What are my contraception options?
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Comprehensive Guide to Contraception Options
Choosing the right method of contraception involves considering various factors such as lifestyle, personal preferences, health conditions, and the effectiveness of each method. This guide provides an overview of the available contraception options, their benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Permanent Contraception Options
Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation and Hysteroscopic Tubal Occlusion
For those seeking permanent contraception, surgical options like laparoscopic tubal ligation and hysteroscopic tubal occlusion are commonly considered. Both methods are effective, but they come with different profiles of adverse events and recovery times. Laparoscopic tubal ligation tends to have better tolerability and quicker recovery compared to hysteroscopic tubal occlusion1. Additionally, all forms of tubal interruption have been reported to offer a protective effect against certain cancers1.
Bilateral Salpingectomy
Bilateral salpingectomy, the removal of both fallopian tubes, is another permanent option. It is effective and also provides a protective effect against ovarian cancer. However, like other surgical methods, it involves risks associated with surgery and anesthesia1.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs, including the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraception (LNG-IUC) and copper IUDs, are highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptives. They are suitable for those who prefer a non-permanent solution with minimal maintenance. The LNG-IUC also offers non-contraceptive benefits such as reduced menstrual bleeding1 2.
Implants
Contraceptive implants are another form of LARC that provide long-term protection. They are inserted under the skin and release hormones to prevent pregnancy. Implants are highly effective and suitable for those who prefer not to use daily or monthly contraceptives2.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Oral Contraceptive Pills
Oral contraceptive pills, including combination hormonal pills and progestin-only pills, are widely used. They are effective when taken consistently but require daily adherence, which can be a drawback for some users5 6.
Injectable and Implantable Progestins
Injectable progestins and implantable progestins offer longer-term protection compared to daily pills. They are suitable for those who prefer less frequent dosing but still want a reversible method5 6.
Hormonal Patches and Vaginal Rings
Newer methods such as hormonal patches and vaginal rings provide alternatives to oral pills. These methods offer the convenience of less frequent dosing while maintaining high effectiveness3 5.
Barrier Methods
Condoms
Condoms are a popular barrier method that also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are less effective at preventing pregnancy compared to hormonal methods but are essential for STI prevention5 6.
Female Condoms
Polyurethane female condoms are another barrier option that can be used for both contraception and STI prevention. They offer an alternative for those who prefer not to use male condoms3.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Emergency contraceptive pills, such as ulipristal acetate and levonorgestrel pills, are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They are safe and effective, with minimal side effects8.
Copper IUD
The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be used up to five days after unprotected intercourse. It also provides long-term contraception once inserted8.
Male Contraception
Vasectomy and Condoms
Currently, the primary male contraceptive methods are vasectomy and condoms. Vasectomy is a permanent solution, while condoms are a reversible barrier method. Research is ongoing to develop new male contraceptives, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, which show promise for future use4 9.
Conclusion
There are numerous contraception options available, each with its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks. It is essential to consider personal preferences, health conditions, and lifestyle when choosing a method. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help in making an informed decision that best suits individual needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Comparing options for females seeking permanent contraception in high resource countries: a systematic review
Studies are needed to compare surgical forms of permanent contraception with alternatives like intrauterine contraception to support informed decision-making for females in high resource countries.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalContraception options: Aspects unique to adolescent and young adult.
Adolescent sexual health can be improved by providing sexuality education, counseling, and high-quality contraception, but it also requires recognizing sexual rights, providing confidential services, and addressing unique contraceptive needs.
New contraceptive choices across reproductive life
New contraceptive options and consumer awareness of these methods have increased significantly over the past decade in Australia.
Advances in male contraception.
Advances in oral and injectable androgen delivery and nonhormonal methods show potential for effective, reversible male contraceptives in the next decade.
Highly CitedContraception: Menarche to Menopause.
Hormonal contraceptive options are effective for preventing pregnancy, but patient compliance and tolerance of side effects are crucial for their effectiveness.
Contraceptive Methods
Pharmacists can help patients select suitable contraceptive products based on personal situations and lifestyles, with hormonal options and barrier products offering various benefits and potential complications.
Fifty years on "the pill": a qualitative analysis of nondaily contraceptive options.
Nondaily contraceptive options face barriers due to social norms, health uncertainty, and limited knowledge, which can be addressed through health communication campaigns and healthcare providers.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalThe safety of available and emerging options for emergency contraception
Emergency contraception options, including ulipristal acetate pills, levonorgestrel pills, and the copper-IUD, are safe and effective in reducing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, with the copper IUD being the most effective.
Systematic ReviewMale contraception.
Novel male contraceptives are needed to prevent unintended pregnancies, as current options condoms and vasectomies are not ideal for all men.
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