Even the most effective contraception can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose is always used correctly and every time you have sex.
Before choosing a birth control method, consider:
- Your overall health
- How often you have sex
- The number of sex partners you have
- If you want to have children someday
- How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
- Costs
- Possible side effects
- Your comfort level with using the method
Types of Birth Control
Continuous Abstinence:
No sex (vaginal, anal or oral)
- Prevents pregnancy
- Protects against STD
Pregnancy Risk
0%
Natural Family Planning / Rhythm Method:
No sex on fertile days
Fertile days signs (cycle length dependent):
- Usually 5 days before and days after ovulation
- Or 14 days before next period
- Change in cervical mucus
- Rise in basal body temperature
Pregnancy Risk
2-24%
Hormonal Methods:
Combined oral contraceptive
- Contains estrogen and progestin
- Taken daily to prevent ovulation
- Changes uterus lining and cervical mucus
- Not advisable for some women with medical problems
- Action affected by antibiotics
Pregnancy Risk
1-5%
Hormonal Methods:
Progestin only pill
- Contains only progestin
- Thickens cervical mucus
- Sometimes prevents ovulation
- Suitable for breastfeeding
- Action affected by antibiotics
Pregnancy Risk
2-4%
Hormonal Methods:
Depo Provera injection
- Progestin injection every 3 months
- Prevents ovulation
- Affects cervical mucus
- Can affect bone density if used long term
Pregnancy Risk
<1%
Implants:
Jadelle / Implanon
- Match stick size rod placed under skin of upper arm
- Contains progestin
- Effective for 5 years
Pregnancy Risk
<1%
Emergency:
Postinor
- 2 doses of hormonal pills 12 hours apart
- Taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex
Pregnancy Risk
1-4%
Many women believe that all “pills” are the same and that there is no other option. As you can see there is a wide variety of contraceptives to choose from. At Omnicare we can provide all of the above and below services.
If you have a contraception issue, make an appointment to see one of our specialists. Contraception requiring a procedure may need a second visit, unless we have made a prior arrangement to get in stock. If you already know what you want check with the receptionist when you make your appointment.
Permanent Birth Control
Hysteroscopic:
Essure
First non surgical method for sterilization
- Device placed into each fallopian tube, forms a scar and blocks the tubes
- Takes 3 months for it to be effective
- Can be performed under general anaesthetic or with sedation and pain relief
Laparoscopic:
Female
Tubal ligation
- Fallopian tubes are cut or tied
- Can be done at time of caesarean section
- Performed under general anaesthetic
Local Incision:
Male
Vasectomy
- Prevents sperm from getting to penis
- Ejaculate never has any sperm
- Visit our on-site Vasectomy clinic’s website for more details