Contraception, how does it work? The effectives, pros and cons of different types of birth control
<div class="ExternalClass75E7ECD93A8F41119BB969BF69F48502"><table width="100%" border="1"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Contraception</th><th scope="col">What's this?</th><th scope="col">How does it work?</th><th scope="col">Effectiveness</th><th scope="col">Pros</th><th scope="col">Cons</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Birth control pill</th><td headers="tbl60id1_0 tbl60id0_1">Contraceptive pill that's taken daily</td><td headers="tbl60id1_0 tbl60id0_2">Prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries</td><td headers="tbl60id1_0 tbl60id0_3">98 - 99% (only if taken daily at the correct timing)</td><td headers="tbl60id1_0 tbl60id0_4">Effects are reversible; lessens menstrual cramps; makes the periods regular; reduces acne; reduces risks of developing ovarian and endometrial cancer</td><td headers="tbl60id1_0 tbl60id0_5">Has to be taken daily; smokers above 35 cannot use it; no protection against STIs; may interfere with other medications you're on</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Contraceptive Injection (done 4 times a year)</th><td headers="tbl60id3_0 tbl60id0_1">An injection in the buttocks or the arm</td><td headers="tbl60id3_0 tbl60id0_2">Prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries</td><td headers="tbl60id3_0 tbl60id0_3">98 - 99%</td><td headers="tbl60id3_0 tbl60id0_4">Effects are reversible; only 4 times a year; reduces the risk of developing endometrial cancer</td><td headers="tbl60id3_0 tbl60id0_5">May cause irregular bleeding or spotting; no protection against STIs</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Intra-uterine Device (IUD)</th><td headers="tbl60id4_0 tbl60id0_1">A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus</td><td headers="tbl60id4_0 tbl60id0_2">Prevents fertilisation of eggs</td><td headers="tbl60id4_0 tbl60id0_3">99.2 - 99.4%</td><td headers="tbl60id4_0 tbl60id0_4">The device is long-lasting (up to 5 years); no interruption to intercourse</td><td headers="tbl60id4_0 tbl60id0_5">May cause irregular bleeding or spotting; no protection against STIs; IUD may fall out; a physician is required to insert and remove the IUD</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Spermicide (comes in different forms such as foams, films, gels and tablets)</th><td headers="tbl60id5_0 tbl60id0_1">A chemical agent which disables sperms</td><td headers="tbl60id5_0 tbl60id0_2">Inserted into the vagina few hours before intercourse</td><td headers="tbl60id5_0 tbl60id0_3">82%
Effectiveness is greatly increased when it is used with a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap</td><td headers="tbl60id5_0 tbl60id0_4">May provide lubrication; can be used by women who breastfeed or smoke</td><td headers="tbl60id5_0 tbl60id0_5">No protection against STIs; may cause allergic reactions in some people</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Diaphragm (to be used with spermicide)</th><td headers="tbl60id6_0 tbl60id0_1">A dome-shaped rubber cap that is fitted in the vagina, over the cervix (must be left there 6-8 hours after intercourse)</td><td headers="tbl60id6_0 tbl60id0_2">Prevents sperms from entering the uterus</td><td headers="tbl60id6_0 tbl60id0_3">94%</td><td headers="tbl60id6_0 tbl60id0_4">Protection against certain STIs; can be fitted 6-8 hours before intercourse</td><td headers="tbl60id6_0 tbl60id0_5">Proper insertion is required; may dislodge during intercourse; may cause allergic reactions in some people (due to the spermicide used)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Cervical cap (to be used with spermicide)</th><td headers="tbl60id7_0 tbl60id0_1">A thimble-shaped rubber cap fitted over the cervix</td><td headers="tbl60id7_0 tbl60id0_2">Prevents sperms from entering the uterus</td><td headers="tbl60id7_0 tbl60id0_3">91% (for women who have not given birth) 74% (for women who have given birth before)</td><td headers="tbl60id7_0 tbl60id0_4">Protection against certain STIs; can be fitted 24 hours before intercourse</td><td headers="tbl60id7_0 tbl60id0_5">Proper insertion is required; may dislodge during intercourse; may cause allergic reactions in some people (due to the spermicide used); may cause vaginal discharge and odour</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Female sterilisation (permanent)</th><td headers="tbl60id8_0 tbl60id0_1">A minor surgery which closes the fallopian tubes</td><td headers="tbl60id8_0 tbl60id0_2">Eggs cannot travel to the uterus</td><td headers="tbl60id8_0 tbl60id0_3">99.5%</td><td headers="tbl60id8_0 tbl60id0_4">No interference with intercourse</td><td headers="tbl60id8_0 tbl60id0_5">Irreversible; surgery risks; no protection against STIs</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Female condom</th><td headers="tbl60id9_0 tbl60id0_1">A soft disposable sheath placed in the vagina before intercourse</td><td headers="tbl60id9_0 tbl60id0_2">Prevents direct contact between genitals; prevents body fluids from being exchanged</td><td headers="tbl60id9_0 tbl60id0_3">95%</td><td headers="tbl60id9_0 tbl60id0_4">Protection against certain STIs</td><td headers="tbl60id9_0 tbl60id0_5">May break or slip; makes noises during intercourse</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>How to choose your birth control method</h2><p>Factors such as your age, frequency of sexual activity, family history regarding certain illnesses, comfort level when using a particular method, and level of desire to be pregnant in the future will come into play when choosing an appropriate birth control method.</p><p>You should talk to your physician to figure out which method works best for you. There's no need to feel embarrassed if you have to clarify with your physician on how to use each method correctly. Knowing more will help you take better control of your sexual health and when to have kids.</p><h2>Extra protection</h2><p>You may use a combination of contraceptive methods at a time for extra protection. Also, you can ask your partner to use a condom because it is the only contraceptive method that protects you against most STIs.</p><p>
</p></div>
Friday, January 30, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
PER_Parent,PGM_HealthAmbassador,AGE_Young Adult,AGE_Adult,CHILD_Children,INTEREST_Sexual Health & Relationships,
No
370
Monday, January 29, 2018
<div class="ExternalClassA318562EAD924B8098B4452F01AA643E"><p>Health Promotion Board
3 Second Hospital Avenue
Singapore 168937</p></div>
HPB_Mailbox@hpb.gov.sg
<div class="ExternalClassDF462F3DFEDA4AD9B7CDA76635F47546">Established in 2001, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has a vision to build a nation of healthy people.
HPB implements programmes that reach out to the population, specifically children, adults and the elderly. These programmes include health and dental services for school children, BreastScreen Singapore, AIDS Education Programme, CervicalScreen Singapore, Childhood Injury Prevention Programme, Mental Health Education Programme, National Myopia Prevention Programme, Physical Activity, National Smoking Control Programme, Nutrition Programme, Osteoporosis Education Programme, Workplace Health Promotion Programme, HPB Online, HealthLine, Health Information Centre and HealthZone. New programmes will also be initiated over time to address health concerns among the community.</div>
/sites/assets/Assets/Logos%20and%20Official/logo-hc-hpb.png
Health Promotion Board
64353500
http://www.hpb.gov.sg
Choosing the Right Birth Control Method
Articles
PER_Parent, PGM_HealthAmbassador, AGE_Young Adult, AGE_Adult, CHILD_Children, INTEREST_Sexual Health & Relationships