It’s one of the most important parts of an adult woman’s life, but not many people want to talk about it – contraception. If you are a sexually active adult, then it is crucial that you have a good basic knowledge of the different contraception methods available to prevent you falling pregnant before you would want to start a family. After all, having a baby is a huge commitment and something that can be extremely costly and life-changing. It’s important that you think carefully about when the best time to have a baby for you would be. For most women, it’s once they have been in a stable relationship with their partner for a while and have managed to build up a successful career. They will then have all the necessary support and finances needed to provide the child with a happy and comfortable life.

Until you get to that point, though, you will need to use some form of contraception. Here are the most common methods that you can choose from. 

Condoms

One of the most regularly used forms of contraception is condoms. These have the added benefit of also being able to prevent sexually transmitted diseases passing between two people. The condoms are made from a very thin latex and prevent the sperm from passing into the vagina. When they are used correctly, they have a 98% success rate. However, there is a small chance of them splitting during sex, which is something that you need to bear in mind. You can buy condoms from the supermarket or your local drug store, and some doctors and fertility clinics will also give them away for free.

The Pill

The pill is exactly that – it’s a small pill that you will need to take at the same time every day for three weeks. You then have a week’s break during which you will get your period. After the seven-day break, you simply start taking the cerazette contraceptive pill again. It contains artificial hormones which prevent ovulation. As a result, there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize if it does reach the uterus. The pill is 99% effective, although it can cause some side effects. For instance, most women experience tender breasts, headaches, and mood swings. In some extreme cases, it has even been linked to depression.

The Contraceptive Implant

If you want to use a form of contraception that you don’t have to think about every day or every time you have sex, then you might be interested in the contraceptive implant. This is a very tiny rod that is placed under the skin in the arm. It then releases hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and lasts for around three years. You don’t need to think about it or do anything during those three years. There are not as many side effects as with the pill, but if you do experience some, you can always have the implant removed.

IUD (The Coil)

Another option for you is the IUD. This stands for an intrauterine device and is more commonly known as the coil. This is a piece of plastic and copper that is shaped like a T and is fitted into the uterus by a doctor or a nurse. It can be left up there for between five and ten years. It can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle and is 99% effective when fitted correctly. You can also have it removed at any time if you want to take it out earlier. Once it is removed, your fertility will instantly return and you could end up pregnant straight away. There are some side effects associated with the coil, including heavier and longer periods. Some women also experience spotting in between their periods to start with.

Contraceptive Injections

The contraceptive injection is one more method that you might want to use. You will need to visit your doctor so that he can inject the hormone progesterone into you. This will then prevent you from falling pregnant for thirteen weeks. Once those thirteen weeks are up, you will need to go back for a top-up injection. It’s a method that is 99% effective, and lots of women like it as they don’t need to remember to do anything every day as they would with the pill or condoms. There are some side effects associated with it, such as weight gain, tender breasts, and headaches. Unfortunately, you will have to wait for the injection to wear off for the side effects to disappear.

Hopefully, this has made the decision an easier one to make!

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A Special Appreciation goes out to our guest writer: Sarah Hopely for this insightful post.

Yours in love - The Renaissance Lady ©