Planning for a baby is a big decision and requires a lot of time and energy. It’s something that every person needs to think about carefully because your whole life will change in an instant. Contraceptive methods have been around for hundreds of years, but not all of them are safe. Some require surgery, while others disrupt your normal system and can cause other problems. If you’re thinking about contraceptives but want the safest and most natural option, here are three that you can consider.
Intrauterine Devices
A small T-shaped piece of plastic with a copper coil device is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s one of the most effective contraceptive methods around because there are no pills to remember to take and it lasts for up to five years. It’s proven to be more than 99% effective and as long as a woman is not already pregnant, she can start using it at any point in her cycle.
Intrauterine devices are called IUDs and can be uncomfortable the first time it’s inserted. The way it works is by releasing copper into the womb and changing the cervical mucus to stop an egg from becoming fertilised.
Hormone Regulating Pill
Without a regular hormonal cycle, women can experience several problems. Too much oestrogen or progesterone can wreak havoc on all other hormones which results in fatigue, mood swings, and painful stomach cramps. One of the best methods is the contraceptive combined pill. It works by increasing oestrogen and lowering progesterone at specific times of the month to force your body into a regulated cycle.
This contraceptive pill is the most commonly used method that doesn’t require surgery and is easy to take. Anyone in the UK can get a contraceptive pill repeat prescription from providers like Virtually. They focus on sexual health, diet, dermatology, and mental health, and are partnered with the NHS. Virtually offers free video appointments and doctors of your choosing are available online to dispense your contraceptive pill repeat prescription quickly and easily.
Vaginal Ring
A vaginal ring works similarly to an IUD, but instead of copper, it releases oestrogen and progesterone to thicken the lining of the cervix so that sperm cannot move as easily. It’s also more than 99% effective but it doesn’t need a doctor to install. Once placed correctly, a vaginal ring only has to be replaced once a month.
You start by wearing it for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break when you take it out in preparation for a period. You can also choose to keep it in for the full month and not have any menstrual cycle in a particular month, such as when you go on vacation.
Contraceptives nowadays are more effective than traditional methods. There are plenty of options to choose from that don’t require a visit to the hospital, and these three are the most popular. Contraceptive methods like these give all women a safe and effective way to manage their menstrual cycles and prevent pregnancy if they choose.