Contraception
About contraception options, and finding the best one
When it comes to contraception, there are several options available, each with its own benefits and considerations. Finding the best contraception method for you depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, health, and personal preferences. It’s important to have an open and honest discussion with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable option.
What are the different types of contraception?
Broadly speaking, there are 5 kinds of contraception:
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Long-term contraceptives
- Barrier methods
- Permanent methods of contraception
- Fertility awareness methods
Hormonal contraception
A hormonal contraceptive has synthetic versions of the hormone oestrogen and/or progesterone, at a dose that prevents pregnancy. Mimicking the activity of the hormones produced by the ovaries, hormonal contraceptives come in different forms:
- Oral Contraceptives pills– to take daily. One type are the Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC) pills — ‘the Pill’ — which contain an oestrogen and a progestogen. The other type are progestogen-only pills (POPs) — or ‘mini-Pill’ — which are useful for people who can’t use oestrogen-containing contraceptives.
- Vaginal ring (NuvaRing)– a contraceptive product inserted into the vagina. It contains a combination of oestrogen and progestogen.
- Contraceptive Injections – progestogen-only injections given into a muscle to prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks.
Long-term contraceptives
Breast screening — or breast cancer screening — is an imaging test that helps clinicians look for abnormal or concerning breast tissue. This imaging test is commonly known as a mammogram.
Breast screening is generally offered to women who have no symptoms of breast problems. It is the best way to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, which bolsters the chances of successful treatment.
Permanent methods of contraception
These are physical barriers that stop sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg. The main ones are condoms and diaphragms (caps that fit inside the vagina and prevent sperm from passing through the cervix).
Barrier methods of contraception are not as effective at preventing pregnancy as the hormonal contraceptives, or long-term contraceptives.
Barrier Methods of Contraception
Sometimes called sterilisation, this is a very big healthcare decision requiring careful consideration in consultation with a medical professional. Vasectomy (also called male sterilisation) is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure usually done under local anaesthetic. Female sterilisation usually involves a surgical procedure to cut or block the fallopian tubes. Blocking these tubes stop eggs moving from the ovaries to the womb (uterus).
Fertility awareness methods
Sometimes called natural family planning, the fertility awareness method involves using signs from cervical fluid or body temperature to know when a woman is at her least—or most—fertile during her menstrual cycle. It’s thought to be around 75 to 99.6% effective.
Which contraception option is best for me?
Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Your choice depends on your medical history and personal preferences.
You could ask your doctor some of the following questions:
- How effective is this option?
- What are the short-term side effects of this option?
- What are the long-term side effects of this option?
- What happens if I forget to take or use this birth control method?
- Are there any medical conditions that would make this method not appropriate for me?
- Is there anything I should avoid doing or taking while I’m using this method?
If you’d like to talk about your birth control and family planning options, Venus Women’s Clinics can help. We offer evidence-backed family planning and respect your values, needs and medical history first. Put your health first with the caring and compassionate health professionals at Venus Women’s Clinics.
NOTE: While it is reviewed for clinical accuracy, the content on the Venus Women’s Clinic website does not replace professional advice. This information should not be used as an alternative to professional healthcare. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a doctor or a specialist.
