Contraception

Contraception can be divided into two main types: hormonal contraceptives and non-hormonal contraceptives.

Hormonal contraceptives include:

• Oral contraceptive pills
  • The most common option, this is 99% effective when taken correctly. The oral contraceptive pill works primarily by preventing ovulation. One will need to take a pill daily at around the same time. Fertility returns immediately once you stop taking the pill. The pill does not protect against STDs.
• Contraceptive patch
  • 99% effective when taken correctly, the patch works by preventing ovulation. You have to apply one patch a week for three weeks. On the fourth week, no patch is used. The patch should be applied directly onto clean and dry skin. It does not protect against STDs.
• Contraceptive injections
  • 99% effective when used correctly, patients will only require one injection every three months. For some women, there may be a delay in the return of fertility by a few months after the patient has stopped taking it. It does not protect against STDs.
• Intrauterine system (IUS)
  • 99% effective when used correctly, an IUS is a tiny, T-shaped plastic device that contains hormones and is inserted into the uterus. Once inserted, it can last for three to five years, depending on the brand of IUS used. Fertility will return immediately once you remove the device. It does not protect against STDs.
• Contraceptive implant
  • 99% effective when used correctly, the contraceptive implant is a tiny plastic rod that contains the progesterone hormone. This tiny rod is then inserted superficially under the skin of one’s upper inner arm via a tiny incision, and can be left there for up to three years. Fertility normally returns immediately after the implant is removed.
• Contraceptive vaginal ring
  • 99% effective when used correctly, one vaginal ring is inserted for three weeks at a time, with a break on the fourth week. When inserted, it releases a continuous low dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy. Fertility returns immediately when the ring is discontinued.

Non-hormonal contraceptives include:

• Male condom
  • 98% effective when used with spermicide (and slightly less effective when used on its own alone), male condoms must be used every single time prior to intercourse. It protects against STDs and comes in a wide variety of styles, materials, textures and colours. Contraceptive failure results from condom leakage.
• Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD)
  • 98% effective when used correctly, the IUCD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. It contains a copper coil that induces inflammation which is toxic to both sperm and eggs thereby preventing pregnancy.

Permanent method:

• Sterilisation
  • More than 99% effective when performed correctly, this is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is generally regarded as permanent and irreversible. In women, their fallopian tubes are cut and tied or blocked using titanium clips, thereby preventing the eggs and sperm from meeting (fertilisation). This option is only recommended when a woman is certain that she does not want children at all.