Pregnancy is no longer left to chance. With contraception, it's possible to have sex without the risk of conceiving a child. There are many different types of contraceptives available, from regular birth control pills to emergency options like the morning-after pill, and non-hormonal methods such as condoms or the coil. Most contraceptive methods are intended for women. This text covers the various types of contraception and how they work.
Birth control
Consultation services
What is contraception?
Contraception is a way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Different methods are used to achieve this, with some contraceptives (barrier methods) preventing sperm from reaching the uterus, while others change the conditions in the female reproductive system to make pregnancy impossible.
What forms of contraception are there?
Contraception can be roughly divided into three categories: hormonal contraceptives, non-hormonal contraceptives, and permanent contraception (sterilisation).
What types of hormonal contraceptives are there?
The birth control pill, commonly known as "the pill," is one of the most widely used contraceptives. It works by using hormones to prevent ovulation. Most pills are "combination pills," containing both oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones stop the release of an egg and also alter the uterine lining, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus or for a fertilised egg to implant.
What types of contraceptive pills are there?
There are different types of birth control pills, which can sometimes cause confusion. The main types include:
- Single-phase pill: Each tablet in the pack has the same composition, with a consistent dosage of active ingredients. Pills with less than 30 mg of oestrogen are known as sub-30 pills, while those containing 30 to 50 mg are sub-50 pills. Lower oestrogen content can reduce the likelihood of side effects.
- Multi-phase pill: The hormone levels vary across the tablets to mimic the natural hormonal cycle, with different pill colours indicating the dosage changes.
- Mini pill: This contains only progestogen, making it lighter and less likely to cause side effects. It can also be used during breastfeeding.
How do you use contraceptive pills?
Birth control pills are highly effective when used correctly. Typically, one tablet is taken daily for three weeks, followed by a seven-day break during which withdrawal bleeding occurs. During this break, protection against pregnancy continues. Some pills do not require a break; you simply start the next pack right away.
The contraceptive effects wear off quickly after discontinuation, with fertility returning almost immediately.
Contraceptive pill for other purposes
Some women take the pill for reasons other than birth control, such as managing heavy periods, menstrual pain, or irregular cycles. The pill can replace natural menstruation with lighter, regular withdrawal bleeding, helping alleviate these issues. It can also be used to delay periods for convenience.
Emergency contraceptive pill or morning-after pill
The morning-after pill is different from regular birth control and is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It contains hormones that delay ovulation or prevent a fertilised egg from implanting. It should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 12 hours, but no later than three to five days after intercourse.
Other types of hormonal contraceptives
- Contraceptive injection: Provides protection for 12 weeks with one injection.
- Contraceptive implant: A small device placed under the skin releases hormones for up to three years.
- Contraceptive patch: The patch is worn on the skin and replaced weekly, with a break after three weeks.
- Vaginal ring: Inserted into the vagina for three weeks, releasing hormones locally.
- Hormone coil (IUD): This intrauterine device releases hormones and protects against pregnancy for up to five years.
What types of non-hormonal contraceptives are there?
Non-hormonal contraceptives are an alternative for those who prefer to avoid hormones. They include barrier methods and devices like the copper coil.
- Condom: The only non-permanent male contraceptive, also offering protection against STDs.
- Female condom: A bag-like device inserted into the vagina before intercourse.
- Pessary: A cap placed over the cervix, used with spermicide for added effectiveness.
- Copper coil (IUD): This device releases copper, which deactivates sperm, providing protection for five to ten years.
What is definitive contraception?
Permanent contraception is achieved through sterilisation, a surgical procedure meant for those who do not wish to have children in the future.
- Male sterilisation (vasectomy): Involves cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen.
- Female sterilisation: Seals off the fallopian tubes to stop eggs from meeting sperm.
Alternative method of contraception: periodic abstention
This method involves avoiding intercourse during the fertile period, using techniques to predict fertility.
- Temperature method: Tracks slight temperature changes around ovulation.
- Cervical mucus method: Observes changes in vaginal mucus consistency.
- Calendar method: Monitors cycle patterns to predict fertility.
What are the additional risks and side effects?
Each contraceptive carries its own risks and side effects.
What are the risks and side effects of hormonal contraceptives?
Hormonal methods may cause side effects like breakthrough bleeding, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, fluid retention, and mood swings. There is a slight increased risk of more serious conditions, such as blood clots and certain cancers.
What if you miss a dose of hormonal contraceptive?
Missing a dose, vomiting, or losing a patch may reduce the effectiveness. Follow instructions in the product leaflet for guidance.
Can you breastfeed when using hormonal contraceptives?
Hormonal contraceptives are not always suitable for breastfeeding women. Oestrogen-based contraceptives can reduce milk supply, so it is preferable to avoid them in the first six weeks postpartum. A mini pill containing only progesterone does not affect milk production and can be used while breastfeeding. Coils can also be used from four to six weeks after childbirth. Hormones may pass into breast milk, but this is not necessarily harmful.
What are the risks and side effects of non-hormonal contraceptives?
Non-hormonal options generally have fewer risks. The copper coil may cause heavier periods, and sterilisation carries typical surgical risks. Improper use of condoms or pessaries can reduce their effectiveness.
What are the risks and side effects of alternative methods of contraception?
Alternative methods like periodic abstention are less reliable than other contraceptives and require careful tracking.
How does Doctoronline work?
Get treated without the inconvenience of waiting rooms.
Find your medical treatment
Consultation via our questionnaire
The doctors assess your request
Easy delivery to your doorstep
All good and delivered in good time
All good and delivered in good time
Good service
Good service , quick delivery,
Very professional and helpfull.
Very professional and helpfull.
Great service and fast delivery
Great service and fast delivery. High reliability seller that I fully recommend to those that want to acquire their prescriptions privately and at a reasonable cost.
Excellent discreet and speedy service
Excellent discreet and speedy service
Excellent
Excellent. Delivery was delayed a couple of days. But all good.
Brilliant service and prompt delivery
Brilliant service and prompt delivery
Great service
Great company, I was very pleased that I received high quality medicine with little fuss.
All went very well with minimum of red…
All went very well with minimum of red tape
Highly recommended
Quick respond, quick delivery , got email from the doctor with full support if needed.
It was really easy and dealt with fast
It was really easy and dealt with fast. Delivered really quickly
Helpful
Helpful friendly on time
Great online pharmacy b
Very satisfied customer .been using them for 5 years now . Easy to order .
Request for prescription
After entering my details I had a response from the doctor within 24 hours. Then my medication was sent from a UK pharmacy and received very quickly. Thank you. James
Long term customer
I have been a customer for many years and have always been satisfied by the service I receive.A website that is easy to navigate within, a fast and efficient processing system and good shipment timescales.Excellent communication throughout the process makes for a complete reliable and dependable serviceHighly recommended
Online consultation with a doctor…
Online consultation with a doctor medicine came within a few days!!Even follow up from doctors any other questions Thankyou for a great service
Quick and convenient process
Quick and convenient process, and the order did not take long to reach me. Would definitely use again, I had no problems at all.
So convenient
I order my medication on a regular basisSo convenient Fast and efficient
Very satisfied with Dokerline,my first…
Very satisfied with Dokerline,my first time ordering on with them,ordered isotretinoin,easy form to fill,and delivery was quick and tracked,thankyou
Service has improved since last time
Service has improved since last time. Much better.