Contraception & Family Planning

As a sexually active woman, it's essential to take care of your sexual health and plan ahead if you are considering starting a family later on. Family planning is a service Dr Hassim provides to help you establish which contraceptive is best for you, keeping in line with your family goals.

Choosing a contraceptive

Modern medicine has provided an array of contraceptive options to choose from, so you can find one that suits your body and needs. However, there are several factors to consider when choosing your option, and Dr Hassim will discuss all of these in detail during your consultation.

• Convenience for you and your lifestyle
• Effectiveness of the contraception
• Affordability
• Side effects to your menstrual cycle and hormones
• Frequency and length of use
• Protection against STDs/STIs

Contraceptive types

After understanding your needs and goals, Dr Hassim will take you through the various contraceptive options available, how they work and what she recommends. The process of finding your perfect match may take some trial and error, but Dr Hassim will use her experience and knowledge to help you find an option that suits you.

Oral contraceptive: The pill is the most widely used form of birth control. You receive a box of 28 pills to be taken daily in sync with your menstrual cycle. In addition, the oral contraceptive needs to be taken at the same time each day. You will have 21 days of oestrogen- and progestin-releasing pills and 7 days of sugar pills, which are taken during your period.

The patch: This is a weekly sticker that releases progestin and oestrogen through the skin, as well as thickens the mucus of the cervix, making contraception more difficult.

Vaginal ring: The vaginal ring is a contraceptive device you place inside your vagina for 3 weeks and remove the week of your period. Like the patch, it releases a steady flow of hormones that prevent pregnancy.

Injection: The contraceptive injection is administered every 2-3 months. It contains progesterone which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervix mucus.

Implant: The contraceptive implant is a long-lasting method whereby a small device is placed under the skin of your arm. It releases hormones for up to 3 years before needing to be replaced or removed.

IUD: The intrauterine device is a T-shaped device placed inside the uterus that slowly releases progestin. It can last up to 7 years and is most beneficial for heavy periods.

Copper IUD: The copper intrauterine device is a non-hormonal alternative to the traditional IUD. Copper creates a toxic environment for sperm, preventing them from reaching the egg. It can also be used as an emergency contraceptive within 5 days of having unprotected sex.

Condoms: Female and male condoms are latex tubes that create a barrier preventing sperm from reaching the egg. These work well to prevent STDs/STIs but often work best in combination with other contraceptives.