Contraception

Contraception

An unwanted pregnancy is something no one wants to deal with. Luckily, unwanted pregnancy is one of the easiest medical conditions to prevent with modern contraception methods. Consider how hard it is to prevent the common cold, which is nowhere near as serious... nobody's thought that through! Preventing pregnancy however, is mostly a matter of proper contraception (assuming you've got no interest in abstinence).

Women are lucky in the contraception game. Men have only two reliable options: condoms and sterilisation. Women, on the other hand, have a variety of choices. (Of course, female contraceptives generally ONLY prevent pregnancy... we're still down to old-fashioned condoms for preventing disease.)

If you're willing to do something permanent, tubal ligation is an outpatient procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are severed and either tied off or cauterized. Essentially, this prevents the egg reaching the far end of the fallopian tubes, where the uterus and a herd of eager sperm lie in wait. Simple, permanent, and generally considered an option for women who have had children, and never want any more.

Hormonal contraceptives are the most effective non-surgical options. These products work by preventing the ovaries from making eggs in the first place. There's the classic birth control pill. "The Pill" comes in a variety of strengths and types, so you're almost certain to find one that suits your body's system. Remember to take one every day, and you're over 98% sure not to be decorating a nursery room any time soon.

However, if you're the sort who forgets your morning vitamins regularly, or your body doesn't react well to the pill, you might consider some of the other options. Norplant implants keep you safe from memory-lapse-related pregnancy for 5 years. If your system can handle the constant release of hormones, it's the next best thing to sterilisation. However, side effects including menstrual spotting, weight gain, moodiness and severe headaches make Norplant unusable for some women. Never fear, there are yet other options...

Depo-Provera is progesterone administered by injection once every three months. Depo can work well even for women who have been unable to use other hormonal methods. It's almost as hassle-free as Norplant, if you can mark the calendar at three month intervals. Downside: if you have side-effects, you have to wait for it to wear off.

Relatively new products include a rubbery ring worn around the cervix, constantly releasing hormones and only needing replacement once a month. There is also a contraceptive patch, that works for pregnancy the way Nicorette patches are SUPPOSED to work for cigarette cravings. Studies show the contraceptive patch is much more effective.

For those who can't use hormonal contraception, or who prefer not to interfere with their natural cycles, there are still choices. The classic diaphragm and similar but tighter-fitting cervical cap create a rubber barrier over the cervix. Both work best when used with spermicidal cream or jelly. An IUD inserted in the uterus prevents fertilized eggs from implanting. Spermicide-soaked sponges and spermicidal vaginal inserts are still other options... talk to your doctor about which option may be best for you!

Contraception Links

UK Department of Health

Marie Stopes