Women's health
Contraception
contraception options are typically organized into four main evidence-based categories: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs) like IUDs and implants, Short-Acting Hormonal Methods like pills, patches, rings, and injections, Barrier Methods like condoms, and Permanent Methods like sterilization.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) & Arm Implants (LARCs)
What is it?
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) includes small medical devices placed inside the body—such as a tiny, T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus (an IUD) or a thin, matchstick-sized plastic rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm (an implant). They are designed to prevent pregnancy continuously for 3 to 10 years depending on the specific device, but they can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time if you wish to become pregnant.
How does it work?
Hormonal IUDs and implants slowly release a small amount of a synthetic hormone called progestin into the body. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and thickens the fluid at the entrance of the uterus (cervical mucus) to block sperm. Non-hormonal Copper IUDs work differently: the copper creates a natural immune response inside the uterus that is toxic to sperm, preventing them from reaching or fertilizing an egg.
Where can you get it?
These devices must be prescribed and inserted by a trained healthcare professional, such as a doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or gynecologist. You can schedule an insertion appointment at a general medical clinic, a community health office, or a specialized sexual health clinic like Planned Parenthood.
Short-Acting Hormonal Methods (Pill, Patch, Vaginal Ring, Injection)
What is it?
Short-acting hormonal contraceptives are medications taken on a daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly schedule. They come in several forms: daily oral tablets ("the pill"), a flexible adhesive patch worn on the skin, a small flexible ring placed inside the vagina, or a routine shot (Depo-Provera) given every 3 months.
How does it work?
These methods release synthetic hormones—either progestin alone or a combination of progestin and estrogen—into your bloodstream. These hormones temporarily override your body's natural cycle to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs each month. They also thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot travel easily into the uterus.
Where can you get it?
Most short-acting hormonal methods require a prescription from a licensed medical provider. You can obtain them through a primary care doctor, an online telehealth service, or a health clinic, and then pick up the supply at a local pharmacy. (Note: Certain daily progestin-only pills are available directly over-the-counter without a prescription at pharmacies in various regions).
Barrier Methods (External & Internal Condoms)
What is it?
Barrier methods are physical shields designed to be used during sexual intercourse. The most common are external condoms (thin latex or polyurethane sheaths worn over an erect penis) and internal condoms (nitrile pouches placed inside the vagina). Condoms are unique because they are the only birth control method that also helps protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How does it work?
They create a physical wall that blocks semen and bodily fluids from entering the vagina or coming into contact with internal tissues during sex. By trapping sperm inside the barrier, they prevent it from reaching an egg.
Where can you get it?
Condoms do not require a prescription or medical exam. You can purchase them over-the-counter at drugstores, grocery stores, gas stations, and online retailers. They are also distributed for free at many school health centers, public health offices, and community centers.
Permanent Methods (Sterilization / Vasectomy & Tubal Ligation)
What is it?
Sterilization includes minor surgical or clinical procedures that permanently prevent a person from causing or achieving a pregnancy. For individuals with testes, it is called a vasectomy; for individuals with a uterus, it involves blocking or removing the fallopian tubes (tubal ligation or salpingectomy).
How does it work?
These procedures physically block, cut, seal, or remove the tubes that transport reproductive cells. A vasectomy stops sperm from mixing into the semen during ejaculation. Tubal surgeries prevent eggs released by the ovaries from meeting sperm or reaching the uterus.
Where can you get it?
Sterilization is performed by specialist surgical or medical providers (such as urologists or gynecologists) in a hospital or specialized outpatient surgical clinic. It requires medical consultations, informed consent, and careful evaluation because it is intended to be non-reversible.
This page is for general information, if you have questions or wondering about possible treatment. feel free to connect, book appointment at WELL Health Medical Centre — Regent