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Contraception
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What are the different types of contraception?
There are various types of contraception, including hormonal methods like birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants; barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; intrauterine devices (IUDs); fertility awareness methods; and permanent methods like sterilization.
How effective is contraception in preventing pregnancy?
The effectiveness of contraception varies depending on the method used. Some methods, like hormonal implants or IUDs, are more than 99% effective, while others, like condoms, have a lower efficacy rate. It’s important to use contraception consistently and correctly to maximize effectiveness.
Are there any side effects of hormonal contraception?
Hormonal contraception can have side effects, which may vary depending on the individual and the specific method used. Common side effects include changes in menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, and nausea. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential side effects and find the best option for you.
Can contraception protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Most forms of contraception do not provide protection against STIs. Condoms, both male and female, are the only method that can offer some protection against STIs. It’s recommended to use condoms in addition to other methods for dual protection against pregnancy and STIs.
Can I get pregnant immediately after stopping contraception?
Fertility can return quickly after stopping certain forms of contraception, such as hormonal methods. However, the timing of fertility restoration varies among individuals and methods. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on when you can expect to regain fertility after stopping contraception.
How do I choose the right contraception method for me?
Choosing the right contraception method depends on various factors, including your overall health, lifestyle, preferences, and future family planning goals. Discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.
Can I switch between different contraception methods?
Yes, it is generally possible to switch between different contraception methods. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted protection against pregnancy.
How do I choose the right contraception method for me?
Choosing the right contraception method depends on various factors, including your overall health, lifestyle, preferences, and future family planning goals. Discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.
What should I do if I miss a dose of my contraceptive pill?
If you miss a dose of your contraceptive pill, it’s important to follow the specific instructions provided with your pill pack. Refer to the package insert or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Are there any natural or non-hormonal contraception options available?
Yes, there are non-hormonal contraception options available, such as barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps.
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What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception — sometimes called the “morning after pill” — can help prevent pregnancy if you’ve had unprotected sex or your birth control method didn’t work (like a condom breaking). It’s most effective the sooner you take it, so don’t wait!
Our condom broke! What should we do?
There are various types of contraception, including hormonal methods like birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants; barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; intrauterine devices (IUDs); fertility awareness methods; and permanent methods like sterilization.
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What are contraceptive implants?
They’re small, flexible rods (usually just one or two) that a healthcare provider inserts under the skin of your upper arm. You won’t see them, but you might be able to feel them — like a tiny matchstick under your skin.
What hormone is used in the contraceptive implant?
The implant slowly releases a hormone called progestogen. This stops your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get through.
Will the hormones of the contraceptive implant affect my period?
Yep — it can. A lot of people notice that their periods become lighter or less painful. Some might have irregular bleeding at first, but that usually settles down after a few months.
Is it painful to get the contraceptive implant inserted?
Not really! You’ll get a numbing injection first, so you shouldn’t feel pain — just a quick pinch. It’s a fast procedure, and you might have a little soreness or bruising afterwards.
Is the contraceptive implant noticeable to someone looking?
Nope! It’s tucked just under your skin on the inside of your upper arm. Someone might feel it if they touch your arm, but it’s not something people would notice just by looking.
When should the contraceptive implant be inserted?
It’s best to get it within 7 days after your period starts or right after an abortion, just to be sure you’re not already pregnant. If it’s inserted at another time, you’ll need to use backup protection (like condoms) for the next 7 days.
Why does the contraceptive implant have to be replaced after 3 to 5 years?
The implant has a limited supply of hormones — usually lasting 3 to 5 years depending on the brand. Once the hormones run out, it needs to be swapped for a new one to keep working.
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Can the man feel the IUD during sex?
Nope! The IUD sits inside your uterus — it’s way up there, out of reach. The only part that might be felt is the soft string that helps your doctor remove it later, but most people don’t even notice that.
Will the hormones released from an IUD affect my periods?
It can! Many people find their periods become lighter and less painful. Some spotting or irregular bleeding might happen at first, but that usually gets better after a few months.
When should I get an IUD?
Same as the implant — it’s best to get it within 7 days of your period starting, or right after an abortion, to be sure you’re not already pregnant. If you get it at a different time, just use backup contraception for a week.
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What is the contraceptive injection?
It’s a shot that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy — simple as that! Depending on the type, it lasts 1 to 3 months.
Do I have to go to a hospital to get the contraceptive injection?
Yes — a healthcare provider gives you the shot. You can usually get it at a clinic or family planning center.
Will I fall pregnant if I miss a contraceptive injection?
The injection wears off after about 4–12 weeks, depending on the type. If you’re late for your next shot, you might not be protected — so it’s important to stay on schedule or use condoms as backup.
How many contraceptive injections can you have?
