WHY DO YOU NEED CONTRACEPTION OR FAMILY PLANNING
Why do you need contraception or family planning?
In 2008, 41% of pregnancies in the world were unintended while in Asia, the rate was 38%. Many women don’t realise how easy it is to get pregnant. There are 16.7 million unplanned pregnancies around the world every year which could have been prevented with the correct use of contraception. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time, you only occasionally have sex or you only have sex on the so called ‘safe days’.
The message is, if you are having unprotected sex , you can get pregnant or sexually transmitted disease.
Types of contraception
There are up to many types of contraception available, which means there is definitely one right for you! So discuss with your doctor to help you get the most suitable one.
1. Oral Contraceptive Pill
The Pill consist of synthetic hormones (oestrogen & progesterone) with an effective rate of around 91%. It also helps to regulate periods, especially those with heavy or painful periods.
Side effects: headache, nausea (feel like vomiting) and breast tenderness.
Not suitable for women with history or family history of blood clots in the veins
2. Hormonal Implant
Hormonal implant is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available. It consists of synthetic hormone in a small plastic capsule that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. The procedure is done by a doctor at the clinic.
Effective rate is almost 99% for up to 3 years
Side effects: Periods may be irregular, less than usual or no periods.
3. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
This is a small T-shaped device placed into the uterus by a doctor at the clinic.
Effective rate is around 97-98% and safe to use for 3 or 5 years, depending on type and dose
Side effects: Periods may be heavier or more painful in the first few months
4. Condom
Rubber (latex) cover that is placed over the penis during sex and must be removed immediately after ejaculation. Ideal for protection against any sexually transmitted diseases
Effective rate is around 75%
Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive Pills
Emergency hormonal contraception is for all those ‘oops!’ times when something unforeseen has happened, for example like when a condom has broken, when you have unprotected sex or a missed pill. It should NEVER be used as a regular method of contraception as pregnancy risks increase if used repeatedly. It can be used up to 3 or 5 days after intercourse, depending on the type of pill used.
- POSTINOR (2 tablets taken 12 hours apart) has to be taken within 72 hours of sex
- ELLA (1 tablet) to be taken within 5 days of sex
Things to remember while on contraception
- Certain methods of contraception may affect your periods
- Certain medications (including some herbal supplements) may reduce the effectiveness of your contraception. Please inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements.
- There may be mild side effects such as weight gain, headaches or mood changes while on contraception
Feel free to consult your doctor to discuss your contraceptive options or before stopping or changing your contraception. Wrongly timed contraception cessation or change may result in an unintended pregnancy
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If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.