Contraceptives for Women

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Contraceptives in South Africa

Marie Stopes South Africa offers a wide range of different contraceptives for women. Whether you’re interested in a monthly option like the contraceptive pill (oral contraception) or patch; or a long-acting method like an implant or IUD, we can help find a contraceptive method that suits your lifestyle.

We offer the following contraceptives:

Oral Contraceptives (the contraceptive pill)

If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient form of contraception, contraceptive pills may be the perfect solution for you. At our women’s health clinic, we offer a variety of contraceptive pills that are safe and effective. Not only do they prevent pregnancy, but they also offer other benefits such as regulating menstrual cycles and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. In South Africa, contraceptive pills are a popular choice, with an estimated 54% of women using some form of contraception. Our experienced medical professionals will work with you to determine the best contraceptive pill option for your individual needs and ensure that you receive the highest quality of care.

Contraceptive Injection

If you’re seeking a long-lasting form of contraception, the contraceptive injection may be the perfect option for you. We offer a variety of contraceptive options, including the contraceptive injection, which is an effective and convenient form of birth control. The injection works by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. It’s also a great option for women who struggle to remember to take a daily pill. In South Africa, the contraceptive injection is a popular choice, with an estimated 11% of women using this method. It’s also been found to be highly effective, with only 1 in 100 women experiencing pregnancy in the first year of use. Our experienced medical professionals will work with you to determine the best contraceptive option for your individual needs and ensure that you receive the highest quality of care.

Contraceptive Implant

If you’re looking for a highly effective and long-lasting form of contraception, the contraceptive implant may be the perfect option for you. We offer a variety of contraceptive options, including the contraceptive implant, which is a small, flexible rod that is inserted under the skin in your upper arm. The implant works by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg. In South Africa, the contraceptive implant is a popular choice, with an estimated 3% of women using this method. It’s also been found to be highly effective, with only 1 in 1000 women experiencing pregnancy in the first year of use. The implant is also long-lasting, providing up to 3 years of protection.

IUDs and IUSs “loop” contraceptives

If you’re looking for a highly effective and long-lasting form of contraception, the IUD or IUS may be the perfect option for you. We offer a variety of contraceptive options, including the IUD and IUS, which are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. The devices work by preventing fertilisation of the egg and/or implantation of the fertilised egg. In South Africa, IUDs and IUSs are a popular choice, with an estimated 7% of women using this method. They’re also highly effective, with only 1 in 500 women experiencing pregnancy in the first year of use. Additionally, the devices are long-lasting, with the IUD providing up to 10 years of protection and the IUS providing up to 5 years.

Emergency Contraception Pill (morning after pill)

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your regular contraceptive method has failed, the emergency contraception pill, also known as the morning after pill, may be an option for you. We offer the emergency contraception pill, which is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The pill works by delaying or preventing ovulation, preventing the fertilization of an egg or preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg. In South Africa, the emergency contraception pill is a popular choice, with an estimated 3% of women using this method as their primary form of contraception. It’s important to note that emergency contraception is not meant to be used as a regular form of birth control and should only be used in emergency situations.

Choosing the Right Contraceptive Method

If you are starting to use contraception for the first time or looking into a new method, it’s a good idea to make time for a full consultation. You may schedule time with one of our friendly nurses who will give you a full run-down and explanation of each contraceptive method.

Remember: Only condoms offer dual protection: prevent pregnancy as well as the transmission of HIV and STIs Marie Stopes has 9 centres across South Africa, to make an appointment for a contraceptive consultation book online or call us on 0800 11 77 85. Choosing a contraceptive can be confusing. We’ve provided some help in our Frequently Asked Questions section but if there’s something we’ve missed, ask us a question and we’ll get back to you.

Contraception and Family Planning FAQs

What method is the most effective?

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.

I’ve heard contraceptive methods cause weight gain?

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”).

What is an IUD?

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.

What is the contraceptive implant?

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.

Are there some contraceptive methods that I can’t use?

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).

I had unprotected sex and I’m not using any contraception is there anything I can do?

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

When can I use an emergency contraceptives?

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.

Can’t I just use the morning after pill every time I have sex?

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.

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Contraceptives for Women

Find your ideal birth control solution

REPORT ILLEGAL ABORTIONS

Appointment

Contraceptives in South Africa

We offer the following contraceptives:

Oral Contraceptives (the contraceptive pill)

Contraceptive Injection

Contraceptive Implant

IUDs and IUSs “loop” contraceptives

Emergency Contraception Pill (morning after pill)

Choosing the Right Contraceptive Method

Contraception and Family Planning FAQs

What method is the most effective?

I’ve heard contraceptive methods cause weight gain?

What is an IUD?

What is the contraceptive implant?

Are there some contraceptive methods that I can’t use?

I had unprotected sex and I’m not using any contraception is there anything I can do?

When can I use an emergency contraceptives?

Can’t I just use the morning after pill every time I have sex?

Marie Stopes clinics that offer Contraceptives

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