Choosing the right method of contraception can be confusing: you need to consider your lifestyle, personal preference, any health conditions you might have, and how effective each method is at preventing pregnancy. Discussing options with your doctor may seem daunting, and information on social media can be misinformed and overwhelming. This handy guide, written by two experts in Sexual and Reproductive Health, will answer all your questions about contraception, helping you decide what works best for you. The authors walk you through every method of contraception, with information on how it works, how to use it correctly and how effective it is. The authors also explain how and when conception can occur during the menstrual cycle, how life stage can affect your choice, and how hormonal contraception can be used to help other health conditions. From the pill to the condom and everything in between, pick what's right for you.
Author(s): Paula Briggs
Series: Understanding Life
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 106
City: Cambridge
Cover
Half-title
Title page
Copyright information
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1 Conception and the Menstrual Cycle
Reproductive Organs
The Menstrual Cycle
The Egg
The Womb
Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle
Timing of Menstrual Cycles
Conception
2 Making Decisions about Contraception
Accessing Information
Fertility
Family Planning
Culture and Trends in Contraception
Religion and Culture
Trends
When Is Contraception Needed?
Effectiveness of Contraception and Dependence on the User
How Do I Choose a Method?
Contraception for Transgender and Non-binary People
A Lifetime of Contraception: From Teenage Years to the Menopause
Younger Women
Women Ready to Start a Family
Women over 40
Perimenopause
Summary
Switching Contraception
Stopping Contraception
3 Barrier Methods of Contraception
How Do Barrier Methods Work?
How Well Do Barrier Methods Work?
External (Male) Condoms
How Do They Work?
Ensuring Correct Use
Internal (Female) Condoms
How Do They Work?
Ensuring Correct Use
Diaphragms
How Do They Work?
4 Combined Hormonal Contraception: The Pill, Patch and Vaginal Ring
What Is in Combined Hormonal Contraception?
How Does Combined Hormonal Contraception Work?
How Well Does Combined Hormonal Contraception Work?
Who Can Use Combined Hormonal Contraception?
How Is Combined Hormonal Contraception Used?
The Combined Pill
The Patch
The Vaginal Ring
Is a Withdrawal Bleed Important?
Side Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraception
Potential Risks with Combined Hormonal Contraception
Blood Clots
Cardiovascular Events
Cancer
5 Progestogen-Only Pill
What Does the POP Contain?
How Does the POP Work?
How Well Does the POP Work?
Who Can Use the POP?
How Is the POP Taken?
Side Effects of the POP
6 Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: The Implant, Injection and Coil
The Implant
How Does It Work?
How Well Does It Work?
Does It Cause Side Effects?
The Injection
How Does It Work?
How Well Does It Work?
Does It Cause Side Effects?
Intrauterine Devices
How Does the Coil Work?
How Well Does the Coil Work?
Is Insertion and Removal of the Coil Painful?
Does the Coil Cause Side Effects?
What Are the Risks with the Coil?
7 Fertility Awareness Method of Contraception
How Does FAM Work?
Change in Basal Body Temperature
Changes in Cervical Mucus
Calendar Calculations
The Symptothermal Method
Additional Factors
How Well Does FAM Work?
Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus)
Lactational Amenorrhoea Method
8 Emergency Contraception
The Copper Coil
Emergency Hormonal Contraception: The Morning-After Pill
Ulipristal Acetate
Levonorgestrel
When Can Emergency Contraception Be Used?
9 Use of Hormonal Contraception to Treat Other Conditions
Painful Periods
Heavy Periods
Fibroids and Polyps
Endometriosis
Treatment of Heavy Bleeding
Premenstrual Symptoms
Acne
Perimenopausal Symptoms
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Index
