Finding the right contraception for you


Contraception is so important. Forget about 'ruining the mood' or 'it not feeling as good', if you want to 
avoid pregnancy then you must use contraception. Unfortunately there is only 2 types of contraception 
that can also prevent against STI's, so educating yourself on those and having regular STI checks is also 
important to avoid catching STI's - which nobody wants. There are so many different types of 
contraception out there and all but one are for women. There are currently studies and experiments 
regarding a male contraceptive pill, however there is nothing other than condoms available for men as of 
yet. Until researching I didn't realise how many types of contraception there were, which mainly comes 
down to the lack of education provided to us in schools, which is why I am sharing this post with you all.

MALE CONDOMS - 98%effective
Condoms are the only the form of contraception that can protect against both STI's and prevent 
pregnancy. These are also the only form of contraception that are currently available for males to use.

These are made from a thin layer of latex and are worn every time you have sex and covers the penis to 
prevent any semen from coming into contact with their sexual partner. If you are allergic to latex, they do 
actually make latex free condoms too, so there is no excuse not to use one. You can get condoms from 
chemists, pharmacies and drugstores as well as the doctors. You can get free condoms from your local GP 
and sexual health clinics as well as applying for a free C Card that will give you access to free condoms. 
Often people complain about how sex doesn't feel 'as good' and 'ruins the mood' when using a condom, 
however if you wish to prevent STI's and prevent pregnancy then ensure you use one to be safe. It is 
important to remember that although you may use a condom they can still split. It is rare that this happens 
however 2 out of 100 women will become pregnant a year (on average) from a condom splitting.

FEMALE CONDOMS - 95% effective
Condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect against both STI's and prevent pregnancy.
These are less effective than male condoms due to being inserted into the vagina internally. 

These are made from a thin layer of latex and worn every time you have sex. Female condoms are inserted 
inside the vagina and worn externally to prevent any semen from coming in contact with the vagina. These 
can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex, to avoid interrupting sex. Like male condoms these can split or 
tear. These should not be used alongside male condoms due to friction the latex rubbing against one 
another that can cause the condoms to tear or split. Unfortunately these are less common than male 
condoms, are more expensive. However you are able to get them for free if you are under the age of 16 
from your local GP and sexual health clinics. 

COMBINED PILL - over 99% effective
This is often referred to as 'the pill' and is a common form of contraception that a GP will recommend 
a female trying to prevent pregnancy as well as being used for other medical reasons.

The combined pill is taken every day for 21 days, before taking a week (7 day) break. The break is when 
you will have a 'withdrawal bleed'. It is important to take this roughly at the same time every day, if you 
want to avoid unwanted pregnancies. If you are on other medication this can overrule the combined pill 
and make it become ineffective, leading to pregnancy. It is very important to talk to your doctor if you are 
on other medication or are unwell. There are people that claim 'the pill' can make you gain weight and 
becoming both anxious and depressed, however there are no studies proving this and every person is 
different. The combined pill works by thickening the mucus in the neck of the womb, making it harder for 
sperm to meet the egg. It also thins the lining of the womb lower the chance of fertilisation. 

PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL - over 99% effective 
Another form of 'the pill' that a GP with recommend, however this doesn't contain any oestrogen. 
To be as effective as possible this needs to be taken daily around the same time. 

When this is taken correctly only 1 in 100 women get pregnant. This is more common that the combined 
pill, as it can be taken by more people and often people prefer to take 'the pill' that is digested daily, rather 
than over a 21 day period with a break in between. Just like the combined pill, this can becoming 
ineffective if you are on other medication or becoming unwell, which is why it is important to contact 
your doctor regarding so if you are in this situation. There are 2 types of progestogen only pills; the first 
having to be taken within 3 hours of the same time every day, and the second to be taken within 12 hours of the same time every day. 

DIAPHGRAM/CAP - 92%-96% effective
This is a circular dome made from a thin layer of silicone, that is inserted into the vagina before 
sex to cover the cervix so sperm cannot enter the womb and fertilise an egg.

The first time a diaphragm/cup is used it must be inserted by a professional, however afterwards it can be 
inserted by yourself at home, although it can take some time to get used to doing it alone. This is one of 
the least effective forms of contraception, meaning that between 4 - 8 women out of 100 will get pregnant 
within a year. You only have to think about this when it's time to have sex and can be inserted any time 
beforehand. This does however need to be left in for at least 6 hours after having sex. This is one of the 
only forms of contraception that can protect you from unwanted pregnancies and STI's as it's similar to a 
male or female condom, both in material and concept. 

This is not my photo

IUD (COIL) - over 99% effective
A coil is a 'T shape' plastic and copper device that is inserted into the womb by a medical professional. 
This can last between 5 and 10 years (can be removed anytime) and stops you getting pregnant. 

An IUD, also known as a copper coil, releases copper to prevent pregnancy. Copper is toxic to sperm and 
works by killing it off, before it has the chance to reach and fertilise an egg. These work as soon as they 
are inserted and can last up to 10 years depending on the type. A copper coil will only prevent against 
pregnancies, and will not protect you from STI's. After being inserted, your periods can become heavier, 
longer and more painful however it will only last for up to 6 months. There is a small risk of getting an 
infection after insertion, however they are not uncomfortable and are one of the longest lasting forms of 
contraception that are available. 

IUS (HORMONAL COIL) - over 99% effective 
This is a 'T shape' plastic device that is inserted into the womb by a medical professional to 
stop you getting pregnant. Depending on the brand this can be used for 3 to 5 years.

