Contraception

What is Contraception?

Contraception, also known as birth control, is the prevention of pregnancy and can be achieved in different ways.

• barrier methods including condoms and diaphragm
• A hormonal method such as oral pills, Implanon, hormonal IUDs, Depo Provera injections and Nuva ring. 
• sterilization (surgery), vasectomy (surgery)
• natural family planning – observing mucus and temperature
• withdrawal or abstinence

Natural Planning Method

Natural family planning (NFP) or fertility awareness does not require medication, physical devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. This method relies on the woman's body physiology to know the time of ovulation. This method involves monitoring different body changes such as basal body temperature or cervical mucus variations. The woman then abstains from unprotected sex for approximately 7 to 10 days.

Barrier Methods

Barrier Methods are a common method that forms a physical barrier to obstruct the sperm from entering a woman's uterus. Barrier methods include the use of

• male condom
• female condom
• diaphragm
• cervical cap, 

The male condom is a thin covering made of latex or polyurethane that is rolled over an erect penis before sexual intercourse to prevent the sperm from entering a woman's vagina.

• The female condom is a polyurethane (plastic) tube that has a flexible ring at each end and is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse.
• The diaphragm is a flexible dome that covers the cervix inside the vagina.

Hormonal Methods

In this method, synthetic hormonal preparations containing oestrogen and progesterone can be administered

• orally (pills),
• implanted under the skin  – Implanon, 
• inserted in your uterus - IUD
• injected into the muscle (injections) – Depo Provera
• placed in the vagina (vaginal rings) – NuvaRing

These methods work by preventing ovaries from releasing eggs for fertilisation. They also thicken the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate. They also thin the lining of the womb decreasing its ability to accept a fertilised egg.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device made of plastic that is inserted into the uterus. 

It can be non – hormonal Copper and hormonal Mirena or Kyleena. 

Hormonal IUD works by thickening the mucus around the cervix and by thinning the womb lining, making it difficult to accept a fertilised egg. It can to a certain degree suppress ovulation – this is age-dependent. 

Copper IUD makes a hostile environment in the uterus not allowing implantation but also acting as a spermicide. 

Implanon

Implant containing Progesterone inserted into the upper part of the non-dominant arm under local anaesthetic

Depo Provera Injections

Intramuscular injections containing large dose Progesterone and lasting 12 weeks.

Withdrawal Method

The withdrawal method involves the complete removal of the penis from the woman's vagina before ejaculation.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent solution and is meant for men and women who do not intend to have children in the future. Male sterilisation involves vasectomy, a surgical blocking of the vas deferens, the tubes through which sperm pass into the semen. Female sterilisation involves a tubal ligation, a surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Your Choice

The choice of a particular method of contraception also depends on an individual's age, health, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, future pregnancy, plans to have children in the future, and certain medical conditions.

Therefore, always discuss with us the choice of birth control method.

It is necessary to know that most birth control methods prevent pregnancy. However, no method of birth control offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases.