Effective birth control prevents unintended pregnancies.
Considerations in choosing a contraceptive method:
1. Age and lifestyle preferences.
2. Family and medical history.
3. Comfort level with chosen method.
4. Interval between pregnancies.
5. Cost of chosen method.
Method by preventing ovulation:
- Daily oral contraceptive pill.
- Weekly contraceptive skin patch.
- 3 yearly progesterone subdermal implant.
The contraceptive pill and skin patch ensures regular menses but are not recommended for women above 40 years old, who are smokers, have high blood pressure, diabetes or liver disease.
Method by preventing implantation of fertilised egg:
Copper and progesterone hormone intrauterine devices prevent implantation of fertilised egg for up to five years.
In addition, the progesterone hormone intrauterine device suppresses the growth of endometrium and reduces heavy menstrual flow.