Absolutely. As long as you’re happy with it and it suits your body, you can keep using it. Just check in with your healthcare provider regularly to make sure it’s still the best option for you.
Can monthly contraceptive injections make me infertile?
No way. Your fertility might take a little time to come back after stopping the injection — sometimes up to a year — but it does return. Everyone’s body is a bit different, but using injections won’t affect your ability to have kids in the future.
I may want to have children in the future. Will the injectable contraceptive affect my long-term fertility?
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.
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What is the contraceptive patch?
It’s a small patch you stick on your skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Super easy and super effective — just stick it on and go!
If the contraceptive patch falls off, will I have to use a new one, and will I become pregnant?
If it comes off for less than 24 hours, just stick a new one on right away and you’re good. If it’s been more than a day, pop on a new patch and use backup protection (like condoms) for a week, just to be safe.
Can the contraceptive patch come off in the shower?
Yep! It’s designed to stick even when you’re getting wet — whether you’re showering, swimming, or sweating it out in the gym.
Do I have to wear the contraceptive patch in the same place?
Nope! You can switch it up. Great places include your butt, stomach, back, or upper arm — just avoid your breasts, and stick it to clean, dry skin.
How can I tell if the patch is working?
You won’t feel anything, but that’s normal! The patch works silently in the background — just make sure you change it once a week for three weeks, then take a one-week break before starting again.
Can lotions (moisturising lotions, tanning lotions, etc.) affect the contraceptive patch?
They can, so it’s best to avoid putting lotions, oils, or powders near your patch. They might make it slip off or stop it from sticking properly.
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Contraceptive Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
1 or 2 small hormone-releasing silicone rods placed under the skin by a healthcare provider.
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
1 or 2 small hormone-releasing silicone rods placed under the skin by a healthcare provider.
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CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
The contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones that lasts for 1 up to 3 months.
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
The contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones that lasts for 1 up to 3 months.
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CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
A patch that sticks to the skin and releases hormones that are highly effective at stopping pregnancy.
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
A patch that sticks to the skin and releases hormones that are highly effective at stopping pregnancy.
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CONTRACEPTIVE RING
A flexible plastic ring that is placed in the vagina by the woman and constantly releases hormones.
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
A flexible plastic ring that is placed in the vagina by the woman and constantly releases hormones.
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DIAPHRAGM
A diaphragm is a small dome that blocks the entrance to the cervix to stop sperm from entering the womb.
DIAPHRAGM
A diaphragm is a small dome that blocks the entrance to the cervix to stop sperm from entering the womb.
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EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
Emergency contraceptives are hormone-based pills that are used in the event of accidental unprotected sex.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
Emergency contraceptives are hormone-based pills that are used in the event of accidental unprotected sex.
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FEMALE CONDOM
A female condom is a sheath that is placed inside a woman’s vagina before sexual intercourse.
FEMALE CONDOM
A female condom is a sheath that is placed inside a woman’s vagina before sexual intercourse.
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FERTILITY AWARENESS
Fertility awareness is the method of only having sex on the non-fertile days of your menstrual cycle.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
Fertility awareness is the method of only having sex on the non-fertile days of your menstrual cycle.
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INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
An IUD is a small, flexible, often T-shaped device wrapped in copper that is placed inside your womb by your healthcare provider.
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
An IUD is a small, flexible, often T-shaped device wrapped in copper that is placed inside your womb by your healthcare provider.
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INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
An IUS is a small, flexible, T-shaped system that releases low levels of hormones and is placed inside the womb by your healthcare provider.
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
An IUS is a small, flexible, T-shaped system that releases low levels of hormones and is placed inside the womb by your healthcare provider.
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MALE CONDOM
A condom is a thin film sheath that is placed over a man’s erect penis before having sex.
MALE CONDOM
A condom is a thin film sheath that is placed over a man’s erect penis before having sex.
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PULL-OUT METHOD
Pulling out (also called Withdrawal Method) requires no additional hormones or devices, just impeccable timing and a lot of luck.
PULL-OUT METHOD
Pulling out (also called Withdrawal Method) requires no additional hormones or devices, just impeccable timing and a lot of luck.
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SPERMICIDES
Spermicides affect the way sperm travels in the womb making it hard for them to move freely and fertilize an egg.
SPERMICIDES
Spermicides affect the way sperm travels in the womb making it hard for them to move freely and fertilize an egg.
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SPONGE
A sponge blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stopping sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg.
SPONGE
A sponge blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stopping sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg.
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STERILISATION
Sterilisation is the process of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce through surgery or minimal invasion.
STERILISATION
Sterilisation is the process of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce through surgery or minimal invasion.
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THE PILL
The pill is a small tablet containing hormones that must be swallowed every day, at the same time.
THE PILL
The pill is a small tablet containing hormones that must be swallowed every day, at the same time.
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