Family Planning
Family planning is focused on reproductive health and allows women to make informed decisions about the contraception method they choose to use to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
What is birth control?
Birth control is any medicine, device, or method used to prevent pregnancy.
When preventing pregnancy, you have many options, which can be confusing and overwhelming. During your consultation, Dr Marion Ntsako Nkanyane will take the time to explain all your options and help you select a method of birth control that suits your personal health needs.
What are my birth control options?
Your birth control options include:
- Hormonal methods, such as birth control pills, patches, shots, or vaginal ring
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), like an intrauterine device (IUD) or hormonal implants
- Barrier method with condoms, diaphragm, or cervical cap
- Sterilisation
1. The Pill
This is the most common form of birth control. It is an oral contraceptive strategically designed around your menstrual cycle. The pill is to be taken simultaneously daily and requires high discipline and responsibility. If you miss one day, you risk having an unplanned pregnancy.
2. Contraceptive implant
A small, rod-like medical device is planted under your arm and slowly releases hormones that help prevent you from getting pregnant. The most significant advantage of the implant is that it lasts for 3 years. Then, when you are ready to conceive, your doctor can easily remove it from the arm.
3. Contraceptive injection
This hormonal shot is administered every 2 to 3 months. It contains the hormone progesterone, which stops your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to pass the cervix.
4. The patch
This is a small stick-on patch that slowly releases hormones through the skin. The hormones released are synthetic estrogen and progestin. In addition, it thickens mucus produced in the cervix. The patch must be replaced weekly.
5. Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
This is a long-term birth control solution lasting between 3 and 7 years. IUDs can also help with painful or heavy periods and come in different brands. They consist of a T-shaped piece of plastic with a band containing the hormone progestin.
6. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
If you have not had a good experience with hormonal birth control or are just uncomfortable with synthetic hormones, this is a non-hormonal contraceptive option. Also known as the intrauterine coil, it is an IUD that contains copper. It also doubles as an emergency contraceptive that can be used within the first five days of unprotected sex.
7. Vaginal ring
A very affordable birth control method device is placed inside your vagina. It contains hormones that stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It lasts between three to four weeks, so it is helpful if you tend to forget to take a pill.
Are birth control pills safe?
Birth control pills are safe and offer health benefits, including:
- Lower risk of certain types of cancer
- Improvement in menstruation
- Less menstrual cramping
- Better skin
What medical conditions can birth control help?
Birth control is primarily used to help prevent pregnancy, but certain types of birth control, such as the hormonal methods, may reduce symptoms caused by gynecologic conditions, such as:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
Call today or book an appointment online to discuss your birth control options.