WHICH CONTRACEPTION IS RIGHT FOR ME?
CONTRACEPTION FOR GUYS
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE?
Find Out Which Contraceptive Method Suits for Male and Female
If you are not planning to conceive, opting for contraceptive methods is the right thing to do especially if you are sexually active. But there are different contraceptive methods and it all boils down to what suits you and your body.
Different contraceptive methods have varying efficacies in preventing pregnancy. A contraceptive implant, intrauterine contraceptive devices such as intrauterine system (IUS), and intrauterine device (IUD) are generally more reliable long acting reversible contraception LARC methods - however, these require a minor medical procedure.
Meanwhile, other methods such as a contraceptive ring, contraceptive patch, female condom, cervical cap, diaphragm contraceptive, among others, are short acting methods. There are also birth control pills, a hormonal contraceptive, which you have to take daily. But choosing the right one depends on your needs. For example, if you are actively having sex on a regular basis, a long-term method may be right for you. But non-invasive contraceptives such as condoms or the pill work as long as you follow the usage instructions.
Benefits of Contraception Methods for Family Planning
Contraception methods, however, are not just for those who are sexually active. It can also be used as a method for family planning. Having children is something you should think deeply about because after all, taking care of a child is a huge responsibility.
This is why many use contraceptives to plan and pace out growing their family. Family planning allows you to decide how many children you want, and are able to take care of, as well as factors such a child age difference and so forth.
Can You Rely on Natural Contraceptive Methods?
Natural contraceptive methods include the pull-out method and fertility awareness. The pull-out method, also known as the withdrawal method, is when the male partner pulls out his penis before ejaculation - this avoids any sperm from entering the vagina, and reduces the potential of fertilising an egg. This may work if factors such as self-control are practised, and the man knows when he should pull out. However, the effectiveness of this can be questionable as there may be a small amount of semen released into the vagina before full ejaculation that he may not realise.
Fertility awareness is another natural contraceptive method that can prove to be effective if the woman monitors her menstrual cycle correctly. This means identifying the fertile time, which is when the body ovulates, and avoiding sex during this period. This may vary based on the woman’s cycle, however, it might not be effective for those with irregular cycles as ovulation time or the fertile period can be hard to pick out.
Pill, Patch, Implant – Know Your Contraception Methods Available in Malaysia
The pill, patch, or implant is usually a decision that many have to decide between when it comes to choosing the right contraceptive method for them. However, each is applied differently - a contraceptive patch can be found in Malaysia and is less invasive as it resembles a plaster. The contraceptive patch is designed to be on the skin for a week, and if it detaches, it needs to be replaced otherwise it becomes ineffective.
Meanwhile, the birth control pill is a common method which you can get prescription counter at a pharmacy or prescribed by a medical professional. Each brand of birth control pill is slightly different and you must follow the instructions closely to ensure its effectiveness, which includes taking them at a specific time, and ensuring you take it daily.
A contraceptive implant, on the other hand, is the more drastic measure that proves most effective as pregnancy prevention. It requires a minor procedure where it is implanted into your arm and acts as a reservoir of progestin which is released in small doses within a period or three to five years to prevent pregnancy. Once the cycle ends, it will need to be replaced if you opt to continue with this contraceptive method.
Contraceptive Methods for Better Quality of Life
Contraceptive methods are common and many types exist - there is always a choice for you and it is imperative to use one if you are sexually active. These contraceptive methods help reach your life goals, whether it is family planning, or having a healthy sex life without having to risk an unwanted pregnancy. So, choose your contraceptive method today.
Know the Contraceptive Methods Available in Malaysia for Male and Female
In Malaysia, there are various contraceptive methods available. Some of the contraceptive methods are:
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Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD/IUD)
A T-shaped device that contains a copper thread is placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider.
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Contraceptive Implant
Small matchstick-sized placed below the skin to release the hormone progestin to keep ovaries from releasing eggs.
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Contraceptive patch
Sticks to the skin to deliver estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream and stop ovaries from releasing eggs.
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Contraceptive ring
A clear and flexible ring that releases progestin and estrogen once inserted into the vagina.
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Birth control pills
Tablets that contain estrogen and progestin to stop ovaries from releasing eggs.
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Male condom
Catching the sperm as it is released and stopping it from entering the vagina.
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Female condom
A lubricated, thin polyurethane sheath creates a barrier between where the sperm comes from and where it wants to go.
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Diaphragm Contraceptive
Dome-shaped disc made from latex rubber or silicone. It can form a barrier between the sperm and the entrance of the womb when it is inserted into the vagina.
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Sponge
Made of polyurethane and releases spermicide all the time to protect from unplanned pregnancy.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Contraception Methods?
Before choosing the contraceptive method that is suitable for you, you have to take a lot of things into consideration. Hence, before making the decision, consider asking yourself these questions:
Are you still planning to have children in the future? How soon?
How are your health conditions?
How frequently do you have sex?
What are the side effects of the chosen contraceptive method?
Will you be able to use the contraceptive method correctly?
By considering this important information, you will be able to decide and choose which method is more suitable for you. For example, IUD can last from five to ten years, making it suitable for you if you plan not to have children too soon.
Contraceptive Methods: The Right Way to Get Them
It is important to know the procedure of the contraceptive methods before you want to take them. Some contraceptive methods require a doctor's prescription and medical procedure. The details are as follows:
Contraceptive Methods that Can Be Taken without Doctor’s Prescriptions:
- Male condoms
- Female condoms
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)
- Birth control sponge
Contraceptive Methods that Need Doctor’s or Pharmacist’s Prescriptions
- Birth control pills
- Contraceptive patch
- Diaphragm contraceptive and cervical cap
- Contraceptive ring
Contraceptive Methods with Medical Procedure:
- Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD/IUD)
- Contraceptive Implant
