The Pros & Cons of 5 Common Contraceptives

From the oral contraceptive pill to the fertility awareness method, there are many different contraceptive options. Here’s how they’re preventing pregnancy, how they effect your hormones and the pros & cons of each of them.

The Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) – Combined

The combined OCP (“the pill”) is a combination of synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone. As the body receives these synthetic hormones the communication between the brain and the ovaries is halted, inhibiting the signal for the ovaries to mature and release an egg, ultimately preventing ovulation. Without ovulation, the ovaries do not produce their normal amounts of oestrogen and progesterone which can have some negative side effects and long term consequences.

Pros:

• The pill gave women control over their reproduction which was hugely empowering in the 1960’s

• The pill can sometimes reduce acne (for the time it is taken)

• It can reduce severe period pain in conditions such as endometriosis

• A reduction in severe menorrhagia (heavy bleeding)

Cons:

• Nutrient depletion (B vitamins, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, zinc)

• Changes in pheromones - research also suggests that the pill can change the people you are attracted to

• Mood alterations: anxiety & depression

• Lowers libido (seems kind of counterproductive, right?)

• Other potential side effects include:

  • Headaches

  • Hair loss

  • Weight gain

  • Blood clots

• Increased risk of cervical and breast cancer

While once “empowering” the pill has come full circle in the sense that it is generally prescribed for any and all period concerns, often without the patient feeling heard, or being told of potential side-effects, or knowing that her body is able to naturally have symptom-free periods – not such an empowering solution anymore.

The Non-Hormonal Copper IUD

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a plastic T-shaped copper-coiled device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It is the copper itself that prevents pregnancy as it creates an inflammatory response in the uterus, it is a spermicide & deteriorates eggs.The copper also decreases the sperms ability to freely move in the uterus, preventing it from reaching the fallopian tubes.

Pros:

• Does not contain synthetic hormones or suppress ovulation

• Requires little thought and organisation

• Lasts up to 10 years

Cons:

• Insertion may be painful

• May increase dysmenorrhea (period pain) for the first few months

• Can cause heavy bleeding and discharge

• Can interfere with zinc levels - consider supplementation

• Increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis

• The device can migrate to other areas of the body which can cause organ perforation

Contraceptive implant (Implanon)

The Implanon is a plastic stick that is inserted under the skin on inside of the upper arm. It works by slowly releasing synthetic hormone (progestin) into the blood stream which thins the uterine lining and impairs cervical fluid, they also inadvertently suppress ovulation in the majority of cycles.

Progestin bears no resemblance to our amazing natural hormone progesterone (read more about progesterone here). Instead, progestin can cause mood problems & ovarian cysts.

Pros:

• Inexpensive long term contraception (3 years)

• “set and forget” - requires very little maintenance or effort

• Stops bleeding or causes very irregular bleeding

Cons:

• Requires insertion and removal by a doctor

• Can cause side effects such as:

  • irregular bleeding,

  • depression,

  • nervousness,

  • hair loss,

  • and weight gain

• Erratic bleeding (breakthrough bleeding)

Barrier method- condom

Strangely, overlooked as a form of contraception as we’ve come to believe that contraception is,

1) the responsibility of the female and

2) means pill-popping.

The humble condom prevents the possibility of pregnancy by providing a barrier to prevent sperm entering the uterus. There is no effect on male or female hormones.

Pros:

• Minimally-invasive

• Provides some protection against sexually transmitted diseases

• Does not affect male or female hormones

• A shared responsibility of contraception

Cons:

• Requires diligence in the heat of the moment

• Reduced sensations

• Latex allergies

• Environmental impact

Vegan, reduced chemical & eco-conscious condoms: Jonny

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)

There are roughly only six to nine days of the menstrual cycle where pregnancy can occur, this includes the day of ovulation, the day after ovulation and the five days leading up to it, as this is how long sperm can survive in the uterus.

The fertility awareness method refers to cycle tracking that identifies signs of fertile and non-fertile times. A period tracking app isn’t quite enough as they are based on an “average” 28 day cycle which predicts ovulation occurs on day 14, which is not the case for everyone. FAM uses calendar tracking with the addition of recording individual symptoms such as basal body temperature and cervical fluid to identify fertile windows.

Once the fertile window is identified you are then able to use barrier methods (condoms) or abstinence to avoid pregnancy.

FAM takes a few cycles to learn before you can rely on it as a contraceptive method.

Pros:

• The least invasive method

• Cultivates cycle & body awareness

• Can prompt cycle education in our partner

• Can be used to prevent and plan pregnancy

Cons:

• It requires consistency in tracking signs & symptoms (temperature tracking etc).

• Often arousal is highest during times we are most fertile and therefore barrier method would be indicated anyway

If you are experiencing side-effects of your contraception or are seeking to discuss alternative options book an appointment for individualised support.