There is a whole basket of birth control methods that are available, often so confusing. My aim is to run you through some of these so that you can choose what is appropriate for you. The best person to guide you is your doctor.Choose what is best for you.Also, do not worry, if one does not suit you; there are many alternatives that you can try till you find one that is good for you.
The methods available are :
- Condoms [male]
- Condoms [female]
- Caps
- Diaphragms
- Combined pills
- Progesterone only pills
- Contraceptive implant
- Contraceptive injection
- Contraceptive patch
- Intrauterine device [ copper containing and hormone containing]
- Vaginal ring
- Rhythm method
Permanent methods:
- Tubectomy
- Vasectomy
Condoms and other barrier methods like cervical caps and diaphragms prevent sexually transmitted diseases as well.
WHO CAN USE THE COMBINED PILL?
Combined estrogen and progesterone pills help by preventing ovulation [release of the egg], by preventing the egg to be fertilised by the sperm or by making cervical mucous thick. When used correctly, the pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Your doctor will take a proper history and rule out contraindications to take the pill. The pill may not be good for you if:
- You are a smoker and are 35 years or older
- Stopped smoking less than a year ago and are 35 years of age or more
- Are extremely overweight
- Take certain medicines which may interact with these pills
- Have had blood clots in a vein or a stroke
- Have a family history of blood clots or stroke
- Have heart disease or severe hypertension
- Have severe migraines or depression
- Have breast cancer or genital cancer
- Gall bladder disease
- Diabetes
Immediately post-delivery when you are breastfeeding your baby
You will highly benefit from these pills even if you have heavy bleeding, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, PCOS, symptoms of PMS and many other problems like acne and abnormal hair growth.
Remember, though that these pills do not protect against STDs
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT OR HORMONE CONTAINING IUD?
If you forget to take a pill everyday and find doing so very troublesome , a hormone containing implant or IUD is good for you . It can be inserted for a period of 3-5 years . Also, it is indicated where estrogen is not indicated especially for girls who are breast feeding . It reduces heavy bleeding and period pain .
Remember however that it requires insertion by a doctor .
WHO CAN USE THE PROGESTERONE ONLY PILL?
If you’re above 35 years of age, a smoker , are breast feeding your baby and don’t have a problem about taking the pill everyday or with irregular bleeding or spotting or no periods (amenorrhea ) while you use this POP.
WHO NEEDS A PERMANENT METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL?
A vasectomy or tubectomy is suited for someone who’s completed their family and does not want any more children. These methods are generally irreversible; they have a small chance of reversal depending on many factors. You must be very sure before you opt for these procedures.
There is a method that suits everyone ; just let your doctor find the one which will help you prevent an unwanted pregnancy and unnecessary and occasionally risky terminations
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