Contraception
Contraception, also known as birth control, is the prevention of pregnancy by interfering with the process of conception and implantation. There are several different methods of contraception, which may suit you at different times in your life.
Contraceptive methods
There are many types of birth control – for women and for men.
The choice of a contraceptive method depends on a person’s age, health, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, desire to have children and certain medical conditions. Always discuss the birth control method you choose with your doctor.
Different options include
Barrier methods
These are the most common and involve using a physical barrier to prevent the sperm from entering the woman’s uterus.
Methods include:
- Male condom: a thin latex or polyurethane covering rolled over the erect penis before sexual intercourse.
- Female condom: a polyurethane tube inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse.
- Spermicides: a substance that kills the sperm.
Hormonal methods
Synthetic and natural hormones may be taken orally, implanted into body tissue or placed in the vagina. They prevent ovaries from releasing eggs, thicken mucus around the cervix and thin the lining of the womb. They are 99.7 per cent effective if used correctly.
Options include
- Combined pill: contains synthetic forms of the hormone oestrogen and progesterone.
- Micronor pill: contains a synthetic form of only one hormone, progesterone.
- Vaginal ring: A ‘one size fits all’ ring, placed into the vagina to slowly release hormones. The ring only lasts for three weeks.
- Intrauterine Devices (IUD): An IUD is a small device containing copper or hormones that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. IUDs are more than 99 per cent effective and work by changing the environment of the uterus so sperm cannot survive.
- Sterilisation: Sterilisation involves either a vasectomy (for men) or a tubal ligation (for women) and is used for individuals who do not intend to have children in the future.