Contraception - which method is best for you?
23rd July 2013
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As many as 30-40% of pregnancies in the UK are unplanned.
In 2011, there were around 200,000 abortions, and recently concerns have been raised that more and more women are having abortions repeatedly as a form of contraception.
This is despite the fact that more forms of contraception are available than ever before. Here, TNS gives you a concise guide to contraceptive options, to help you decide which method is right for you.
The Condom
One of the most widely recognisable forms of contraception, condoms have existed in various guises for hundreds of years. Now available for both men and women, they are highly effective – male condoms are around 98% effective, with female condoms offering 95% protection. As well as preventing pregnancy, they are also viewed as the best way to prevent the spread of STDs. Considering that they are relatively inexpensive and available without potentially embarrassing trips to the doctors, condoms are one of the most widely used forms of contraception.
Disadvantages include the possibility of holes in the condom and a loss of sensation for either partner. There’s also precious few things less romantic than struggling to open a condom packet in the middle of the moment.
The Pill
The pill, sometimes viewed as one of the most significant medical advances of the 20th century, is used by over 100 million women worldwide. If used correctly, with the women taking the pill at the correct time each day they are required to, it is over 99% effective, making it one of the most effective forms of contraception. They offer no disruption or loss of sensation during sex, and often make periods lighter, less painful and more predictable. There are a variety of different pills available, as side effects can differ greatly for different women. Other known benefits include reducing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, and even helping to reduce acne.
The aforementioned side effects, however, can often be unpleasant. Some of the most common side effects include depression, weight gain through increased appetite, headaches, ‘spotting’ at random times of the month and a decreased libido. They are also not recommended for smokers over the age of 35, can sometimes cause high blood pressure and offer no protection against STDs. There is also the problem of actually remembering to take it at the same time each day, and the protection rate being affected by missing pills, vomiting and the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin.
The Patch
Containing the same hormones as most pills, the Patch works in the same way by preventing egg release. For three weeks, women must wear a patch on either their upper arm, bottom, belly or thigh, and then spend a week without wearing it. It only needs to be changed once a week, is just as effective as the pill and shares many of its other effects, include regulating and lightening periods.
However, it also shares a lot of the negative side effects too, including breast discomfort, nausea and headaches. Though these tend to disappear within the first few months, skin irritation around the patch and a change in libido can remain. Depending on where it is worn, there’s also the issue of it being outwardly visible, and it won’t stop an STD.
The Vaginal Ring
Exactly what it says on the tin, a vaginal ring requires minimal maintenance and is 99% effective if used properly. After inserting a plastic ring into the vagina (generally against the cervix), it doesn’t have to be removed for three weeks. There are no pills to remember and it usually doesn’t interfere with the sensation during sex for either partner if inserted correctly.
It still needs to be left out for a week to allow a period, though, and it may take a while to learn how to insert it properly. It also isn’t recommended for women with high blood pressure. If removed for sex, it has to be reinserted within three hours to remain effective, and does nothing to stop STDs.
The Diaphragm/ Cap
Inserted into the vagina to provide a barrier between sperm and the cervix, a diaphragm needs to be used alongside spermicide. It doesn’t affect a woman’s natural cycle, and has no ‘wait time’ after discontinuing use for women to be able to conceive again. It has to be inserted prior to sex, but this can be done hours in advance, meaning that sex is uninterrupted. When used correctly and with spermicide, it is 92-96% effective, and can even protect against some STDs which affect the cervix.
Sex isn’t always down in the diary, however, so you may well have to interrupt things in order to insert. It can also lead to a urinary tract infection, and women will probably have to go to the doctors to be fitted for the right size. Spermicide is also generally messy.
In 2011, there were around 200,000 abortions, and recently concerns have been raised that more and more women are having abortions repeatedly as a form of contraception.
This is despite the fact that more forms of contraception are available than ever before. Here, TNS gives you a concise guide to contraceptive options, to help you decide which method is right for you.
The Condom
One of the most widely recognisable forms of contraception, condoms have existed in various guises for hundreds of years. Now available for both men and women, they are highly effective – male condoms are around 98% effective, with female condoms offering 95% protection. As well as preventing pregnancy, they are also viewed as the best way to prevent the spread of STDs. Considering that they are relatively inexpensive and available without potentially embarrassing trips to the doctors, condoms are one of the most widely used forms of contraception.
Disadvantages include the possibility of holes in the condom and a loss of sensation for either partner. There’s also precious few things less romantic than struggling to open a condom packet in the middle of the moment.
The Pill
The pill, sometimes viewed as one of the most significant medical advances of the 20th century, is used by over 100 million women worldwide. If used correctly, with the women taking the pill at the correct time each day they are required to, it is over 99% effective, making it one of the most effective forms of contraception. They offer no disruption or loss of sensation during sex, and often make periods lighter, less painful and more predictable. There are a variety of different pills available, as side effects can differ greatly for different women. Other known benefits include reducing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, and even helping to reduce acne.
The aforementioned side effects, however, can often be unpleasant. Some of the most common side effects include depression, weight gain through increased appetite, headaches, ‘spotting’ at random times of the month and a decreased libido. They are also not recommended for smokers over the age of 35, can sometimes cause high blood pressure and offer no protection against STDs. There is also the problem of actually remembering to take it at the same time each day, and the protection rate being affected by missing pills, vomiting and the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin.
The Patch
Containing the same hormones as most pills, the Patch works in the same way by preventing egg release. For three weeks, women must wear a patch on either their upper arm, bottom, belly or thigh, and then spend a week without wearing it. It only needs to be changed once a week, is just as effective as the pill and shares many of its other effects, include regulating and lightening periods.
However, it also shares a lot of the negative side effects too, including breast discomfort, nausea and headaches. Though these tend to disappear within the first few months, skin irritation around the patch and a change in libido can remain. Depending on where it is worn, there’s also the issue of it being outwardly visible, and it won’t stop an STD.
The Vaginal Ring
Exactly what it says on the tin, a vaginal ring requires minimal maintenance and is 99% effective if used properly. After inserting a plastic ring into the vagina (generally against the cervix), it doesn’t have to be removed for three weeks. There are no pills to remember and it usually doesn’t interfere with the sensation during sex for either partner if inserted correctly.
It still needs to be left out for a week to allow a period, though, and it may take a while to learn how to insert it properly. It also isn’t recommended for women with high blood pressure. If removed for sex, it has to be reinserted within three hours to remain effective, and does nothing to stop STDs.
The Diaphragm/ Cap
Inserted into the vagina to provide a barrier between sperm and the cervix, a diaphragm needs to be used alongside spermicide. It doesn’t affect a woman’s natural cycle, and has no ‘wait time’ after discontinuing use for women to be able to conceive again. It has to be inserted prior to sex, but this can be done hours in advance, meaning that sex is uninterrupted. When used correctly and with spermicide, it is 92-96% effective, and can even protect against some STDs which affect the cervix.
Sex isn’t always down in the diary, however, so you may well have to interrupt things in order to insert. It can also lead to a urinary tract infection, and women will probably have to go to the doctors to be fitted for the right size. Spermicide is also generally messy.
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