For Ellem, the road to motherhood has been anything but easy. After a high-risk pregnancy, she’s about to welcome her first child and already thinking about the future – graduate school, her career, and eventually, a second baby. But there’s one thing weighing heavily on her mind: contraception.
“I’m super paranoid,” she admits. “Every option seems to have side effects, and I’m not sure what’s safe or reliable.’”
Navigating the world of contraceptives can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing the risks and benefits of each option. Yet, understanding your choices is so important. It’s time to take control of your reproductive health and make the decisions that best suit your needs – and those of your partner.
What is Contraception?
Contraception, or birth control, refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. Without contraception, couples who engage in regular sexual activity have an 84% chance of conceiving within a year.
In Singapore, the rise in unplanned pregnancies highlights the importance of accessible birth control. A study by SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) found a 60% increase in referrals for abortions between 2018 and 2020, with most referrals involving single women under 20 or over 40.
According to Dr Ryan Lee, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, the key contributors to unplanned pregnancies include:
Inadequate knowledge of contraception
Lack of sexual education
Limited access to personalised family planning services
With a variety of contraceptive options available today, it’s more important than ever to understand the different types, benefits and limitations, so you can choose the most suitable method for your needs.
How Do Contraceptives Work?
Contraceptives can be broadly classified into hormonal, barrier, permanent, natural, and emergency methods. Each birth control method works in their own unique ways to prevent pregnancy if used correctly.
Barrier methods physically block the sperm from reaching the egg.
Hormonal methods suppresses ovulation, thickens the mucus to hinder sperms movement, and alter the uterine lining.
Permanent methods involve removal of parts of reproductive organs through surgery.
Natural methods involves tracking ovulation, abstinence during fertile periods and withdrawal before ejaculation.
Emergency methods delay the release of egg from the ovaries after unprotected intercourse
Contraceptive Options for Females
Barrier Methods
Diaphragm or Cervical Cap
Diaphragms and cervical caps are silicone cups inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix snugly. This blocks the passage of sperm from entering the uterus.
They can be inserted prior to sex, and left inside the body for hours after sex to ensure the sperm have time to die and cannot enter the uterus.
Effectiveness: 83% effectiveness (typical use) Pros: The silicone cups are reusable. Drawbacks: Insertion and removal of diaphragms or cervical caps may require fitting by a healthcare provider.
Female Condoms
Female condoms are lubricated and removable plastic tubes worn inside the vagina as a barrier.
The female condom has two ends: the closed inner end and the open outer end. In between the two ends is a sleeve that lines the vagina. You can insert it like you would a tampon or menstrual cup, until the inner end sits comfortably near the cervix. The outer open ring should stay outside the vagina.
Effectiveness: 79% effectiveness (typical use) Pros: Female condoms may protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Drawbacks: They are less readily available compared to male condoms.
Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals (often nonoxynol-9) in gel, cream or suppository forms. They are applied to the vagina to damage the sperm. It can be combined with other barrier contraceptives like condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms to enhance the effectiveness.
Effectiveness: Spermicides are only about 70% effective when used alone. Pros: Spermicides are easy to use. Drawbacks: Spermicides need to be applied before each sexual intercourse, and the window of effectiveness differs from product to product. They also increase the risk of infection as spermicides can irritate the vaginal tissue.
Angel is a full-time healthcare professional who loves spending her time immersing in the world of words and arts! She hopes her writing is able to spread awareness to the public, particularly in health-related topics.
