Contraception: Figuring out what's right for you

Contraception is personal.

For many, finding something that works for your body and lifestyle can be a lengthy roller-coaster of trial and error. And when we finally get it right, how long can we safely use the same type of contraceptive, and how do we know it’s time for a change?

Let’s answer some questions.

When it comes to navigating the contraception minefield, Dr Chelsie McMullin, Bupa Medical Advisor and GP, recommends asking 2 questions: what are you looking for in a contraceptive and what’s realistic for you and your current lifestyle?

“The big question is, what do you want from your contraceptive?’,” says Dr McMullin. “Some people may use birth control to manage painful periods or acne, or to control the timing of their monthly cycle.”

Whatever style or type of contractive you choose has to work on a number of practical levels.

“If you’re terrible at remembering to take medication then maybe the pill isn’t for you. However, if you’re not sexually active and want to take something to help improve your skin, a daily pill might be a better option than an intrauterine device (IUD).”

There are many contraceptive options on the market. They include:

• oral contraceptives, such as the contraceptive pill
• long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as the IUD or birth control implant
• barrier methods, such as condoms or a diaphragm
• natural methods, such as cycle tracking and abstinence
• sterilisation, including vasectomy and tubal sterilisation.

While IUDs and implants are the most effective contraceptive at preventing pregnancy, they aren’t the most popular, with the pill and condoms being more widely used.¹

“Generally speaking, the pill is a good introductory option for women who haven't tried something before,” says Dr McMullin. “It’s safe for most women between puberty and 50 years of age, and it can be great for settling other concerns relating to hormones.”

Longer-acting reversible contraceptives like Implanon (the rod) or intrauterine devices (Kyleena and Mirena) can be a good option for those who don’t tolerate oestrogen and want something they don’t need to remember every day.

Barrier methods like condoms are often suited to people in new relationships or with multiple sexual partners because of the protection against most sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

Women and those assigned female at birth with a regular cycle who would prefer a drug-free alternative might explore the idea of fertility charting, and couples who have finished their families might choose a vasectomy or a tubal ligation.

It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each contraceptive to find what works for you.

Dr McMullin recommends reviewing your contraception if:

• your body, health symptoms or relationship status has changed
• you are in your 40s
• your birth control contains oestrogen (review annually).

“When women [and people assigned female at birth] are in their 40s, their body and periods often change,” she says. “Something that people have been using for 20 years may no longer be the best option.”

“I’d also recommend reviewing any birth control with oestrogen every year because we can get asymptomatic high blood pressure,” she says. “That can be as simple as getting your blood pressure checked every 12 months.”

Speak to your doctor or sexual healthcare provider for more information.