Goals
There are definitely factors you should consider before choosing a contraception, of which will also help you narrow down your choices to get specific about what you want. These are some ideas you should go over:
Pregnancy Plans: Determine whether you want to conceive soon, in a few years, or not at all. This is reduce you options as some methods require a long term commitment and others can be stopped immediately.
Effectiveness: Understand the effectiveness rates of each method and how they align with your goals. Naturally, if you’re absolutely not trying to get pregnant right now, the higher the better.
Side Effects: Consider possible side effects associated with each method and discuss them with your doctor or nurse. Especially if you’re on certain medication, already suffer strong PMS/PMDD, or have family history including reproductive health issues.
Frequency of Sexual Activity: Assess how often you actually have sex, and whether the method is the best protection you can get in comparison to that amount (little or loads is perfectly normal). The last thing you want is any surprises because you forgot to take your pill or insert your diaphragm.
Number of Sexual Partners: If you have multiple partners, consider methods that provide protection against sexually transmitted infections. As previously stated, none of these contraceptive methods prevent against STDs so if penetration is happening, a condom is going to be needed and even if not, a discussion is still incredibly necessary.
Overall, Health: Discuss your overall health with your healthcare provider to determine the best contraceptive option for you. Even though Galene fact-checks everything we put on here by companies and medical advice providers, we don’t know it all and are only giving you the facts, not an actual opinion on what you should use. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so please check with your doctors or nurses.
User Comfort: Consider how comfortable you are with using the method consistently and correctly. Factors like daily pill consumption or condom usage should be taken into account as, if you’re somewhat forgetful, a pill is going to be difficult. Or, if you don’t like the idea of a physical insertion, the IUD will not be it for you.
Choosing the right contraceptive method is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of your body, goals, and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another. By understanding the different contraceptive methods, their effectiveness rates, and all the general factors to consider, you can make informed choices that empower you to take control of your reproductive health. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss individual needs, address any concerns, and find the contraceptive method that aligns best with your body and goals.
