We here at Taboo Sanitary Products just can't stop talking about contraception! So much so that we've decided to bring a part deux to our 'Contraception and Your Period' blog. There's just so many options out there for folks who bleed and ovulate but as always before we begin it must be said that if you're thinking about trying a new form of contraception, or trying it for the first time for that matter, you need to have a chat to your friendly local doctor about what will be best for your bodies needs. Every body is different and gorgeous and what your friend swears black and blue is the best form of contraception ever may just not be right for you! So please reach out to your GP and have an open discussion about your options. If you're looking to do some research online before speaking to your doc, please check out Shine SA's website for some amazing resources.
NuvaRing
The NuvaRing is a soft plastic ring that contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen . These are the same hormones present in the Pill and produced in the ovaries. The NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina every 4 weeks by squeezing the ring and inserting it like a tampon. The ring is changed every 4 weeks, and you can skip a period by inserting another ring straight away or have a seven day break in which you will menstruate. When used correctly the ring is said to be 99% effective. Nice! This all sounds great but the NuvaRing might not be right for your if you are prone to migraine headaches or have a family history of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. The NuvaRing has also been reported to assist in treating acne. I know what you're thinking and no, there is no need to take the ring out during intercourse, but as always it is recommended to use condoms as the NuvaRing, like many other forms of contraception, doesn't protect against STIs.
Implanon
The Implanon is part of the category of contraceptives known as Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives that can stop you from getting pregnant or having your period for months or even years. Implanon is a soft plastic stick, about 4 centimetres long, that slowly releases progestogen into your body. The implant is inserted under the skin in your upper arm, with a local anaesthetic being used during the procedure so insertion shouldn't hurt at all. Implanon is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last up to 3 years. Over the 3 years you may experience very light spotting or have no period at all, with many users also reporting that their periods became less painful and skin conditions like acne improved. Where do we sign up?! Well just hold your horses because like most forms of contraception there are a few side effects to note. Some women who have had the Implanon inserted experiencing prolonged irregular spotting. Not ideal. Some other side effects can include headaches, bloating, changes to your mood and breast tenderness.
The Diaphragm
If you're anything like me the Diaphragm has always seemed like a confusing and somewhat mystifying object you heard about in teen movies from the 80s. It's the kind of contraception your mum used but is not really relevant now, right?! Wrong! The Diaphragm has come a long way since your mum may have used it. The Diaphragm is a shallow cup made of silicone that is used with a special gel. The Diaphragm is inserted in the vagina so it covers the opening of the cervix. When inserted properly it is 86% effective at preventing pregnancy. Straight off the bat there are a few things to note about this form of contraception. Being a non-hormonal contraceptive, it's not going to effect your period in any way and therefor cannot offer some of the period altering benefits of other contraceptives. But some people might actually like this aspect or find that is right for their body. The other thing to note is that currently there is only one size of Diaphragm sold in Australia and we know that one size fits all just doesn't apply to vaginas. It is said that the Diaphragm wont fit 1 in 7 women. However the diaphragm could be just the thing for you if you've had trouble using hormonal contraceptives.
Whatever form of contraception you are interested in and end up using, you should be 100% informed about all your options. We encourage you to discuss experiences of different kinds contraception with your friends and family to help guide you on your contraceptive journey. And while you do that, we'll be waiting patiently over here for that ever elusive male contraceptive!