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© 2021 The Health Advisory Clinic
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Contraception

Introduction

What is Contraception?

Contraception describes the methods that a woman can use to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

There are more than one type of contraception options and each type has varying effects on preventing unplanned births. They also come in a variety of costs and methods of use. Depending on your family planning plans or personal health, you will likely prefer one type of contraception over another.

Also read: Pre-Conception Screening

Did you know?

Our clinic offers different long and short term contraceptive methods. These methods that we offer are reversible and this means that it can be stopped anytime when you wish to start a family!

Speak to our female doctor who will guide and assist you to make the most appropriate choice to meet your expectations.

Types

What are the types of Contraception in Singapore?

When it comes to birth control pills in Singapore, they come in small tablets that have to be taken every day to prevent pregnancy. Most of the pills are made of two female hormones, estrogen and progestin.

The pills work in the female body by preventing ovulation from occurring and preventing the sperm from reaching the egg by causing the cervix lining to thicken. These pills are easy to take but must be taken daily.

The good news is that if you start to take these pills on the first day of your period, then you will be protected immediately from an unplanned pregnancy. Make sure to discuss this with your doctor to find out if this birth control method is the best choice for you.

Oral Contraception

Contraceptive Patches

Contraceptive Injections

Hormonal Implants

When it comes to birth control pills in Singapore, they come in small tablets that have to be taken every day to prevent pregnancy. Most of the pills are made of two female hormones, estrogen and progestin.

The pills work in the female body by preventing ovulation from occurring and preventing the sperm from reaching the egg by causing the cervix lining to thicken. These pills are easy to take but must be taken daily.

The good news is that if you start to take these pills on the first day of your period, then you will be protected immediately from an unplanned pregnancy. Make sure to discuss this with your doctor to find out if this birth control method is the best choice for you.

Does the Birth Control Pill cause depression and mood swings in Women?

While this is not a common side effect of the Pill, some women have experienced OC dysphoria. This is the name given to the mood swings and associated depression brought about by oral contraceptives.

In a Harvard Medical School study, it was discovered that less than 20 percent of women experienced mood issues with the pill. However, women who suffered from depression were more prone to experience these unpleasant symptoms.

Those who experienced depression or mood swings discontinued use before their monthly supply ended. If you notice changes in your mood, you should let your doctor know, so that an alternative could be explored.

This is a small patch that sticks onto your skin. The patch contains hormones that are synthetically made that are naturally occurring in a woman’s body. This patch has a similar effect to oral contraceptives. You should put on a patch every week for three weeks and then go one week without wearing any patches.

Interestingly, the patch although being absorbed through the skin, provides a 60% higher concentrated dose when compared to oral pills.

These injections are periodic injections of female hormones. If you are considering long-term contraception, then this may be a good option for you. The injections work by preventing the pituitary gland in the brain from producing hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.

Unlike other more frequently methods, the injections are usually provided once every three months. The injections do not affect your long-term fertility.

However, if you are planning to become pregnant immediately after stopping your injections, this may not be your best option. It can take up to 18 months before you are able to become pregnant after stopping the injections.

This is a more recent type of contraception that can be placed under the skin in a woman’s arm. The implants contain a synthetic version female hormones which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and makes the mucus in the cervix thicker. This prevents the sperm from reaching the egg.

Your doctor will have to place the implants and you may have some mild discomfort during this procedure. The good news is that the implants can last up to 3 years for contraception. If you are considering this, then you should discuss with your doctor. The implant is about the size of a toothpick and is a good option if you don’t plan to become pregnant within three years.

What’s the difference between a copper IUD and Birth Control Pills?

A copper IUD is a T-shaped intrauterine device placed into the uterus. It can be used when you can’t use hormonal birth control for medical reasons. Once inserted, it blocks sperm away from eggs and starts working right away to prevent pregnancy. Unlike other birth control methods like condoms, the copper IUD does not interrupt sex although it sits in your uterus. Women of all ages can use a copper IUD which can last up to 10 years. Less than 1% of women will get pregnant with a copper IUD. However, a copper IUD causes side effects like heavier periods and more cramps.

Birth control pills, on the other hand, trigger hormones like progestin and oestrogen to prevent the release of eggs. Birth control pills also require that you take the pills everyday for the prescribed time.

