Sexual relations between loving couples are meant to be satisfying and enjoyable and may lead to having children and building a family. Sex also needs to be safe. Safe sex means protecting yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases, spacing births or delaying the first birth.

How do I choose the right contraception?

When it comes to contraception, it’s important to use what’s right for you. This will change as you go through life. It is important that you are certain that you are NOT pregnant and wait till your next menstrual period before starting a family planning method in consultation with a doctor.

Find out more about the types of contraception available in Pakistan.

Emergency, Short term, Medium Term, Long Term, Permanent, Natural.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex and you think there might be a high chance of becoming pregnant. It does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!

Emergency Contraception can be easily purchased from a local Pharmacy. Contact the toll free number 0800 22 333 for counseling and alternative options or email our panel specialist and get an answer within 24 hours.
Drop a line to : advice@srhmatters.org

The different kinds of emergency contraception options are listed below.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP):

• Commonly available ECPs in Pakistan are the Progestin Only Emergency Contraceptive Pills
• These Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) should be taken within 120 hours (5 days) by the female after having unprotected sex to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
• ECPs’ are less effective if fertilization has already occurred. If the female is pregnant, ECP will not interrupt the pregnancy but it can be dangerous.
• About 8 to 10 in every 100 females in a year, who use ECPs can become pregnant despite taking ECPs within 120 hours of having unprotected sex.
• If 2 pills formulation is taken, the first pill should be taken as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected intercourse with the second one 12 hours later.
• It is most effective if taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. The name the morning-after pill is somewhat misleading as ideally the pill should be taken immediately after sex, without waiting for the next morning.
• It does not provide protection against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
• Couples having sex must always use a condom to protect themselves against STDs even if they are using another method of birth control.
• A larger-than-normal dose of hormone may cause some side effects in many of the females who take emergency contraception pills; e.g. nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and headaches. Such side effects are usually insignificant and most improve within 1 to 2 days.
• The Menstrual Cycle may become temporarily irregular after taking ECPs.

INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD):

• An IUD that is placed in the uterus within 5 days of having unprotected sex also can be used as emergency contraception. It is very safe and widely used all over the world.
• An IUD is a small device that can be left in the body for 5 to 10 years. It will prevent pregnancy during that time.
• Unlike the E C pill, an IUD prevents fertilization rather than implantation so its not an early abortificient .It destroys sperm as copper is released to a uterine environment which is hostile for the sperm.
• Emergency IUD insertion is also very effective. It can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 97-99% if inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex.
• A possible side effect of an IUD is bleeding between the Menstrual Cycles.

E-mail the Panel Specialist to find out more about how IUD’s work. Or call the Toll Free number 0800 22 333 to get more information.
Drop a line to: advice@srhmatters.org

Short Term Contraception

The Combined Pill:

This pill contains Oestrogen and Progesterone and is taken by the female. This also prevents the egg from being produced.

Advantages:
The Pill provides protection against cancers of the womb and ovaries and also helps prevent Osteoporosis. It regulates the period and helps reduce PMS (Premenstrual Stress Syndrome). It does not have any long-term effects, and unlike condoms, does not interrupt sex. It can be taken from 6 weeks after giving birth if the mother is not breast feeding.

Disadvantages:
Early symptoms of pregnancy maybe experienced by some for a few weeks .This can be avoided by taking the pill after meal and at bed time. Other side effects may include Head aches, water retention, nausea, weight gain and depression for some. This is not the recommended option for smokers, women over thirty five, diabetic or high blood pressure patients. Also, after 6 months if one is breastfeeding the hormones could pass on to the baby through the milk and milk flow may also be reduced. It does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!

Effectiveness: Over 99% effective if used according to instructions. Less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
COCPs provide effective contraception from the very first pill if started within five days of the beginning of the menstrual cycle (within five days of the first day of menstruation). If started at any other time in the menstrual cycle, COCPs provide effective contraception only after 7 consecutive days use of active pills, so a backup method of contraception such as condoms must be used until active pills have been taken for 7 consecutive days. COCPs should be tried and taken at approximately the same time every day to enhance effectiveness. May not be as effective if taken late or after vomiting or severe diarrhea.

The Mini Pill:

This pill is also taken by the female. Consumption of this pill thickens the mucous in the cervix and makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus.

Advantages:
This pill can be taken by women who are smokers, over 40, overweight, suffering from high blood pressure, and breastfeeding.

Disadvantages:
It has to be taken at the same time each day, and there is a small risk that if you are breastfeeding, the progesterone could harm the baby. It does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!
Effectiveness: 99% effective if taken according to instructions. 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
It needs to be taken at the same time each day. Not effective if taken over 3 hours late or after vomiting or severe diarrhea.

Condoms

A condom is a rubber sheath worn over an erect penis. It prevents the sperm from entering into the women’s vagina. [Frequent use of condoms can result in vaginal dryness of the woman. Using an oil-based lubricant is not recommended, as it may split the condom. Lubricated Condoms should be used.

Advantages:
Condoms are easy to use with minimal health risks and are easily available everywhere. Many of the condoms contain spermicide, which is a substance that kills sperms, therefore preventing a woman from getting pregnant. Condoms ensure safe sex. There are various types of condoms available in the market and some are specially designed especially to enhance pleasure during intercourse.

