Contraceptive methods

Question 1

How do progestogen only methods of contraception work?

Answer 1

Progestogen stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm reaching the egg, thins the endometrium to prevent implantation

Question 2

What are the advantages of the contraceptive injection?

Answer 2

Lasts up to 3 months
Can use when breastfeeding
No user failure
Not affected by other medicines, diarrhoea or vomiting

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive injection?

Answer 3

Periods may stop, be irregular or longer
Periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping the injection
Reduction in bone mineral density
Some women gain weight - 3kg every 2 years
Once the injection has been put in, it cannot be removed from the body so any side effects may continue for as long as it works.

Question 4

What are the advantages of the contraceptive implant?

Answer 4

Works for three years

Fertility will return to normal when the implant is removed

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive implant?

Answer 5

Periods may stop, be irregular or longer
Acne may occur, or worsen
Requires a small procedure to fit and remove it

Question 6

How does the Mirena coil work?

Answer 6

It contains progestogen. It works by thinning the endometrium to prevent implantation and thickens cervical mucus. Has an effect on ovulation in some women.

Question 7

What are the benefits of the Mirena coil?

Answer 7

Lighter periods and often less painful
Works for five years but can be taken out sooner
Fertility returns to normal as soon as IUS is removed
Can be used as emergency contraception

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of the Mirena coil?

Answer 8

Irregular bleeding or spotting is common in the first six months
Periods may stop altogether
Very small chance of getting an infection after insertion (usually check for infection before insertion)
May get ovarian cysts
Insertion can be uncomfortable

Question 9

What are the advantages of using a copper coil?

Answer 9

Works as soon as it is put in
Can stay in 5-10 years depending on type
No hormones

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of a copper coil?

Answer 10

Periods may be heavier or longer and more painful
Very small chance of getting an infection after insertion
Insertion can be uncomfortable