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Hormonal birth control (aka The Pill) might be one of the most mainstream and convenient methods of birth control, but it’s not all upside, and no downside. This is especially the case for women who want to get pregnant further down the road, but aren’t ready yet.
Our main gripe? When you’re on the pill, this might mask serious fertility issues such as endometriosis. Basically, being on the pill regulates your menstrual cycle artificially, which means that you might not be aware of any underlying conditions or issues that you’re facing.
In this blog post, we share your different options when it comes to non-hormonal birth control. Read on to find out more!
#1: Condoms
Condoms are by far one of the most accessible and obvious methods of non-hormonal birth control. What many people don’t realise, though, is that there are condoms for both men and women.
Condoms for men are placed over the penis, and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. These also protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) when used correctly. Condoms for women, on the other hand, go into the vagina to protect the uterus from coming into contact with sperm. Female condoms may be placed in a woman up to eight hours before sex, and can also help to prevent STIs.
Note: Male and female condoms are not meant to be used together. If a couple engages in sexual intercourse while both partners are wearing a condom, there’s a chance that either condom might tear.
#2: Copper IUD
The Copper IUD is a one-inch long device that’s inserted into a woman’s uterus via her cervix. If you’re thinking of getting a Copper IUD in Singapore, you’ll have to go to a polyclinic or hospital (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National University Hospital, or Sengkang General Hospital) to get it prescribed and inserted.
Once you’ve got your IUD inserted, it will be effective for up to 12 years. This is a “set-it-and-forget-it” method of birth control that’s extremely low-maintenance.
#3: Diaphragm
Quick disclaimer: diaphragms tend to have a higher failure rate, so doctors generally don’t recommend them as a birth control method. That said, it’s good for you to understand what a diaphragm is and how it works, so you can understand your full range of options.
Like the Copper IUD, you need a prescription to get a diaphragm. This is essentially a shallow silicone cup covered in spermicide that you insert into your vagina. After having sex, you’ll have to wait six hours for the spermicide to do its job; you can remove the diaphragm and wash it thereafter.
#4: Hormonal IUD
To be clear, a hormonal IUD does involve the use of hormones, but it’s a negligible amount. With a hormonal IUD, you only get a tiny dose of hormones that are localised in your reproductive organs. To ascertain this fact, researchers tested the blood from other parts of the bodies of hormonal IUD users, and they found that the levels of hormone were so low, they were basically undetectable.
In Singapore, the hormonal IUD is commonly sold under the “Mirena” brand name. To get this IUD, again, you’ll have to get a prescription at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National University Hospital, or Sengkang General Hospital.
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