Aileen MillerContraception
Let's talk contraception! Everyone knows there is methods for both males and females to prevent pregnancy, but do you know all the methods, their effectiveness and how they work? We also share with you the methods that are safe while breastfeeding. Please remember all method statistics are based on the recommended use.
The Pill
Effectiveness: 91%
Regimen: Daily
Pro's:
- Highly effective when used as directed
- It’s easy to use
- It permits sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex
- Some pills may reduce heavy and painful periods
- Some pills may have a positive effect on acne
- Can be taken over a long period of time
Con's:
-It may cause some women to experience headaches and mood swings
- It requires keeping track of the number of days taken
- It may cause breast tenderness, nausea, headache, weight gain
- It may cause changes in your menstruation cycle
- It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood pressure
- It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks and strokes
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
How does it work?
Taken at the same time every day, the combined pill stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens cervical mucous to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
The Mini Pill - Breastfeeding Safe
Effectiveness: 91%
Regimen: Daily
Pro's:
- Highly effective when used as directed
- It’s easy to use
- It permits sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex
- Some pills may reduce heavy and painful periods
- Some pills may have a positive effect on acne
- Can be taken over a long period of time
- Breastfeeding safe
Con's:
-It may cause some women to experience headaches and mood swings
- It requires keeping track of the number of days taken
- It may cause breast tenderness, nausea, headache, weight gain
- It may cause changes in your menstruation cycle
- It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood pressure
- It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks and strokes
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
How does it work?
Taken at the same time every day, the combined pill stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens cervical mucous to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Intrauterine System (mirena) - Breastfeeding Safe
Effectiveness: 99%
Regimen: 3-5 years
Pro's:
- It can stay in place for either 3 or 5 years (depending on the type) but can be removed any time.
- It doesn’t interrupt sex
- Heavy periods can become lighter and less painful
- Some women may have shorter lighter or less frequent periods, which reduces the chances of becoming anaemic
-Suitable for women who want long-acting reversible contraception for up to 3 or 5 years and wish to avoid daily, weekly or monthly regimens
- It can be used when breastfeeding
- Fertility returns to its previous level once the IUS is removed
Con's:
- It requires a trained healthcare provider for insertion and removal
- Irregular bleeding and spotting can be common in the first 6 months of use
- Some women experience headaches, tenderness and acne after an IUS is fitted
- It may cause cramps and/or irregular bleeding
- Small risk of infection at insertion and removal
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
How does it work?
Releases low doses of progestin into the womb. Thickens cervical mucous to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and thins the uterine walls.
Male Condom - Breastfeeding Safe
Effectiveness: 82%
Regimen: Every time
Pro's:
- It can be used on demand
- It can be easily carried with you
- It isn’t affected by other medications
- It can be used when breastfeeding
- Hormone free
- It’s easy to use
- It protects against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Con's:
- It interrupts sex
- It can tear or come off during sex if not used properly
- Some people are allergic to latex condoms
- It may lead to irritation or allergic reactions (if you are allergic to latex, you can try condoms made of polyurethane)
How does it work?
Placed over the entire penis there is a reservoir at the tip that catches sperm preventing it from entering the vagina or uterus.
Contraceptive Patch
Effectiveness: 91%
Regimen: Weekly
Pro's:
- It's easy to put on and to remove
- It doesn't require daily attention
- It permits sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex
- You don’t have to remember to take it every day
Con's:
- It's visible and may come loose or fall off