How to Choose One For Yourself?

How To Choose The Right Contraception Method For Yourself

Choosing a contraception method involves considering individual needs and preferences, including effectiveness, convenience, cost, potential side effects, and the need for partner involvement. It's recommended to discuss options with a healthcare provider to determine the best method for your specific circumstances. Here's a breakdown of factors to consider:

Effectiveness:

1. Pregnancy prevention: Methods vary in their effectiveness. Consider the number of pregnancies per 100 women using the method over a year to gauge its reliability. 2. STI protection: Condoms are the best barrier against STIs, including HIV. Other methods generally don't offer STI protection.

Method

Pregnancies per 100 Women per Year

Effectiveness (%)

Comments

Implant (e.g., Implanon)

<1

>99%

Long-acting, reversible

IUD (Hormonal - e.g., Mirena)

<1

>99%

Reduces bleeding, lasts 5–8 years

IUD (Copper - e.g., CuT 380A)

<1

>99%

Non-hormonal, can increase bleeding

Injectable (e.g., DMPA)

4–6

~94%

Every 3 months, may delay return of fertility

Combined Oral Pills

7

~93%

Daily intake, regulates cycle

Progestin-only Pills

7

~93%

Safer in lactation, more sensitive to timing

Patch

7

~93%

Weekly change

Vaginal Ring (e.g., NuvaRing)

7

~93%

Monthly use

Male Condom

13

~87%

Protects against STIs

Female Condom

21

~79%

Some STI protection, less common

Diaphragm with spermicide

17

~83%

Less commonly used

Withdrawal (Coitus interruptus)

20

~80%

Highly user-dependent

Fertility Awareness Methods

15–25

75–85%

Requires regular cycles, high user discipline

Spermicide Alone

21–28

~70–79%

Often used with barrier methods

Lactational Amenorrhea (LAM)

2 (only first 6 months)

~98% (with strict use)

Only if fully breastfeeding + amenorrheic

Female Sterilization (Tubectomy)

<1

>99%

Permanent

Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)

<1

>99%

Permanent, slight delay in full effectiveness

Lifestyle and preferences:

1. Frequency of sexual activity: Some methods, like IUDs, require less frequent action than others like condoms. 2. Desire for future children: If you're not planning to have children anytime soon, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods like IUDs or implants might be suitable. 3. Period symptoms: Certain methods can affect periods, like reducing their heaviness or even causing them to stop. In such cases hormonal contraceptives are better suited.

Ease of use: Consider methods that align with your daily routine and lifestyle.

Cost and availability:

1. Cost: The cost of a method, including prescriptions and follow-up appointments, should be considered. 2. Availability: Determine if the method requires a prescription or provider visit and if it's accessible and affordable.

Health and risks:

1. Side effects: Some methods have potential side effects, such as hormonal fluctuations or increased risk of certain health conditions. 2. Health conditions: Certain health conditions like heart diseases, hypertension, renal diseases may make certain methods unsuitable. Discuss your medical history with your provider .

Partner involvement:

1. Partner preferences: If you're in a relationship, consider your partner's preferences and willingness to use a particular method. 2. Shared responsibility: Some methods, like condoms, require active participation from both partners.

Additional considerations:

1. Religious beliefs and cultural practices: Some methods may not align with certain beliefs or cultural practices. 2. Emergency contraception: If you suspect your primary method has failed or if you didn't use contraception, emergency contraception options may be available.

Summary:

Choose a contraception method that aligns with your individual needs, lifestyle, and values, while considering effectiveness, convenience, cost, potential risks, and the importance of STI protection. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision about the best option for you

References
  1. Good clinical practice recommendation on combined oral contraceptives :counselling and use in clinical practice :https://www.fogsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CHC-GCPR-Final-version.pdf

  2. WHO :Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive selection : https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/173585/9789241549257_eng.pdf?sequence=1

  3. WHO Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 3rd Edition (2016)https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241563888

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