Contraceptives for Women

All modern contraceptive methods are very effective. Marie Stopes South Africa’s contraceptive method chart shows the effectiveness of each. Methods that involve placement by a healthcare provider such as an implant, an IUD or an IUS are most effective because they leave less room for human error (i.e. forgetting to take a pill, going in late for your injection). Condoms, contraceptives for men, leave the greatest room for error. The two most common mistakes are firstly, not holding the tip when rolling the condom on which can lead to breakage. Secondly, failing to remove the condom while the penis is still erect, which can lead to spills. This is why it’s always best to use condoms along with another method to prevent pregnancy and HIV and STIs.

Hormonal methods can cause increased appetite, which is easily regulated with diet and exercise. If weight gain is a central concern, you may choose to opt for a method that slowly releases a low dose of hormones over time (like an implant) or one that doesn’t contain any hormones at all (like a copper IUD or “loop”).

The IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is fitted into the uterus. It’s placed by a trained healthcare provider (either a nurse or a doctor) protects against pregnancy for 5 or 10 years, depending on the model. You can have it removed at any time.

The contraceptive implant is a small, matchstick-sized subdermal rod, meaning that it is fitted under the skin of the upper arm by a trained healthcare provider (usually a nurse). The contraceptive implant slowly releases a low dose of hormone that protects against pregnancy for 3 or 5 years, depending on the model.

Note that some methods have contraindications (reasons why they are not advisable for women with certain health concerns) so it is important to be open and honest about your full medical history. This includes what contraceptive methods you have used in the past and whether or not you are a smoker. Your healthcare provider will be able to give you advice on what method is suitable if you are affected by Diabetes, Hypertension, Vaginal bleeding, Deep vein thrombosis, Allergies, HIV, Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

You have the option of using emergency contraception (often called the morning-after pill) to help prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Emergency contraception (morning after pill) can be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex, but the earlier you take it the more effective it will be so visit a centre as soon as possible. Also consider testing if you’re worried about being exposed to HIV or STIs.

While there is no limit to the number of times you can take emergency contraception (EC); we recommend you only use it in emergencies. If you find yourself using the morning after pill regularly, find time for a contraceptive consultation to learn more about your short and long-acting contraceptive options. EC also offers no protection against HIV and STIs.