Health Tips

Family planning allows women and couples to determine whether or when to have children. Many contraceptive methods today are available to allow them to choose the preferred birth control that best fits their lifestyle and budget.

These methods of contraception may be helpful when making decision:

• BARRIER METHODS. Male external condoms and female internal condoms stop the sperms from entering the vagina. In addition to preventing unplanned pregnancy, condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS. There are two types of pills; namely combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP) and progestogen-only contraceptive pills (POCP). Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of OCP in the next post. There is also emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) or “morning after” pills that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex.

Above: Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), Below: Progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POCP)

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)

• INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES. Depo Provera injection is a long-acting birth control which prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus which prevents sperm entrance into the uterus. This injection is taken every three months.

• HORMONAL IMPLANTS. These are small, flexible rods that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm to prevent ovulation and helps thicken the cervical mucus, thus blocking the sperm from fertilizing with the egg.

• INTRAUTERINE DEVICES (IUDs). An IUD is a small, flexible T-shaped device inserted into a woman’s uterus. There are two types of IUDs available; copper and levonorgestrel. The copper-bearing IUD can last about 10 years, whereas the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD) can last up to five years. Both IUDs are immediately reversible with no long-term effects fertility effects.

Left: Levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD), Right: Copper-bearing IUD

• STERILIZATION. This option provides an effective, permanent and irreversible protection for both men and women. For men, a procedure called vasectomy is performed by tying or cutting the vas deferens (tubes that carry the sperms). As for women, a surgery called tubal ligation is performed by tying or cutting the Fallopian tubes.

Above: Vasectomy, Below: Tubal Ligation

Watch a short video below on introduction to contraception here.

There is no contraception method that offers 100% protection against pregnancy, except abstinence. Seek professional medical advice to clarify and clear doubts about contraception.

References:

1. Contraception Methods | New Zealand Family Planning
2. Contraceptive Methods | Knowledge for Health
3. Birth Control Options | Options for Sexual Health 

Written by

Dr Amirah Ekhsan