Contraception Comparison – Which One is Right for You? – Currently, in the UK, there are 15 types of contraception to choose from. This variety means there is undoubtedly an option that will suit you best; however, selecting the correct option from this list can be challenging. Continue reading for a brief outline of some of the most popular contraceptives and how to pick the right one.
Condoms
You can get external and internal condoms that create a physical barrier to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. These are typically made from latex or plastic and are the only contraception method that provides protection from STI transmission.
However, there are some downsides. If used correctly, they are 98% effective, but this efficacy falls to 82% in typical use cases. However, many people dislike condoms since they disrupt intimacy, and there is also a chance they can split, resulting in unwanted pregnancies.
Combined Pill
The combined pill is one of the most popular forms of contraception owing to its high efficacy. This is often referred to simply as the pill and works using two hormones, estrogen and progestogen. These are synthetic analogues to natural hormones produced in the ovaries and act by disrupting ovulation and implantation in the womb. This prevents the fertilisation of an egg and is highly effective (99%) when taken properly.
The pill must be taken at the same time every day but provided you do this, you won’t really have to think about it otherwise. This is one of the main reasons for its popularity. However, it is also important to note that the pill doesn’t protect against STIs, so condoms may still be needed to prevent their transmission.
You can get a contraceptive pill repeat prescription to make taking it regularly more straightforward and without the hassle of having to visit a doctor each time you need more.
Contraceptive Implant
This is another highly effective hormonal contraceptive that women can use to prevent pregnancy. Typically, the implant is a small flexible rod inserted below the skin on your upper arm. From here, it will release progestogen to disrupt the natural ovulation and implantation cycle to prevent eggs from being fertilised.
Like the pill, this is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making it one of the best forms of contraception in terms of efficacy. Additionally, since it is implanted under your skin, you will not need to think about taking pills at the same time each day, so it could be perfect if you are prone to forgetting things.
The implant remains functional for three years after it is put in your body, so it is perfect if you want to just forget about contraception. Naturally, this might not be ideal if you want to have children shortly, so it might not be a good fit for someone planning on starting a family. Again, this contraception confers no protection from STIs.
Conclusion
Overall, the contraceptive methods above are three of the most popular methods used in the UK. However, this is far from a comprehensive list, and finding the right contraception is often a process of trial and error. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor to find an effective method that works for you.
Poppy Watt