    The IUS release a hormone called progestogen to stop you getting pregnant. These can make your 
periods lighter, shorter or even stop them completely for up to 5 years (depending on the type). Like the 
IUD there is a small risk of getting an infection after insertion, and when initially inserted it can be 
uncomfortable to being with, however this does wear off. After a professional has inserted the IUS, you do 
not have to think about this, unlike other forms of contraception. This can also not prevent against STI's, 
so you may need to use condoms alongside this.

IMPLANT - over 99% effective
The implant, also known as nexplanon is a small flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin of
 your upper arm by a medical professional. Preventing pregnancy and lasting for up to 3 years.

The implant is similar to the IUS, in the sense that it releases progestogen. This releases it directly into
 the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. This is most common amongst those who are unable to use 
contraception which contains oestrogen. The most common side affect of having the implant is that your 
periods can stop all together, which is a big factor to consider beforehand. If you are on other medications 
or become unwell this can make the implant less effective. If you find yourself in this position, it is 
important to speak with your doctor. 

INJECTION - over 99% effective
There are 3 types of injection, which releases progesterone into your bloodstream to avoid pregnancy.
 In the UK this can last for 8-13 weeks depending on what type of injection is used.

This form of contraception is most common amongst those who find it difficult to remember to take 'the 
pill' everyday. For this to be effective you have to go and have it done every 8-13 weeks and is 
recommend amongst a lot of doctors (mine included) that you do not have this for longer than 12 months. 
If you are on other medications this is not effected. Once you stop having the injection, it can take around 
12 months for your fertility to return back to normal, which is an important factor to consider beforehand. 

PATCH - over 99% effective
This is a small sticky patch that releases hormones into your body through the skin to avoid pregnancy. These last for 1 week each and are recommend to use them for 3 weeks and have a week off. 

The 'patch' is one of the easiest forms of contraception as it only needs to be applied once a week and can 
be done by yourself. If you suffer from heavy and painful periods, the patch is recommend as it can ease 
this. These are fully waterproof and are still effective if you become unwell. The patch does not interrupt 
sex and is forgotten about after application. Unfortunately this can cause skin irritation and increase your 
blood pressure and possibly have side affects such as headaches or blood clots. If you are over 14 stone, 
smoke or are above 35 then the patch isn't recommend and may not be suitable for you.
This is not my photo

VAGINAL RING - over 99% effective
This is also known as a 'Nuva Ring' and is a small soft plastic ring that is placed inside of the vagina. 
This releases a dose of hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

A vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina and release a does of hormones into the bloodstream, providing 
contraception for a month. Unlike other forms of contraception this is still affective if you are unwell. 
Vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation and tender breasts are common side affects of using a vaginal ring, 
however it can also make your period lighter and reduce pains. This can come out naturally on it's own, 
however if this happens you are advised to rinse with warm water and reinsert into the vagina.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING - over 99% effective
Natural family planning also known as fertility awareness is when a women monitors and records her 
signals during her menstrual cycle to work out when she will and will not get pregnant. 

This is one of the newer forms of contraception and is very hit and miss amongst people. If followed 
correctly this is over 99% effective, meaning that 1 in 100 a year will get pregnant. This is most common 
amongst those who are actually trying to get pregnant as it allows people to understand their body further 
and find out when they are ovulating. Natural family planning takes around 3 months to learn and follow 
your bodies natural symptoms and signals, in order for it to be fully effective. 

MALE STERILISATION - over 99% effective
A common procedure amongst men, which is also known as a vasectomy. This procedure is done under 
local anaesthetic where the tubes that carry a mans sperm are cut or sealed to permanently avoid 
pregnancy. 

Male sterilisation is most common amongst men who already have children and no longer wish to have 
anymore. Men often get this as males sterilisation is easier than female sterilisation. A vasectomy only 
takes around 15 minutes to do and is considered permanent, so no form of contraception (other than to 
avoid STI's) is no longer needed. Following sterilisation 2 sperm tests are carried out to find out whether 
or not the procedure has been affective. In very rare circumstances this can fail, which is why it is 
important to attend to sperm tests following to find out if it has been successful. In other rare 
circumstances this can be reversed, however it is highly unlikely, so careful consideration is needed.

FEMALE STERILISATION - over 99% effective
This is an operation that permanently prevents pregnancy. During the operation the Fallopian tubes 
are blocked or sealed to prevent the eggs and sperm reaching and becoming fertilised. 

Female sterilisation is the same as male sterilisation and is permanent, however is a more through 
procedure than a males. This does not affect your hormone levels and you will still have periods. Again in 
rare circumstances this may not work, as the fallopian types can rejoin immediately or even years later, 
with the possibility or resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. However over 99% this is effective and is a 
permanent form of contraception, which is why careful consideration is required before the procedure. 

Make sure you speak to a doctor and do your research to find out which method of contraception is
 best for you. Often it will take you a few tries before finding one that works for you and your body.

xoxo
Lea-Mai

6 comments

  1. OMG this is super affordable! Had no idea there was so many options.

    Candice x

    NatalyaAmour.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. There's so many!

    www.upyourvlog.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow I am so shocked at how many there are! I thought I knew a lot - obviously not! This blog post should be shared in schools!

    Rosie

    loverosiee.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was shocked at how many there were too. Needs to be taught more in schools x

      Delete