The first contraceptive was invented by the Egyptians in about 1550BC, and for thousands of years humans have used a variety of methods to avoid pregnancy.
Today, there are many effective and safe birth control options, giving women the choice of delaying having children. But recent US estimates show that about 85 out of 100 women who don't use birth control get pregnant unexpectedly. New Zealand's teenage pregnancy rate is also high.
While the one sure way not to get pregnant is not to have sex, another option is to find a reliable, convenient and safe method of birth control. It should be something which suits you and your partner and that you can use every time.
The two main types of reversible birth control are the hormonal and barrier methods. Sterilisation is almost always permanent – “tying the tubes” (tubal ligation) for women, or vasectomy for men. These are usually used only when a firm decision is made not to have any children in the future.
It's best to see a GP or family planning expert before making any decisions. They'll ask whether you smoke and if you could already be pregnant, and about other health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, breast cancer, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Hormonal methods for women include oral contraceptives such as the pill and internally inserted rings and IUDs (intrauterine devices). Also there are hormone patches placed on the skin, and injections and implants. All need a doctor's prescription but none offer protection from STIs.
Some hormonal methods can cause side effects but perseverance or trying a different type can help overcome them. In particular, the pill can cause water retention, bloating, weight gain, skin problems, mood swings and breast tenderness.
Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms and sponges. They generally do not prevent pregnancy as successfully as IUDs or hormonal methods. Natural family planning – fertility awareness – is an option for those who prefer not to use other methods. Withdrawal is usually a much less reliable option.
For all types of birth control, success depends on choosing the right method for you and using it correctly.
But even with the best of intentions, accidents can happen. Emergency contraception in the form of the “morning after pill” is available from doctors and many pharmacies without prescription. It should be used as soon as possible and up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Follow up with a pregnancy test if the next period is late or unusual.
It is possible to get pregnant even if you have not started having periods or you are close to menopause. Sexual health nurse Maureen Hayes says: “Contraception is mostly decided by women but shared responsibility between partners is the key to successful birth control.”
| DIY: PLAN AHEAD |
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1 Taking the oral contraceptive at the same time each day reduces pill failure.
2 Set an alarm date on your cellphone for a week before your next contraceptive prescription is due. |
3 Condoms are cheap or free in some clinics and doctors’ surgeries.
4 If you recently had a baby, discuss contraception options at your six-week check up. |
(Published in the Sunday News, 10 January 2010)
More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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