Guide to Contraception
The Pill
This is the UK’s most popular method of birth control, taken by about 3.5 million women (and around 100 million worldwide). Introduced nearly 50 years ago, it contains two female hormones – oestrogen and progestogen - and is more than 99% effective if taken according to instruction.
It has the added advantages of protecting against cancer of the ovary and womb, reducing the risk of pelvic infections and ovarian cysts, and making periods shorter and lighter. But it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
And there are many possible side effects – which is why you should seek a doctor’s advice before taking the Pill. You may be advised against it if, for instance, you are a smoker aged over 35, diabetic or have a history of circulatory problems. Difficulties associated with the drug include nausea, weight gain, headaches, mood swings and tenderness of the breasts.
Mini pill
This is not a low-strength version of the Pill, but a one-hormone version, containing only progestogen. Its side effects are fewer, though its effectiveness is almost as high. Unlike the Pill, it can be taken by women who are breastfeeding, and by those who are over 35 and smoke. The mini pill can also help relieve premenstrual tension and period pains.
Condom
The most readily available form of contraception, the condom is an extremely effective method for avoiding STDs – including HIV. Male and female versions are available, meaning anyone can use them. True, some people are allergic to condoms’ rubber or spermicide, but there are several hypoallergenic versions on the market.
Of the two genders’ versions, male condoms are by far the most popular, and they are available free of charge from family planning clinics, health centres and some GPs - as well as being sold in chemists and supermarkets. They are 98% effective – 3% more than the female condom – as long as they are treated properly. Damage will greatly reduce effectiveness of male and female versions, so be careful when opening the packet and handling the condom.
The male sheath does have one or two drawbacks. Putting it on can interrupt sex – unlike the female condom, which can be inserted into the vagina any time before intercourse – and it can slip off the penis or tear.
You should only use quality condoms – ones that carry either the European CE mark, or the BSI Kitemark (BS EN 600).
Diaphragms and caps
These devices are inserted into the vagina and cover the entrance to the womb (the cervix), preventing sperm from meeting an egg. Diaphragms are larger and more commonly used than caps, but both are made of rubber or silicone and are 92% to 96% likely to prevent pregnancy.
For them to be effective, they must be applied with spermicide and inserted no more than three hours before sex. (The time factor means sex is need not be interrupted.) Not only are they useful as birth control, they can also prevent against STDs, offer no serious health risk – though diaphragms can cause cystitis – and can last for years.
Contraceptive patch
This is a recent invention that, like a nicotine patch, is stuck on to the skin. It’s small, pink and self-adhesive, and it releases oestrogen and progestogen into the body to prevent pregnancy. Like the Pill, it has side effects (though nausea is less likely because it’s not taken orally).
The patch’s advantages are that it is effective as the Pill and has to be changed only once a week. But it may come off without you noticing, and some women suffer an allergic skin reaction to the adhesive. Also, the patch doesn’t control periods like the Pill does.
IUD and IUS
Both of these methods require insertion into the womb by a doctor or nurse. The IUD (intrauterine device) is made of plastic and copper and used to be known as a coil. It will work for three to ten years and is up to 99% effective as a form of birth control – but it is of no use preventing STDs. It may also cause longer, heavier periods and there is a slight risk of infection. An incorrectly fitted IUD may perforate the lining of the womb or cervix.
The IUS (intrauterine system) is as effective as the IUD but may also cause the same sort of damage to the womb or cervix. It’s a small T-shaped device made of plastic which lasts for five years, and once removed fertility returns quickly.
Morning-after pill
If taken within 24 hours after unprotected sex, this drug has about an 88% chance of preventing a pregnancy that would have occurred had the pill not been taken. It can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse.
Other methods
Vasectomy, female sterilisation and contraceptive implants and injections are long-term or permanent surgical methods and should be undertaken only after you have sought the advice of a medical practitioner.
