The first thing to remember when taking or using any form of contraception is that it is not 100 per cent safe, however, if you use both hormonal contraception (such as the pill or an IUD) and a “barrier” method (a condom or diaphragm), then the chances of your contraception failing are quite small unless they were taken incorrectly.
When it comes to the contraceptive pill, the most important thing to remember is that it does not work instantly. It depends on your cycle. It’s advised that you take the pill at the same time every day so that it is easier to remember, and therefore, less likely to fail.
Common myths that surround the pill are that it can cause weight gain and infertility later on in life. This is not true, and if a person does experience weight gain it is usually due to a lack of exercise or because they have a new routine, perhaps because of a new relationship.
According to sexualwellbeing.ie, another myth is that women should take a break from the pill. “In fact, any woman who is free from side-effects of taking a contraceptive will not need to take a break from taking the pill. Once your system is used to the pill, you should keep taking it. This helps to ensure that your periods are regular and to stay protected against unwanted pregnancy.”
The vaginal ring, another hormonal contraceptive, steadily releases the hormones oestrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream and it must be replaced once a month. Common misconceptions about the vaginal ring are that it will come out during sex which will stop it from working. This is not true unless it has been incorrectly inserted. The benefits of the vaginal ring are that it can be forgotten about for 21 days until it must be taken out.
The intrauterine device is a small device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. One common myth surrounding the IUD is that you must have already given birth to have it inserted. This is not true because all women can have it inserted and pain is usually mild. The copper IUD, such as ParaGard, is not hormonal as the copper acts as a guard against sperm. There is also a hormonal version of the IUD such as the Mirena, commonly recommended to help manage heavy or painful periods.
The contraceptive injection can last between 8 and twelve weeks depending on what type you get. The problem with this is that you have to pay for the GP visit costs and remember to attend the GP once the time runs out so it’s difficult if you have a busy lifestyle or work full time. Another problem with this form of contraception is that it often changes a person’s period as, according to the NHS, “your periods may change and become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether”.
There are many different forms of contraception and a person may only suit one of these. Unfortunately, it is trial and error when it comes to finding out what suits you. It’s important to always consult your GP if you’ve experienced any changes when taking contraception.