The aim of contraception is to prevent you from getting pregnant when you have sex. We often need to use different forms of contraception at different times or stages of our life. It is important to work out which stage you are at, understand the options available to you so you can take control and choose the one that best suits you.
There are several methods of contraception available ranging from daily options to long-term reversible and permanent methods. Each has its positive and possible side effects. We’ll help you understand all available options so you can confidently choose the one that best suits you.
You may have decided you never want children and want to explore permanent options. There are three forms of permanent contraception available.
This involves laparoscopic placement of a specially designed titanium and plastic clip on each fallopian tube, blocking the tube and preventing the passage of sperm.
It is a very effective form of contraception and can be relied on as soon as you have your next period. There is a risk of failure 3:1000, higher if the surgery is done soon after childbirth, at the same time of termination or in woman younger than 30. If a pregnancy does occur, one third are ectopic, that is the pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus and may require emergency surgery.
This is intended to be permanent but there is a chance of regret and change of mind. It may be possible to surgically reconnect one or both tubes but there is no guarantee that reconnection will be successful and that a pregnancy will result.
This is intended to be permanent but there is a chance of regret and change of mind. It may be possible to surgically reconnect one or both tubes but there is no guarantee that reconnection will be successful and that a pregnancy will result.
It is non-hormonal and does not change your menstrual pattern but if you have been the OCP before you may notice your periods are heavier.
Done laparoscopically it has the advantage of investigating other problems at the same time.
Serious problems due to laproscopic tubal occlusion are rare but can occur
Major complications (1:1000) : haemorrhage, damage to abdominal organs near the surgical sitebowel, bladder, ureter other viscera (1:1000), laparotomy (large incision) (1:100), death (1:25 000)
Minor complication can also occur including abnormal scar formation 4%
This technique uses a small metal and polyer “plug” that is
inserted into each fallopian tube, permanently blocking it. No
incisions are needed because each fallopian tube is accessed
through the vagina and cervix with a hysteroscopy. The inserts
do not contain or release any hormones.
The Essure procedure is permanent and cannot be reversed. It is
very effective with a success rate of over 99%. If you change
your mind there is no way of unblocking your tubes and IVF will
be required but the effect of the procedure on IVF or the
developing fetus is unknown.
There is a 2% chance that the procedure may be abandoned due to
technical difficulties leaving only one or no tubes blocked.
This means you will need an alternative procedure for permanent
contraception.
As it takes time for your body to form a natural barrier around
the inserts and completely block your fallopian tubes, you must
use alternative contraception until you get confirmation from
your doctor. Three months after the procedure you will need an
x-ray and medical check, if all clear then you can stop
contraception.
Complications are rare but can occur. There is a small chance of
uterine or tubal perforation, which may lead to damage of
internal organs. There is a small chance the devices may move or
fall out after the procedure. There are two implants left in the
uterine tubes that may affect future medical care.
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut or block the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. After a vasectomy the man must have a follow-up test to ensure no sperm are in the seman. Whilst vasectomy does have surgical risks, the risks are fewer and less serious than for tubal occlusion in women. Reversal is possible but its success depends on the mans age and years since vasectomy.
Remember: No matter what contraception you choose, you still need a condom to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections.