Contraception? We Have Options
Contraception is the word used to refer to any artificial methods of preventing pregnancy, these are as simple as barriers like condoms, or can utilize hormones and chemistry.
Hormonal birth control options are great for those who are sexually active and want long-term, consistent contraception. They can also have beneficial side effects like regulating the menstrual cycle. Hormonal contraceptives DO NOT protect against STDs!
Here are three popular hormonal birth control methods:
Oral Contraceptive Pill
Commonly known as just “The Pill”, the oral contraceptive utilizes man-made forms of hormones naturally produced in our bodies, like estrogen, to prevent pregnancy.
It works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg, thickening the cervical mucous to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, and even changes the lining of our uterus to prevent implantation.
The pill is a great introduction to hormonal birth control as it is suitable for most healthy women, can be used for shorter term or long term, and can be prescribed by a physician. Due to its use of hormones, some people also use birth control for acne, finding it effective at preventing breakouts. But a drawback of the pill is that it relies on personal responsibility, this oral contraceptive must be taken daily at the same time every day to have peak efficiency.
When taken perfectly according to instructions, the oral contraceptive pill is up to 99% effective.
Contraceptive Implant
A long term, reversible option with minimal daily worry, the implant is a small rod that is inserted into the arm. Only 4cm long and 2mm wide, this little rod releases a progestin hormone that prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, and thickens the cervical mucus so sperm cannot easily reach the egg.
The implant is an option for those who cannot take synthetic forms of estrogen. It’s effective for up to three years, so you can get the procedure and be worry free until it is time for replacement. The procedure can be done at a sexual health clinic and takes only a few minutes, the area is numbed for insertion.
Contraceptive Implants are more than 99% effective against pregnancy.
Intrauterine Contraceptive
Long term, lasting for more than 3 years, and reversible, Intrauterine contraceptives slowly deliver the hormone levonorgestrel on a small T-shaped device. It thins the uterine lining to prevent implantation and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering.
It’s commonly called the IUD, “Intrauterine Device”, and is inserted into the uterus by a physician at a sexual health clinic.
The IUD is more than 99% effective against pregnancy, making it another solid long-term, low maintenance option.
At Maud Medical Clinic, our physicians are able to help you choose the best method of contraception to suit your medical and lifestyle needs. Whether that be the contraceptive implant, oral contraceptive, or an IUD, we’re on a mission to improve sexual health in Calgary!
