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Women's Health
Contraception
The decision to use contraception is an important one. So you should know as much as possible about the choices available to you before you make a decision. This leaflet will provide information for you to consider before you make a decision on whether or not to use contraceptives and which contraceptive you should use.
Contraceptive Choices Some common types of contraception you may encounter include:
1. Condoms
2. Intrauterine devices
3. Injectable contraceptive
4. Withdrawal method
5. Natural / Rhythm method
6. Oral contraceptive also called "the Pill"
The Purpose of ContraceptionThe primary purpose of a contraceptive is to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Other reasons why women use contraceptives are: - To regulate the menstrual cycle
- For beneficial effects on skin e.g. to treat or prevent acne
- Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Every woman's need is unique and this will determine your contraceptive choice. Remember too that different contraceptives come with different benefits and these should guide you when making a decision. Arguably the greatest benefit of using a contraceptive is that it gives you a measure of control over your reproductive life. So you can decide if and when to fall pregnant. This is in contrast to women of previous generations who did not have the choices available to you today.
No contraceptive is 100% effective however with correct usage, contraceptives significantly reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.
The CondomThis is another popular contraceptive method. Condoms come in male and female versions, in different colours and flavours.
The benefits of using condoms are: - Can help prevent STIs
- Easily available and affordable (this refers to male condoms)
- Can be used at short notice when necessary
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)This is a long-term contraceptive option. The IUD is inserted into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. Depending on the type of IUD, it can prevent pregnancy for 5 – 10 years.
Injectable ContraceptivesThese are administered by a healthcare professional once every 2 or 3 months. Some women find the injectable contraceptive a convenient method due to the prolonged action after a single administration. It should be noted though that depending on the type of injection, periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping the injection.
Other contraception methods in common use include: - Withdrawal method - the male partner avoids ejaculating inside the woman during intercourse
- Natural / rhythm method – this relies on a woman's awareness of her menstrual cycle. She can have intercourse at the time in her cycle that she is least likely to fall pregnant
Both of these methods are highly unreliable and greatly increase your chances of falling pregnant.
The Pill The Pill is an excellent choice for millions of women who need a contraceptive that: - Is easy to use and is safe
- Is suitable from the teen to menopausal years
- Has contraceptive effects that are quickly reversible
- Results in reduced menstrual bleeding and fewer cramps
- Results in shorter and more regular periods
- Can also have a number of other non-contraceptive health benefits
The Pill is 99% effective, which is why it Is one of the most reliable contraceptives today. In comparison, the intrauterine device is 98-99% effective and the male condom is 98% effective.
How The Pill WorksOral contraceptives are usually made up of two types of hormones: estrogen and progestogen. These hormones prevent pregnancy in two ways: they stop your ovaries from releasing the egg and thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
Your body will shed the unfertilized egg along with the lining of the womb naturally, resulting in your period.
Many oral contraceptives come in 28-day packs. Such packs contain 21 pills with hormones (active pills) and 7 pills without hormones (inactive pills / placebos). When using the 28-day pack, you'll need to take one tablet every day. It is best to take the pill at the same time, every day. Doing this keeps your body's hormones at consistent levels necessary to prevent pregnancy.
Who Shouldn't Use The Pill? You should have a medical examination before you start using an oral contraceptive. The Pill is unsuitable for women with certain conditions such as: - Pregnancy
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Blood clots in your legs or elsewhere
- Stroke, heart attack or a history of chest pain
- Certain liver diseases
- Cancer of the reproductive organs (such as your breasts, uterus, cervix or ovaries)
- History of blood clotting disorders
If you are thinking of using an oral contraceptive, you should remember that use of The Pill comes with side-effects. Some of these are beneficial, e.g. prevention of acne, others however can be inconveniencing and problematic. It is best to discuss these with your doctor when making a decision on using contraception.
Choosing a Contraceptive MethodYou should speak to a doctor before you make a final decision on what contraceptive method to use. The doctor will recommend what is appropriate for you. The final decision rests with you however, because you are the one in control of your body and your life.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a smart starting contraception from Adcock Ingram.
REFERENCES: 1. Information adapted from www.contraception.net. Accessed 12.2008. Further information available on request. ZA.09.FEM.088 09/2009 EXP 10/2011 Adcock Ingram Limited. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021. Tel. (011) 635 0000. www.adcock.com |