Contraception is so important, not only in terms of birth prevention, but also in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – but it is always a good idea to use a condom no matter what form of contraception you opt for. The most common type of contraceptive used is the combined oral contraceptive pill which contains artificial versions of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, is over 99% effective, and which is taken every day for three weeks of the month. However, this is not the only contraceptive method available and might not be the most effective for every woman. There are contraceptives other than the pill.
Just like when choosing a partner, women should be just as choosy when it comes to contraception, and find the form that is most suited to them. The purpose of this article is to highlight contraceptives other than the pill that women should consider.
This is an alternative contraceptive to the pill and also more than 99% effective if used correctly. It is a small plastic rod that is placed under the skin in your upper arm (don’t worry you don’t have to insert it yourself). It works by releasing the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream and can last for 3 years. So unlike the pill which you have to remember to take, once the implant is in, you don’t have to worry about it!
The implant is also worth considering for those women that cannot use a contraception containing oestrogen, and once removed, your natural fertility will return very quickly. However, possible side effects to be aware of are: headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings during the first few moths, irregular or no periods, acne, and it doesn’t actually protect you against sexually transmitted infections so wrap up kids!
Something else to consider other than the pill, this small, T-shaped plastic device is put into the womb by a nurse or doctor. It releases the hormone progestogen, lasts for 3-5 years, and is more than 99% effective when inserted correctly. It is suitable for women who cannot take the pill and can make periods lighter, shorter, or stop altogether – women who suffer from heavy or painful periods may be advised to use this. Possible side effects include: after fitting women can experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness, changes in mood and libido, and again, it doesn’t actually protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
Similar but not the same as above, this form of contraceptive is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that is put into the womb. It works by releasing copper to prevent pregnancy, lasts up to 5-10 years (definitely one of the most long-term methods), and is more than 99% effective when inserted correctly. Things to be aware of: it can make your periods heavier, longer and more painful during the first 3-6 months, there is a small risk of infection once its been fitted, and again it doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (so basically guys ALWAYS use a condom!).
Another alternative to the pill is the contraceptive injection (if you’re afraid of needles then stop reading now). Like most of the above, the injection releases progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. If used correctly it is more than 99% effective and can last for 8-13 weeks so again you won’t have to remember to use it every day, but it does mean you have to remember to book a repeat injection before it expires.
Other things to bear in mind are: side effects such as weight gain, headaches, mood swings, and irregular bleeding; periods may become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter, or stop altogether. This method is definitely not suitable for women planning to start a family in the near future, as it can take up to 1 year for fertility to return to normal.
If you like it then you should have put a ring on it… sorry I’ll stop with Beyoncé references now, there’s a time and a place I know! The vaginal ring is a small soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina which releases both oestrogen and progestogen. It is possible to have sex when the ring is in its place, it is more than 99% effective if used correctly, and unlike the pill, the ring still works if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea (woo hoo).
Things to consider: temporary side effects such as an increase in vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, headaches, blood clotting (VERY RARE), it doesn’t protect against STIs, and lastly, the ring can sometimes come out but can easily be put back in once washed with warm water. This is definitely one of the contraceptives other than the pill to consider.
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