Choosing contraception can feel overwhelming. Friends swear by different methods, everyone has a story, and it is hard to know what actually applies to you. The truth is that there is no single best method. There is only the one that suits your body, your health and the life you are living right now.
This is a plain guide to the main options, so that when you sit down with a doctor you already understand the landscape and can ask better questions.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods physically stop sperm reaching an egg. The most common is the male condom, which is widely available, has no hormones, and uniquely also protects against sexually transmitted infections. Female condoms exist too. Barrier methods depend on being used correctly every single time, which is where they most often fall short in real life.
The combined pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, taken daily. It is very effective when taken reliably and it often makes periods lighter, more regular and less painful.
It does not suit everyone. It is generally not advised for women who smoke and are older, or who have certain conditions such as some types of migraine, high blood pressure or a history of blood clots. That is why a doctor checks your health and blood pressure before starting it. It relies on remembering it daily.
The progestogen only pill
The progestogen only pill, sometimes called the mini pill, uses just one hormone. It suits many women who cannot take oestrogen, including some who are breastfeeding or who have certain risk factors. It also needs to be taken every day, and with some versions the timing matters.
The injection
The contraceptive injection is a progestogen given as a shot every few months, so there is nothing to remember daily. It is very effective. Some women find their periods stop or become irregular, and after stopping it there can be a delay before fertility returns, which is worth knowing if you are planning a pregnancy in the near future.
The implant and the coil, the fit and forget options
These are known as long acting reversible methods, because once they are in place they work for years and there is nothing to remember. They are among the most effective methods available.
The implant is a small flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestogen and lasts several years. The intrauterine device, often called the coil, is a small device placed inside the womb by a trained clinician. There are two kinds, one that releases a hormone and one made with copper that uses no hormones at all. Both last for years and both are reversible when removed. Fitting is a short procedure, and where a method needs to be fitted or removed our doctors will arrange it.
Permanent methods
For people who are sure their family is complete, there are permanent methods. Female sterilisation blocks the tubes that carry eggs, and male sterilisation, a vasectomy, is a simpler procedure for men. These are meant to be permanent and are not easily reversed, so they call for careful thought and a full discussion first. They are arranged through consultation and referral for the procedure.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a method failure such as a burst condom. There is an emergency pill, which works best the sooner it is taken, and a copper coil, which is the most effective option and can be fitted within a few days. It is a backup, not a regular method, but it is good to know it exists. Do not wait if you need it, because timing changes how well it works.
How to choose
The right method depends on your health, whether you want children in the future and when, how you feel about a daily routine, whether you also need protection from infections, and how each option affects your periods. There is no wrong question to ask. A consultation lets a doctor check your health and blood pressure, weigh the options against your history, and help you decide.
What to do next
You do not have to have it all worked out before you come in. Book a consultation to talk it through, and bring your questions. Choosing well the first time saves a lot of trial and error, and you can always change method later if your life or your needs change.
Choosing birth control? Talk it through at Newtown.
Consultation and laboratory testing are available under one roof at 55 Woodford Street, Port of Spain, so you can discuss your options, have your blood pressure and health checked, and choose a method with a doctor who knows your history. Book a consultation to find the method that fits your life. Our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours for severe pain, heavy bleeding or breathlessness.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call or visit our 24-hour Accident and Emergency department immediately.