The surest way not to get pregnant is not to have sex. If you are sexually active, it is important to know different ways to prevent pregnancy. “Contraception” means using something to stop a person from becoming pregnant. Contraception helps us control how many children we might want, when we want them, and when we might want to stop having children or not have children at all.
Let’s learn about the different types of contraceptive methods. In Samoa, the age of consent for medical treatment is 16 years. If you are under 16, you may need consent from a parent or guardian to access contraceptive services. Health workers can provide information and support to help you understand your options.
Male condoms (external)
A thin latex rubber or plastic covering which is rolled onto an erect penis (external).
AspectDetails When is it needed?During each sexual act including vaginal, oral and anal sex EffectivenessConsistent and correct use 98%Common use >87% How it worksBy forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, anus or mouth AdvantagesCondoms are the only form of contraception which offers protection from STIs and HIV
• Easy to use
• Easy to carry
• Used only when needed
• Freely or cheaply available in many locations Disadvantages• If used incorrectly, condoms can break, slip off or become contaminated
• Some people are allergic to latex
• A new one must be used for each sex act
• Not as effective at preventing pregnancy as many other modern methods
A condom is the only way to prevent both unintended pregnancies and STIs, so it is important that you use one every time you have sex and know how to use it correctly. Condoms are most effective at preventing pregnancy when used alongside another effective method of contraception.
Steps to putting on a condom!
- Always make sure both you and your partner want to have sex and you’ve both consented first
- Check the expiry date on your condom
- Carefully open the condom packaging with your fingers. Don’t use your teeth or a sharp object like scissors to tear the packet
- Make sure the condom is facing the right way so that it rolls easily down to the base of the penis
- Grab the base of the penis with one hand and pinch the top of the condom with the other hand, guiding it onto the tip of the penis
- Using one or both hands, glide the condom down the shaft of the penis, all the way to the bottom
- Use lubrication (like a water-based lube) to help make sex more enjoyable and to help prevent the condom from tearing
- After having sex, use your hands to hold on to the condom as you withdraw the penis from your partner
- Take the condom off by keeping the liquid inside and tie a knot
- Use a tissue to put the used condom in the rubbish, not in the toilet
- Clean up afterwards!
Copper Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (Commonly known as Copper IUCD or Copper T)
A small ‘T’ shaped plastic device that is placed inside the uterus
AspectDetails When is it needed?Once inserted, Copper IUDs last 5-10 years depending on the type Effectiveness>99% How it worksCauses a chemical change that prevents sperm and egg from meeting Advantages• Very effective• No hormones
• Does not interfere with sexual intercourse
• Doesn’t rely on memory
• Fertility returns once taken out
• Safe to use while breastfeeding
• Others cannot detect it Disadvantages• Must be inserted and removed by a trained healthcare provider
• May have side effects including heavier menstrual bleeding and cramps
• Does not protect against STIs or HIV
• Small risk of complications when inserted
Injection
A long-acting hormone which is injected every 12 weeks into bum or upper arm.
AspectDetails When is it needed?Injected every 3 months depending on the hormone used EffectivenessConsistent and correct use 99%Common use 96% How it worksPrevents the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) Advantages• Does not interfere with sexual intercourse
• Usually no menstrual bleeding
• Other people cannot detect it Disadvantages• Does not protect against STIs and HIV
• It cannot be immediately reversed
• There can be a delay in the return to fertility for up to 18 months
• Causes non-harmful changes to bleeding pattern
• Can be associated with hormonal side effects
Contraceptive implant
Plastic rod(s) which are inserted under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. There are a few different types of implants available but Jadelle is the most common in the Pacific, so is used in the table below.
AspectDetails When is it needed?Once inserted, the implant lasts up to 5 years Effectiveness>99% How it worksStops ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus Advantages• Cost-effective• Doesn’t rely on memory
• No regular supply required
• Immediate return of fertility once removed
• Do not interfere with sex Disadvantages• Does not protect against STIs and HIV
• Minor procedure to insert and remove
• Causes non-harmful changes to bleeding pattern
• Can be associated with hormonal side effects
Combined pill
A pill taken once a day that contains two hormones - estrogen and progestin
AspectDetails When is it needed?Must be taken daily to ensure protection EffectivenessConsistent and correct use 99%Common use 93% How it worksPrevents the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) Advantages• Can be stopped at any time
• Does not interfere with sex
• Is readily accessible to most
• Easy to use
• Can be helpful to manage acne and menstrual problems Disadvantages• Does not protect against STIs or HIV
• May cause non-harmful changes to bleeding pattern
• Can be associated with hormonal side effects
• Requires routine and remembering when to take it
Progestin-only pill
A pill that contains a low dose of only one hormone – progestogen.
AspectDetails When is it needed?Must be taken every day EffectivenessConsistent and correct use >99%Common use 93% How it worksCauses a chemical change that prevents sperm and egg from meeting Advantages• Can be stopped at any time
• Easy to use
• Is useful for women who can't use the combined pill
• Can be used by women who are breastfeeding
• Does not affect fertility Disadvantages• Do not protect against STIs and HIV
• Can be less effective than some other methods of contraception – people must remember to take it at exactly the same time every day
• May cause non-harmful changes to bleeding patterns
• Can be associated with hormonal side-effects
Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)
A small pill that is taken after unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
AspectDetails When is it needed?Taken after unprotected sex. Effective up to 5 days after unprotected depending on the type Effectiveness98% - 99%The sooner ECPs are taken after unprotected sex, the better they can prevent pregnancy How it worksPrevents or delays the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) Advantages• Safe and can be used more than once a month if necessary
• Can be used by women of any age
• Do not cause abortion
• Controlled by the woman Disadvantages• Does not protect against STIs or HIV
• May case side-effects including nausea, vomiting and headaches
• Menstruation may start earlier or later than expected (have a pregnancy test if it is late, light or unusual)