Norplant consists of 6 hormone-containing capsules that are placed in the upper arm of a woman. Norplant thickens the mucus in the cervix, alters the lining of the uterus and stops ovulation; it lasts for 5 years. Depo-Provera injections are high dose progesterone injections that are given every 3 months. The IUD is a T-shaped device about one and a half inches long that is placed in a woman’s uterine cavity. It works by inhibiting sperm passage, preventing fertilization. One type of IUD lasts a year and contains a hormone that decreases menstrual flow; the other prevents pregnancy for ten years and may increase flow a bit.
Emergency contraception
There are times when you may need to take advantage of post coital or “after sex” contraception in order to prevent an unintended pregnancy. There is the “hormone-based option” or you may also be a good candidate for insertion of a copper IUD.
Hormonal treatments use either high dose combination of estrogen and progestin or just progestin and can be taken up to 5 days after sexual intercourse. Of course, the sooner the proper dose is taken, the more likely it will successfully prevent a possible pregnancy. Ovral, Alesse, Seasonale and Preven (comes as an emergency contraception prevention kit) are some examples. Norgestrel mini pill is a progestin only option and its schedule is for the woman to take 20 pills as soon as possible after sexual intercourse, and another 20 pills 12 hours later. In most cases, you will need a prescription for emergency contraception and there can be some rather uncomfortable side effects. The timing of your next menstrual flow may be affected and the combo pill may not be a good option for women at risk of a thrombus or thrombophlebitis, or for women who cannot take estrogen.
The copper IUD is a non-hormonal alternative that can be inserted up to five days post coitus. Once inserted, it can remain as your birth control for up to 10 years. It must be inserted by a health professional and is not considered suitable for anyone at high risk for STDs. Some gynecologists don’t routinely recommend an IUD to a young woman who has not had children yet.
Of course, the best way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy is to plan ahead of time and share birth control responsibility with your partner.