Treatment

What happens if had unprotected sexual intercourse?

Emergency Contraception

The morning after pill or emergency Contraception pill works by delaying or stopping ovulation (release of an egg) by thinning the uterus or promoting the destruction of sperm in the uterus. It must be taken within 3-5 days after unprotected intercourse or if the condom breaks during intercourse. By doing so, the sperm can’t reach the egg and fertilisation will not be able to take place. However, if you are already pregnant, it will not cause a termination of pregnancy.

There are 2 different types of emergency contraception pills available such as the single or dual tablet pill. The emergency contraception pill comes with potential risks and side effects such nausea vomiting, irregular bleeding or spotting, blood clots etc, so speak to your healthcare provider to understand further.

Despite having a success rate of approximately 90%, it shouldn’t be used as a regular form of contraception as it shouldn’t be taken more than once a month. You should always consider other suitable methods of contraceptive if you find yourself having to take the morning after pill multiple times.

FAQ

How can I choose the right contraceptive method for myself?

There is no one right method of contraception for women in Singapore today. Discuss with a healthcare professional to determine which contraceptive choice will be best. Factors that should be considered include:

  • Personal & family medical history
  • Smoking history
  • Past experience with contraception
  • Desired period of birth control and family planning
  • Your lifestyle, age and needs

Your provider will discuss the various options available along with each one’s benefits and its side effects so that you can make an informed choice.

How effective are contraceptives in preventing pregnancy?

If used as directed, contraception methods are fairly effective. These are the breakdown of the failure rates of each method:

  • Oral contraceptive pills: 0.2-4%
  • Hormone patches: <1%
  • Injections: 0.4%
  • Hormonal and contraceptive implants: 0.07%

As you can see, all of these methods have a very low failure rate although the implants have the absolute lowest.

What are the side effects of Oral Contraception (Birth control pills)?

The most common side effects include vagina spotting, nausea, vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding or spotting and headaches.

The good news for women is that if you experience any of these side effects, they will go away when you stop using that contraception method.

What is the optimal time to use contraceptives?

The optimal time for women to be using birth control (including the pill) is during their reproductive years and when they are sexually active. This range is usually from teenage years up to 40-50 years. Make sure to discuss this with your women’s health provider as well.

Will taking contraceptives affect my ability to get pregnant in future?

This is a common concern but is largely a myth. Using contraceptives do not affect your long-term ability to have a child. You will be able to resume your previous state of fertility after stopping your contraceptive method.

However, there may a delay with certain methods before you start your normal cycle again.

Does the side effect of hormonal birth control include Breast Cancer?

Although it is not recommended that women who have breast cancer or cervical cancer use hormonal birth control, it does not generally cause cancer.

What are the other benefits of using birth control for women ?

  • Regular and manageable period; prevent irregular bleeding
  • Reduction in period cramps
  • Aids Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Improves acne and skin tone
  • Reduces risk of uterine, ovarian, colon cancer and ovarian cysts
  • Reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancies

Will Contraceptives protect me from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?

Birth control does not prevent STIs so you should always make sure to practice safe sex. If you have any concerns in this area, make sure to discuss them with your doctor for further recommendations and protection. If you suspect any symptoms, our clinic provides for discreet screening for STIs.

Is it true that Contraceptives lower the Sex drive for women?

It is possible although it is not experienced by all women. The science behind this occurring is that the combination of progestin and estrogen in the pill has the effect of lowering testosterone levels in women. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for your sex drive. You may have guessed by now that even though testosterone is a “male” hormone, women produce testosterone albeit in smaller amounts than men. However, low testosterone is not the only cause of decreased libido.

So you should have a conversation with your doctor if you have any concerns.

HIV Men's Health Sexual Health STD Women & Men's Health Women's Health

Contraception

Contraception describes the methods that a woman can use to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

Task

During your consultation with the doctor, the above options will be discussed with you to see which best suits your needs.

  • Date

    May 30, 2021

  • Skills

    Oral Contraception, Contraception Patches, Contraception Injections, Contraception Hormonal Implants, Emergency Contraception, Female Doctor Consultation

  • Client

    Dr Eugena Tay

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