An Easy Guide On Contraception

If contraceptives were a social media influencer, she would have a hundred million followers and it’s safe to say we will be her biggest fan. Although we absolutely adore our children and the idea of more, this little contraceptive wonder has saved us in moments where we just weren’t ready or decided that we were done. Contraceptives are also used to regulate menstrual cycle in some instances.

It is very important to know what contraceptives are out there when you decide to use one, what their side effects are and how they differ from one to another. This will enable you make an informed decision on what is best for you and your body – or that of your husbands ;). Be sure to consult your doctor before making a decision.

Let’s dive in!

If you really do not want to have babies or have any more babies, the most trusted method is Abstinence. Yes, you read that right! Abstinence is an option because it is a hundred percent safe! No STIs, no babies, just you living your best life. Ok, don’t freak out! It’s just a joke. We know that your sex life IS a big part of your best life but we just couldn’t resist pulling a fast one on you. LOL!

Now, let’s really dive in.

• You could try Spermicide. Spermicide kills sperm or stops it from moving. It can be applied on its own or applied on cervical caps and sponges before it is inserted into the vagina. Spermicide needs to be applied ten or fifteen minutes before intercourse and re-applied an hour later if intercourse is still ongoing. You should always apply as directed as spermicide is a time-sensitive contraceptive. It’s also hormone-free!

• Another alternative is Contraceptive Shots. The shot is administered every 90 days by a doctor. It wards off pregnancy by stopping ovulation. As you already know, when there’s no ovulation, there’s no period. It is said to be 99% effective! All you have to do is set a reminder for your next appointment immediately after your last shot. If you eventually decide to try for a baby, bear in mind that you might not be able to conceive immediately and this could last for as long as one year after your last shot. Its side effects include but are not limited to weight gain, dizziness, and nausea.

• There’s the Vaginal Ring. The vaginal ring is usually prescribed by a doctor and not an officiating minister..lol. It’s a 2-inch wide ring that contains estrogen and progesterone for stopping ovulation. You are expected to insert this ring by yourself and leave it there for three weeks. After three weeks, you take it out for one week in order to have your period. Afterward, it is replaced with a new ring. It is also 99% effective and helps make your period regular. Its side effects are headaches and breast tenderness.

• Next up is the Contraceptive Patch. This is a 5×5 sticky patch that contains estrogen and progestin. The patch releases the hormones through your skin to stop ovulation and can be plastered on any part of the body. It should be replaced every week for three weeks then you go one week without it in order to have your period. It’s 99% effective when used properly so it is best to set a reminder to change your patch every week.

• Another fun contraceptive is the Cervical Cap. No, it doesn’t go on your head. The cervical cap is a reusable silicone cap that can be filled with spermicide and inserted into the vagina to act as a covering over the cervix in order to prevent sperm from swimming into the uterus. It’s more effective for women who have never given birth. Maybe the cervical cap isn’t so fun, we take that back.

• Allow us introduce the Contraceptive Sponge. The sponge is a non-latex plastic disk immersed in spermicide. It is inserted deep into the vagina in order to block the cervix and kill sperm if it tries to wriggle in. “pow! pow!! Take that you fertile sperm!”. Yeah, the sponge is badass like that but there’s good news and there’s bad news. The bad news is there’s a higher risk for toxic shock syndrome to happen and the good news is the sponge can be inserted 24 hours before sex and you can enjoy as many rounds as you’d like within the 24-hour window.

• Our next guest is the Diaphragm. The diaphragm is similar to the cervical cap. You just pop spermicide on it and insert it into the vagina. It’s hormone-free and latex-free, a win-win sis! If you love to engage in intense, vigorous, back breaking, bed quaking BDSM type-ish sex, abort this mission. Your diaphragm is gon get knocked out before the fight even starts so don’t!

• Moving on, we have the Implant. The implant is 99% effective and is superb for women who do not intend to get pregnant for a while. It is placed under the skin and can last for three years. An added advantage is once it’s taken out, you can get pregnant almost immediately. It’s a great option.

The implant has older siblings known as the IUD twins. They are the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD.

• The Copper IUD is a T-shaped instrument (made of copper of course) that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It’s hormone-free and repels sperm because -fun fact- sperm don’t like copper. If the sperm never gets to the egg, you know the rest… The only downside is it could make your menstrual cramps more painful and your flow heavier.

• The Hormonal IUD is also a T-shaped instrument inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It contains a small amount of the hormone called progestin. Progestin stops ovulation thereby making pregnancy impossible for as long as 7 years. It can also cause you to stop having periods altogether. IUDs are long-term and low maintenance. It’s definitely worth a try.

A widely known contraceptive is the pill. The pill also comes in two different types- the combination pill and the mini pill.

• The Combination Pill contains estrogen and progestin hence the name ‘combination’. It works by stopping ovulation and is said to be 99% effective when used properly. The thing about the pill is it has to be taken every day at the exact same time. If you opt for the pill, be on top of your game every single day.

• The Mini Pill is also known as the Progestin-Only Pill (POP). As the name implies it contains only progestin for the benefit of those who prefer not to ingest estrogen. It is also to be taken every day at the same time. You snooze and we’d be at your baby shower in a few months…lol

• Now, let’s talk about Condoms. A very popular choice and the only one that also reduces the risk of catching STIs. There’s the internal condom that can be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse and the external condom that is worn over the penis. Both condoms do the same thing- trap sperm and save you from STIs.

Ever heard of the Fertility Awareness Method? It is also known as natural family planning. It works by educating the woman on which days of the month she can or cannot have unprotected intercourse depending on her fertile days. It is usually taught by a specialist and requires keen attention to details about your body such as your cervical secretions (mucus and fluids), your body temperature, and tracking your menstrual cycle.

Let’s wrap this up with the permanent contraceptive methods, shall we?

• The first is Vasectomy. It’s a simple procedure carried out on men which involves cutting, blocking, or sealing the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. It doesn’t affect the man’s ability to have and enjoy sex. Although the procedure can be reversed, it is still considered a permanent contraceptive method.

• The second is Tubal Ligation. This procedure involves blocking or tying the fallopian tube, which links the ovaries to the womb. What it does is prevent the eggs from reaching the sperm thereby making pregnancy an impossibility. There’s a very slim chance of reversal so it is also considered a permanent contraceptive method.

That’s all of it and we hope this helps you make an informed decision on which contraceptive method is best for you- with the approval of your doctor of course.