Contraception allows people to choose when and if they get pregnant so they can finish schooling, get a job or maintain current employment. They may also have completed their families and not want any more children.
In addition to condoms, the pill and the injectable hormone, there are longer-term options that you can ‘set and forget’ for a few years and have them removed easily by your doctor when you choose.
There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs are T-shaped pieces of plastic that a doctor can place in your uterus. They contain a hormone that prevents pregnancy. They are also used as treatment for heavy periods, making them lighter. Mirena and the lower dose Kyleena both last five years.
Copper IUDs are mostly made of plastic with a thin copper wire wrapped around them. Copper is toxic to both eggs and sperm, thereby preventing pregnancy. They last five to 10 years.
Implanon is a little plastic matchstick about 4cm long that a doctor can put in your arm using local anaesthetic in the clinic. Once in place, Implanon releases a small amount of progestin – a hormone that changes the lining of your uterus so pregnancy can’t occur – every day. It lasts three years.
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