Disadvantages:

The biggest disadvantage of condoms is that sexual flow has to be interrupted when the condom has to be worn. Condoms could also slip off or get torn during intercourse. Another disadvantage is that it has to be removed straight after intercourse.  In some cases, condoms may reduce sexual pleasure.

Effectiveness: 98% if used according to the following instructions.
Instructions for Putting on a Condom:

• Have a condom on hand.
• Make sure the condom isn’t past its expiration date, and has not been tampered with or damaged.
• Carefully tear open condom packet. Do not use scissors, knife or blade.
• Hold tip of condom to create an air-free reservoir for semen.
• Roll condom over the base of the penis.
• Add water-based lubricants only. Oil based lubricants can damage the condom.
• If a condom breaks during intercourse, stop and immediately replace it with a new one.
• Hold condom at the base during withdrawal from intercourse.
• Dispose of condom in trash.
• Never flush condoms down the toilet.

Medium Term

Injections:

Females can take injections to prevent possible pregnancies. The injection given every six months contains progesterone which prevents an egg from being produced.

Advantages:
People with diabetes and high blood pressure can use these safely. It is a long lasting method of contraception.

Disadvantages:
Slight Weight gain may be experienced after one year of use, nausea, and irregular bleeding can all be side effects. Fertility may also take a couple of months to return. It does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!

Effectiveness: 99.7%

Long Term

Intrauterine Device:

(IUD).  IUD is a small plastic or metal object that is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent a sperm from settling there.

Advantages:
IUD’s work as soon as they are fitted, and have no effect on breastfeeding or on one’s hormones. They are inserted by a doctor/trained service provider and can prevent a pregnancy from occurring for up to 5 years.

Disadvantages:
Sometimes, IUD’s can result in heavy period flow and uterine cramping. It does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!

Effectiveness: Around 99% effective.
Reversibility: Possible

Implant (Norplant)

It is a flexible tube put under the skin of the arm. It releases the hormone progestogen. It stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm meeting an egg and thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg implanting.

Advantages:
Works for three years but can be taken out at any time. You don’t have to think about contraception for as long as the implant works. When the implant is removed, the normal level of fertility returns.

Disadvantages:
Periods are often irregular, much longer or stop completely for at least the first year. Some women gain weight. Other possible side-effects include headaches, spotty skin, mood changes and breast tenderness.

Effectiveness:
Over 99% effective. Some medicines may stop the implant from working so make sure that whenever you visit any doctor, he knows that you have the implant in place.

Reversibility:
Possible, provided correctly inserted.

Permanent Contraception

For Males:

Reversibility: Possible, but expensive and low success rate.
Male sterilization or vasectomy is a medical procedure, whereby parts of the tubes that carry sperm are ligated and cut this prevents the man from making the woman pregnant. Vasectomy does not involve the removal of the testicles and it affects neither the production of male sex hormones (mainly testosterone) thus it does not decrease libido nor their secretion into the bloodstream. Vasectomy does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!

For Females:

Reversibility: Sometimes possible.
Female sterilization is done by blocking the fallopian tubes. It is also called tubal ligation. Both types of sterilization are effectively irreversible. Neither has an effect on a man or woman’s ability to have or enjoy sex. Sterilization does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, only Condom does!

Natural Methods

Rhythm Method or Fertility awareness:

Ovulation occurs in the mid cycle days before a period, so one has to have a regular menstrual cycle in order to accurately predict a ‘safe’ time for intercourse.

Advantages:
There are no side effects for this natural form of birth control.

Disadvantages:
There are restrictions on sex, which could lead to a strain on the relationship of the couple. Furthermore, if one does not have a regular menstrual cycle, miscalculation of dates can occur, resulting in not knowing what a ‘safe’ time for intercourse is.

By the rhythm method a simple way to calculate the time you are most fertile is described below:

Monitor your cycle for 6 months to calculate the duration of your periods
The first day is counted as Day 1

Subtract 18 from the day of your shortest recorded cycle – this will tell you the estimated first day of your fertile time

Subtract 11 from the length of your longest recorded cycle – this will tell you the last day of your fertile time.

During the fertile stage the couple can avoid sex, or use the barrier or withdrawal method in order to avoid a possible pregnancy.

Abstinence:

Abstinence is when the couple refrains from having sexual intercourse. This is usually at the time when the woman is ovulating. Abstinence requires discipline and is usually not a very reliable method of contraception.

Withdrawal:

Also referred to as “pulling out,” is when the man removes his penis from the woman’s body before he ejaculates. Withdrawal is not a good method for men who cannot accurately tell when they are about to ejaculate or “come”. However, practicing withdrawal is a little bit more effective than using no method at all, but in the presence of more reliable methods of birth control, it is not a very dependable method.

Withdrawal is not an effective way of avoiding STD’s., the only effective way to avoid STD’s are by using condoms.

The National Health Service in the UK has produced some good patient-targeted information about the risks and benefits of taking the pill. Please click on the link below for information.

Source: http://www.cks.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/combined_contraceptive_pill#461525000

If you want more information about cancer and the pill, the Cancer Research UK website has a good summary of the research evidence. For details please click on the link below.

Source: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/about-cancer/cancer-questions/the-contraceptive-pill-and-cancer-risk

Still got a question this page doesn’t answer?
Want help for yourself or for a friend?
Get an answer within 24hours
Drop a line to counselor@srhmatters.org or advice@srhmatters.org.