When you are sexually active, it can be really difficult to choose the right method of contraception for yourself when there are so many options available! Take a look at the list below and see which one is right for you!

  • The IUD – Also known as the Intrauterine Device, is a small, T shaped device containing a copper thread and is placed inside your uterus by your healthcare provider. Copper ions immobilize sperm inside the womb but it won’t stop an egg from being released from the ovaries each month. Occasionally, a sperm may reach an egg, but the copper stops the fertilised egg from implanting itself into the womb lining.

    Pros:
    – It can stay in place for up to 5 or 10 years. Can be removed at any time.
    – 99% most effective method of contraception.
    – It is not affected by other medications.
    – Can be used as emergency contraception if placed within 5 days.
    – It doesn’t interfere with sexual intercourse.
    – Can be used during breast feeding.
    – Fertility returns to normal as soon as the device is removed.

    Cons:
    – Can be uncomfortable when having it inserted.
    – Can cause irregular bleeding/spotting and cramps.
    – Small risk of infection when inserted.
    – Does not protect against STIs.
    – Needs to be inserted professionally.

  • The IUS – Similar to the last method except this device releases progestin which prevents ovulation and thins the lining of the womb. It is equally as effective as the IUD and is professionally inserted too. However the IUS only lasts 3 to 5 years.Pros:
    – Stays in place for 3 to 5 years.
    – Periods become lighter and less painful.
    – Does not interrupt sex.
    – Can be used while breast feeding.
    – 99.8% effective.
    – Less frequent periods.

    Cons:
    – Needs to be inserted professionally.
    – Irregular bleeding/spotting possible for the first 6 months.
    – Small risk of infection when inserted.
    – Does not protect against STIs.
    – Can be uncomfortable while being inserted.

  • The Pill – A very popular method of contraception where a woman must remember to take a pill everyday, at the same time. There are a variety of different pills. The combined pill releases estrogen and progestin to stop ovulation and make cervical mucus thick to prevent sperm reaching the egg. The mini pill only releases progestin. The pill will come in packs of 21 or 28 and you must take one everyday of your cycle unless you told otherwise. Some pills only require to be taken for 21 days, then you stop for a week to allow a period (which usually just ends up being a little bit of spotting), and then you start your next packet.Pros:
    – Some pills reduce heavy and painful periods.
    – Can increase sex drive.
    – Positive affects on acne (not always).
    – Can be taken over a long period of time.

    Cons:
    – You have to remember to take it everyday.
    – Can become ineffective if you vomit after taking it.
    – Can cause headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
    – Can cause high blood pressure.
    – Does not protect against STIs.

    4. Contraceptive Implant – The implant is about the same size as a matchstick and is inserted under the skin of your upper arm where it releases the hormone progestin in small doses directly into the blood stream. It prevents ovulation each month and also thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching the egg.

    Pros:
    – 99.95% effective; one of the most effective methods of contraception.
    – Does not interrupt sex.
    – An alternative to those who are effected for estrogen.
    – For some women, it reduces heavy, painful periods.
    – Can be used while breast feeding 6 weeks after birth.

    Cons:
    – Needs to be professionally inserted.|
    – Can change bleeding patterns.
    – Can cause weight gain, breast pain, and abdominal pain.
    – Does not protect against STIs.

    5. Male Condom – The most popular method of contraception! They work by covering the penis and catching the man’s semen when he ejaculates so that it does not enter the vagina.

    Pros:
    – Easy to use.
    – Doesn’t use hormones.
    – Can be carried around with you.
    – Cheap.
    – Protects against STIs.

    Cons:
    – Does interrupt sex.
    – People can be allergic to them.
    – Can tear or come off if not used correctly.
    – Only 82% efficiency with typical use.

    6. Contraceptive Patch – It looks like a shiny plaster that you put either on your bum, your upper arm, lower abdomen, or your lower back. It releases estrogen and progestin into the blood stream which prevents the ovaries releasing an egg and also thickens cervical mucus. However, it needs to be changed every week for 3 weeks, and then, on the 4th week, you take it of and allow a period. You then start the process again.

    Pros:
    – Highly effective.
    – Easy to apply.
    – Only have to think about it weekly.
    – Increases sex drive and doesn’t interrupt sex.

    Cons:
    – Can come loose of fall off.
    – Have to keep track of the weeks.
    – Can cause skin irritation to the area of the patch.
    – Can cause headaches, mood swings, and weight gain.
    – Does not protect against STIs.
    – Disrupted periods.

    7. Contraceptive Ring – This is a small, rubbery elastic band thing that is inserted into the vagina against the vaginal wall and left for 3 weeks. On the 4th week, you take it out to allow a period. And then pop a new one in again! It works by releasing estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching the egg. You can keep it in during sex!

    Pros:
    – Very effective.
    – Easy to insert and remove.
    – No daily attention.
    – Does not interrupt sex.

    Cons:
    – Have to keep track of weeks.
    – Can cause vaginal discomfort and discharge.
    – Can cause headaches and mood swings.
    – Can cause weight gain.
    – Does not protect against STIs.

    8. Contraceptive Injection – Similar to the implant except this one is not reversible. It injects hormones estrogen and progestin directly into the blood stream to prevent ovulation and to thicken cervical mucus. You need the shot every month or every three months from a healthcare professional.

    Pros:
    – Can be used during breastfeeding.
    – Doesn’t require daily or weekly attention.
    – Can reduce heavy and painful periods.
    – Increases sex drive and doesn’t interrupt sex.
    – Highly effective.

    Cons:
    – Can cause headaches, mood swings, and weight gain.
    – Have to keep track on the number of months.
    – Can take a year for your fertility and periods to return to normal.
    – Disrupted periods.
    – Can lose bone density if the jab is used for more than 2 years.
    – Does not protect against STIs.

    9. Female Condom – Similar to a male condom except this one goes inside the vagina. The closed end of the condom is inserted into the vagina so that it covers the cervix. The open end hangs outside of the vagina about an inch. The man ejaculates inside the vagina into the condom  and then the condom is taken out and thrown away.

    Pros:
    – Can be carried with you.
    – Not affected by other medications.
    – Does not use hormones.
    – Protects against STIs.
    – Can be used while breast feeding.

    Cons:
    – Not as effective as male condoms.
    – Takes practice to learn how to use.
    – Can tear if not used correctly.
    – Can cause irritation if you are allergic.
    – Interrupts sex.

    10. Diaphragm/Cervical Cap – This is a small, rubbery, latex dome/cap that basically sits as a cap over the cervix. It serves as barrier between the woman’s womb and the man’s sperm. It works much more efficiently if used with spermicide. And you will need to have a fitting to find the right cap size for you. You must leave it in for at least 6 hours after sex but no more than 24 hours.

    Pros:
    – Can be carried around with you.
    – Not affected by other medications.
    – Hormone free.
    – Low cost.
    – Can be used while breast feeding.

    Cons:
    – Can take practice using it.
    – Not suitable for woman who have given birth.
    – Can cause irritation.
    – Risk of toxic shock if left too long inside the vagina.
    – Does not protect against STIs.
    – Requires spermicide to be fully effective.