Frequently Asked Questions About Contraception

The emergency pill, or “morning after pill”, can protect you from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex if the contraception method you are using fails, such as condom splitting.

Contraceptive implants are small flexible rods placed just under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare professional. Depending on the type of implant, one to two rods are inserted.

The rods steadily release the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream, preventing the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation). This hormone also thickens the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus.

Many women find that heavy, painful periods reduce. There can sometimes be irregular bleeding initially, but this should go after the first few months.

You will receive local anaesthesia so there should be very little pain. The procedure takes only a few minutes. There might be a bit of bruising or soreness afterwards.

The implant is about the size of a thin matchstick, and people have it inserted under the skin of the inner side of the upper arm. Although one can feel it, it is not seen, except if someone is looking for it. At the site of insertion, there will be a tiny mark, but this isn’t very visible as a trained healthcare provider has inserted the implant.

After counselling by your healthcare provider and ensuring that you are not pregnant, the implant should be inserted within seven days after the onset of menstruation, or immediately or within seven days after an abortion. If the contraceptive implant is inserted at any other time, you will need to use an additional non-hormonal (barrier) method for the following seven days. In case of questions, please consult with your healthcare provider.

The implant contains a progestin reservoir which is released in tiny doses during the three years or five years depending on the type to prevent pregnancy. It will need to be replaced after this time as the hormone reservoir will run out.

No, the IUD is inside the womb, just like a man can’t feel a baby during pregnancy. The only part that might be felt sometimes is the soft strings in the vagina, which are not painful.

Many women find that heavy, painful periods are reduced. There can sometimes be irregular bleeding initially, but this should go after the first few months.

After the counseling by your healthcare provider and making sure that you are not pregnant, the implant should be inserted within 7 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding, or immediately or within 7 days after abortion. If the contraceptive implant is inserted at any other time, you will need to use an additional non-hormonal (barrier) method for the following 7 days. In case of questions, please consult with your healthcare provider.

The contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones that prevents pregnancy while effective. It can last between one and three months.

A healthcare provider must administer the contraceptive injection. Depending on where you live, you can have the injection done at your local doctor or family planning clinic.

You need to have the injection once every month or every three months, depending on the type of injection. The amount of hormone injected to prevent unintended pregnancy will only last around 4-12 weeks. The injection type determines this duration. You are unprotected against pregnancy if you miss contraceptive injections.

If you are sexually active but do not currently wish to have children, you can continue having the injections to protect against pregnancy. We advise having regular check-ups with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the method that suits you best.

No. There may be a delay in regaining fertility after stopping monthly injections. In time, a woman will be able to become pregnant as before, although fertility decreases as women get older. The bleeding pattern a woman had before she used injectable contraceptives Generally, a few months after the last injection, The bleeding pattern a woman had before she used injectable contraceptives returns to normal. Some women may have to wait a few months before their usual bleeding pattern returns.

Periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping injections, depending on the type of injectable, and this may vary from woman to woman.

The contraceptive patch stuck to the skin releases hormones. It is highly effective at stopping pregnancy.

Contraceptive patches adhere to the skin for a week, but if it does detach, you need to replace them as soon as possible as they will become ineffective as birth control if more than 24 hours pass. If more than 24 hours have passed between the patch falling off and its replacement, then the additional use of a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, will be required for one week.

The patch is very adhesive and rarely comes off. You can go in the shower, swim and exercise whilst wearing. Apply the patch to clean, dry skin. Avoid using creams or lotions near a patch you’re already wearing to ensure it sticks as much as possible. The contraceptive patch works by releasing estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream.

No, it may help to change the location a bit each week. It is best to apply the contraceptive patch to the buttocks, stomach, back or upper arms. Do not apply it to the breasts.

You cannot see any change in the patch or feel it working, but it continuously releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream. You just need to ensure you change the patch each week for three weeks and remember to start the next cycle of patches after the fourth patch-free week.

Always apply your contraceptive patch to clean, dry skin. Do not use lotions, creams, oils, powder, or makeup where you intend to put the patch or on top of or near a patch you are wearing. These products may cause the patch to fail to stick or become loose.

If your condom breaks, do not panic, let your partner know and visit the nearest pharmacy/clinic.