Your Guide to Contraception

Hormonal IUD (Coil)

 

A hormonal IUD is a highly effective way to prevent pregnancy. It releases a synthetic hormone called progestin and is placed inside the uterus. Once inserted, it offers protection for 3 to 8 years, depending on the type.

 

The IUD is a small, T-shaped device with a hormone-filled cylinder. It’s inserted through the vagina and placed in the uterus, where it thins the uterine lining and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from getting through. This effectively stops fertilisation.

Hormonal IUDs come in different sizes and hormone doses. If you’re interested, contact your healthcare provider for advice and a health check.

 

What to expect during insertion:
Getting an IUD can be painful. Taking a painkiller before your appointment may help. Most people experience cramping similar to period pain for a few days after. If the pain lasts more than two weeks, contact your doctor — the IUD may be misplaced, or you might have an infection.

 

Advantages:
 

• Long-term protection

• No daily pill to remember

• Suitable for people with heavy periods (it can reduce or stop periods)

• Doesn’t interfere with sex

Possible downsides:
Hormonal IUDs can cause irregular periods or make periods stop altogether. While this can be convenient, it can also be unsettling if you’re used to regular cycles. Hormonal side effects like mood swings are rare since the hormone mostly stays in the uterus.

 

Birth Control Pills (Pills)

 

Birth control pills, also known as “the pill”, are a daily tablet that prevents pregnancy. There are several types:

• Combined Pills – Contain oestrogen and progestin

• Mini Pills – Contain only progestin

 

Combined pills are the most popular type and prevent ovulation entirely. Mini pills thicken cervical mucus but don’t always stop ovulation, making them slightly less effective.

To get started, you’ll need a prescription from a doctor or nurse. They’ll ask about your health and family history. You can start taking the pill at any point in your cycle. If you start on the first day of your period, you’re protected immediately.

 

How to Take Birth Control Pills:

 

• Take your pill at the same time every day.

• If you miss a pill by more than 36 hours, use a backup method like condoms for a week.

• If you vomit or have diarrhoea after taking a pill, it may not work — use a backup method.

• If you’ve had unprotected sex and missed a pill, you can take emergency contraception.

 

What About Periods?


 

When taking the combined pill, your monthly bleeding isn’t a real

period — it’s a withdrawal bleed. You can control when or if you bleed by skipping the break week or sugar pills.

 

Benefits of Birth Control Pills:

 

• Reduces period pain and PMS

• Helps regulate cycles

• Allows you to skip periods if desired

 

Side Effects to Consider:

Like all medications, birth control pills come with possible side effects:

 

• Mood changes

• Nausea

• Breast tenderness

• Weight changes

 

Most side effects disappear after a few months. If one type of pill doesn’t suit you, there are many other options to try.

 

If You’ve Recently Had a Baby

 

Avoid combined pills for the first 6–8 weeks postpartum due to an increased risk of blood clots. After that, all types of hormonal contraception are safe to use.

Breastfeeding? No worries. Birth control pills won’t affect your breast milk.

 

Smoker?

 

If you smoke heavily, avoid the combined pill as it increases the risk of heart disease.

Other Conditions:
Certain health conditions (like migraines with aura or a history of blood clots) may affect which contraception is safe for you. Discuss your options with your doctor to find the best method for you.

Copper IUD: Long-Term, Hormone-Free Protection

 

A copper IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device with a thin copper wire that’s placed in your uterus by a midwife or gynaecologist. It’s hormone-free, lasts up to 5 years, and can even be used as emergency contraception!

How it works: The copper IUD releases tiny amounts of copper, which makes it harder for sperm to move and reach an egg. No hormones involved, and it won’t affect your natural cycle.

 

Key benefits:

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• No need to remember daily pills

• Hormone-free

• Works as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex

 

Things to keep in mind:

 

• It doesn’t protect against STIs — you’ll still need condoms for that

• It can make periods heavier or more painful

• You may feel the strings with your finger, but they won’t bother you during sex

 

Contraceptive Implant:

 

If you’re looking for reliable, long-term contraception without hormones, the copper IUD is a great option. Once it’s in, you can forget about it for up to 5 years!

 

The contraceptive implant is a tiny, flexible plastic rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone progestin and provides protection against pregnancy for up to 3 years.

 

How it works: The implant makes the mucus in your cervix thicker, which stops sperm from getting through. It also prevents ovulation in most people.

 

Key benefits:

 

• Long-lasting (up to 3 years)

• You don’t need to think about contraception every day

• Works even if you get sick or have stomach issues

 

Things to keep in mind:

 

• It requires a minor procedure to insert and remove

• Your period might change — some people get lighter periods, while others stop getting periods altogether

• Possible side effects: mood changes, acne, and headaches

 

If you like the idea of a long-lasting solution without the hassle of daily pills, the implant could be perfect for you.

 

Vaginal Ring:

 

The vaginal ring is a soft, flexible ring that you insert into your vagina. It releases both estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy.

 

How it works: The hormones in the ring stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to get through the cervix.

 

Key benefits:

 

• Insert it yourself at home

• Leave it in for 3 weeks, then take a 1-week break

• You’re protected even during the ring-free week

 

Things to keep in mind:

 

• You need to remember to take it out and put in a new one on the same day each month

• It doesn’t protect against STIs

• Some people may experience side effects like mood swings or breast tenderness

 

The ring is a great option if you want a low-maintenance method that gives you flexibility.

Contraceptive Patch: Stick It On and You’re Good to Go

The contraceptive patch is a small, sticky square that releases hormones through your skin. You wear it for a week, then replace it with a new one.

 

How it works: Like the ring, the patch contains estrogen and progestin to stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to get through.

 

Key benefits:

 

• Easy to use — just stick it on your arm, belly, or back

• Change it once a week

• Provides steady hormone levels

 

Things to keep in mind:

 

• You need to remember to change the patch on the same day each week

• It doesn’t protect against STIs

• Possible side effects include skin irritation, mood changes, and weight gain

 

The patch is a good choice if you want a “set it and forget it” method that doesn’t require daily attention.

 

Contraceptive Injection:

 

The contraceptive injection is a shot of the hormone progestin that you get from a healthcare provider every 3 months.

 

How it works: It prevents ovulation and makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

 

Key benefits:
 

• Only need to think about it 4 times a year

• Super effective at preventing pregnancy

• Can stop your period or make it much lighter

 

Things to keep in mind:

 

• You need to go to a clinic for your injections

• It doesn’t protect against STIs

• It can take a while for your period and fertility to return after stopping

 

If you prefer fewer visits to the doctor and want a long-term option, the injection is worth considering.

 

Choosing What’s Right for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to contraception. Some people prefer hormone-free methods like the copper IUD, while others like the convenience of implants, rings, or patches. The most important thing is to find a method that fits your lifestyle and makes you feel comfortable.

 

And remember — most of these options don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, if you want to stay safe from STIs, use condoms or internal condoms as well.

 

Talk to your doctor, midwife, or nurse to figure out which option suits you best. Your body, your choice!

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