What type of contraception is most effective?

There are many different options for contraception (birth control) that you can use to prevent pregnancy. Choosing the right one for you can be a complex decision. As well as considering the effectiveness of each different type of contraceptive, your decision may also be based on other considerations such as your age and health, your personal preference and how long you would like to prevent pregnancy for in the future. Some contraceptives will also help to protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It is important to remember that there is no method of contraception that will guarantee 100% effectiveness against preventing pregnancy. When using any contraception, the instructions for use should be followed carefully and each type should be used correctly for maximum effectiveness.

Your doctor can provide you with advice and help you to choose the best and most effective method of contraception for you with your particular needs in mind.

Condoms

Condoms can be effective in both preventing pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms can be male (placed on the penis before sex) or female (placed inside the vagina before sex). Both types of condom provide a physical barrier to sperm and other fluids, but they do need to be used correctly for maximum effectiveness.

• Advantages: portable, convenient, hormone-free, provide protection against STIs
• Disadvantages: effectiveness is reduced if not used correctly, can break or slip during intercourse, latex types can’t be used in people who are allergic to latex

Diaphragms and cervical caps

The diaphragm and cervical cap are both physical barriers made of latex or silicone that are placed over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm is larger and fits loosely over the cervix and surrounding area, while the cervical cap is smaller and is tightly fitted over the cervix. They should be used together with a spermicidal gel or foam.

• Advantages: hormone-free, reusable, effective immediately, doesn’t delay return to fertility
• Disadvantages: no protection against STIs, need to be inserted correctly, can become loose or slip out of place, can’t be used in people who are allergic to latex, silicone or spermicide

Oral contraceptive pill

There are many different types of oral contraceptive pill (also known as birth control pills or ‘the pill’). They either contain a combination of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen (combined oral contraceptive pill) or they may contain progesterone only (the mini pill). They work by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and/or thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

For oral contraceptive pills to be effective, you must take them on the same time every day and you must not miss taking any tablets.

• Advantages: can reduce some premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and bleeding irregularities, can improve acne
• Disadvantages: the effectiveness may be reduced when taking certain antibiotics or if diarrhoea/vomiting occurs, no protection against STIs, rare but serious side effects such as increased risk of blood clots especially in smokers and women over 35-years-old

Contraceptive patch

The contraceptive patch is a small square of adhesive that contains a combination of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen which are absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream. The hormones work in the same way as the oral contraceptive pill by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

The patch is applied to areas of clean dry skin on your upper arm, upper torso, abdomen or buttocks once weekly for three weeks out of every four. It can be worn when swimming, in the shower or during exercise.

• Advantages: convenient weekly administration, easily removed if you want fertility to return, easy to use for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets
• Disadvantages: rare but serious side effects such as increased risk of blood clots especially in smokers and women over 35-years-old, no protection against STIs

Contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection, also known as DMPA or DepoProvera, contains the hormone depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (a type of progesterone). It is given by intramuscular injection into the upper arm or buttocks every three months (four times a year). It works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

• Advantages: convenient, long acting for up to three months
• Disadvantages: may cause weight gain and irregular bleeding in some people, does not provide protection against STIs, may affect bone density with long term use, should not be used for longer than two years

IUDs

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are small T-shaped devices that are placed inside your uterus by your doctor during a small procedure. They contain the hormone progesterone or plastic and copper and are very long acting, providing effective contraception for as long as six to ten years, depending on the type. They work by changing the conditions lining the uterus, preventing the sperm from reaching and implanting in the uterus and in some cases, suppressing ovulation (hormonal IUDs).

• Advantages: very effective contraception, convenient, low maintenance, long lasting
• Disadvantages: require insertion during a procedure, small risk of pelvic infection, does not provide protection against STDs

Contraceptive implants

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod containing a progesterone-like hormone that is placed just under the skin of the upper arm by your doctor during a small procedure.  It works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It is long lasting and provides very effective contraception for up to three years.

• Advantages: very effective contraception, convenient, low maintenance, long lasting
• Disadvantages: requires insertion, may cause irregular bleeding, does not provide protection against STDs

Whether you are looking for the best option for you or are ready to begin family planning and stop your contraception, Icon Health Screening are here to support your reproductive health.

To learn more about our comprehensive health screening packages and put your health first, click here.