What Are The Different Types Of Contraception?
It’s essential to take time and find the correct method of contraception for you and your body. The most common types are hormonal, barrier methods, and non-hormonal methods. There are pros and cons for each type, so it is recommended that you do your research before deciding on one. All forms of contraceptives work by preventing sperm from entering the uterus and fertilising an egg to prevent pregnancy.
There is a wide range of contraceptive options available to women; you must take time to find the one that will work best for you and your body. You might find you try one, and it doesn’t work for you; contraception really can be a trial and error process. If you have any questions about contraception, read our latest blog post on the different types of contraception available, or get in touch with one of our GPs, we can answer any questions you have.
Broadgate GP are here for you; let us help find the right contraception that will work for you.
Condoms
The condom is possibly one of the most well known contraceptive methods; it is taught from a young age in secondary school with lessons on how to use them and where to get them from. Condoms are the only contraception that can prevent pregnancy and also protect you from most STIs. It is either free or cheap depending on your age and comes in a range of sizes, as well as being completely hormone-free. Not only that, but condoms are available for both males and females, although the male condom is more regularly used.
Oral Contraceptive Pill
This form of contraception comes in a small tablet taken once a day; it is the most commonly used contraceptive method used by women across the UK. When it comes to finding the right oral pill for you, it may take a few tries to find one that works with your body, especially when it comes to your hormones and periods. Some side effects are mood swings, weight gain and heavy periods; finding the right one for you is essential!
When it comes to the contraceptive pill, it comes in a range of different ways, the combined pill is estrogen and progestin, and the mini pill only contains progestin. The downside to choosing the pill is that you need to remember to take it every day.
Intrauterine Device
This form of contraceptive device is commonly known as the IUD; it is a T-shaped device made from either a material containing progesterone or plastic and copper; it is then inserted inside a female uterus by a professional healthcare worker. The biggest positive that comes with this form of contraception is that it is long-lasting; you can have it for between 3 to 10 years, depending on your specific needs. The downside is that it can be incredibly painful to have inserted.
Once the IUD has been fitted, it is an effective form of contraception after five days; before that, it won’t of had enough time to begin working in your system. The IUD offers around 99% effectiveness from pregnancy. However, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Another downside to the IUD is that while your body adjusts to the hormones released, you are likely to have irregular bleeding and spotting for the first six months.
Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod inserted just under the skin on a woman’s upper arm; once it is in place, it releases the hormone progesterone. This hormone actively stops your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus within your cervical cavity. By doing so, the contraceptive implant makes it almost impossible for the sperm to reach the womb, we say almost because the implant is 99% effective.
A medical professional must insert the implant; it is carried out using a small amount of local anaesthetic because the implant is fitted with a staple gun style device. The implant needs to be replaced every three years for maximum effect, but it is a long-lasting, discreet form of contraception that is reversible.
Contraceptive Injection
A contraceptive injection is an option that requires a little more effort than the implant or the pill; this is because you have to go and have the injection every three months at your GP surgery. The injection is a synthetic version of progestogen; injected into a women’s bum or arm, it slowly releases the hormone into your bloodstream, offering an effective contraceptive method.
The main reason to choose the injection is you are covered for three months at a time, so should you be looking for spontaneity during your sex life, you can have it, but the main downside is that you will need to go to the clinic every three months to have the injection carried out. It can also disrupt your periods and cause irregular bleeding, meaning it may not always be comfortable for you to have sex.
Contraceptive Ring
One of the least popular contraception methods available is the contraceptive ring; it is a flexible plastic ring that continuously releases hormones into your body; placed within the vagina, it lasts three weeks. After the three weeks are up, you remove and insert another one; it is that simple. Releasing both oestrogen and progestogen it works in the same way as the combined pill works, but it releases a lower dose due to being fitted directly into your vagina.
One of the most appealing aspects of the contraceptive ring is that you can easily insert and remove it yourself. It comes with a handful of side effects; it allows you to control your periods, and your fertility returns almost immediately when removed. The main downside to the contraceptive ring is that it is not suitable for anyone who can’t take an oestrogen based contraception, and you need to remember to change it at the right time; three weeks can pass very quickly!
The contraception patch is also widely available should this be better suited to you.
Contact Broadgate GP For Contraception Services
Contraception is an integral part of sexual health, and it can be hard to know what method is best for you. Broadgate GP provides free consultations about all types of contraception methods that are available today. If you’re not sure which one might work for you or your partner, talk to us!
Whether you’re looking for advice on having sex for the first time, speaking to your children about sex and relationships, aftercare after sex, or advice for yourself, we’re more than happy to help.
Our team are on hand whenever you need us; all you need to do is make an appointment with one of the GPs or sexual health practitioners. Broadgate GP provides a free, confidential service to young people. We also offer online consultations for those with long-term contraception requirements and would like information on the different types of contraceptive methods available.
Simply contact us today to make your appointment. We will be happy to discuss your options.
