About Womens' Health
Why do I need contraception?
Contraception is available for couples who would like to continue to have sexual intercourse without having the fear of an unplanned pregnancy.
By preventing unplanned pregnancy, this will also prevent couples from having to deal with making decisions on termination of pregnancy and the psychological stress and clinical risks that is involved with the procedure.
What types of contraception are there?
There are various forms of contraception. Contraception falls into main hormonal types and non-hormonal types.
Most contraceptive methods are reversible and will not affect your fertility once you stop using it. There is also a permanent irreversible form of contraception for couples who feel their family is complete and they are okay to have a permanent irreversible infertility.
The hormonal types are usually considered a more effective method of contraception than non-hormonal type.
The most reliable form of a non-hormonal contraception is the Copper IUCD (Intrauterine contraceptive device).
How effective are the contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy?
There are many types of contraception with varying effectiveness.
The graph below shows you the effectiveness of contraception that is currently available.
As you can see, hormonal contraception that do not require your compliance to take it daily, weekly or
monthly are the most effective. These are called the Long Active Reversible Contraception (LARC).
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Typical use: Incorrect and/or inconsistent use of contraception of choice
Perfect use: Correct and consistent use of contraception of choice.
Table taken form: The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (https://www.fsrh.org/home/)
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How do I know which contraception is suitable for me?
Before you decide regarding what kind of contraception you would want, we advised you to have a think regarding these 3 aspects:
1. You have to trust the contraception of your choice - some contraception may not give you any bleeding at all. It is fine not to have bleeding every month if it is due to the contraception, but will you be okay with that?
2. You have to like the contraception of your choice – If you do not like your contraception, you will not be motivated to take it consistently. If you do not take it consistently, there is a high probability you will have an unplanned pregnancy.
3. The contraception should fit your current lifestyle – The contraception should seamless be part of your lifestyle. If it hinders your lifestyle, then you may not be able to take it consistently or want to, and this may lead to unplanned pregnancy.
Does the contraception have any other benefits?
Hormonal contraception has other desirable benefits. Some of the non-contraceptive benefits of
hormonal contraception are:
1. Treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding
2. Treatment for painful period.
3. Treatment for premenstrual symptoms
4. Management of irregular menstruation including hormonal imbalance such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
5. Treatment for endometriosis/adenomyosis
6. Protection from future womb or ovarian cancer
Are there any risks of taking contraception?
All contraception are generally safe to be used in most women to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
In a small group of women, certain contraception may not be the safest option for them and these include women who:
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• Has an underlying chronic medical illness such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions
• Has a clotting disorder such as antiphospholipid syndrome of factor V Leiden deficiency
• Has history of previous stroke or clots forming in the lungs or legs
• Has a previous history of breast cancer
• Are obese
Always discussed with your doctor regarding the best contraception for you.
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Where can I get more information?
If you want to know more about the best contraception for you,
