Contraception is the term used when an individual or couple seeks to prevent pregnancy through sexual activity. There are many different types of contraception available, and each type has its own benefits.
Contraception can be used for short-term family planning by individuals who do not wish to have children at that time in which case, the couple may choose emergency contraception (read more about that on this page: https://healthclinicgroup.com/a-guide-on-emergency-contraception-the-morning-after-pill-in-singapore/). Contraception can also be used for long-term family planning, in which a woman may choose to delay starting a family.
As for the question of whether contraception is the same as family planning, there is a lot of overlap between contraception and family planning, but there are some key distinctions. Contraception is the use of any method or device to prevent pregnancy, while family planning encompasses all methods used to plan and space births.
So contraception would be one element of family planning, but not the only one. Other elements of family planning might include things like increasing awareness about fertility, counseling on reproductive health, providing access to contraceptive services and supplies, and advocating for policies that improve reproductive health. All of these are important in helping families have the number of children they want when they want them.
The Different Types of Contraception Available
There are several types of contraception in Singapore, and the choice of the one to use basically depends on several factors, including a person’s health, age, and lifestyle. A health professional can help you choose the right contraceptive method for you. As mentioned earlier, the two main contraception types are long-term and short-term or temporary contraception.
- Under short-term contraception options are; Condoms, Diaphragms, Combined Hormonal Contraceptives, including the birth control pill, Patch, and Ring.
- Long-term contraception options are; Implants (e.g., Implanon), Intrauterine contraceptives (IUD) (e.g., Mirena or Paragard), Injections (e.g., Depo-Provera), Surgical sterilization for women (tubal ligation), and Vasectomy for men.
How Contraception can be Used to Plan a Family
Contraception is used in two ways when it comes to planning a family: use contraception until you want to get pregnant, in which case your doctor may advise using specific types of long-term contraception. Use contraception to prevent pregnancy while trying to conceive, in which case your doctor may advise using specific types of short-term or temporary contraception before you get pregnant.
Using contraceptives can help a person plan the number and spacing of children as well as manage their overall reproductive health. In many countries with high fertility rates, people want fewer children but struggle to achieve this goal due to cultural, social, and financial barriers.
Contraceptives can be used among those who already have children as a means by which they can space pregnancies and allow themselves and their children more time between pregnancies. This is especially important when considering the health risks that come with closely spaced pregnancies, such as increased maternal morbidity risks.
Do note that not any contraception in Singapore may be the best for you. To find an option you can count on, here are important questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider when considering contraception.
- Are there any health conditions that would preclude me from using this method? Even though it may be the most effective, do not forget that those with certain health conditions for example a history of breast cancer should avoid birth control methods made with estrogen. Likewise, a progestin-only method may be a better choice for someone who cannot take the pill because of an increased risk for blood clots or stroke.
- How well does this method work at preventing pregnancy? Do I need something super-effective, like the implant? Or will one of the less-reliable options work just fine for me? Knowing your own personal risk factors can help you decide whether it’s worth taking daily pills or using condoms every time you have sex — and how much effort is worth expending on prevention.
- How quickly can I expect to become pregnant after stopping the use of this method? If you’re using a long-acting contraceptive, like an intrauterine device, implant, or shot, you’ll want to know when it’s reasonably safe to try for another baby.
- How will this method affect my periods? You may not care how your contraception affects your period — but if you do, be sure to ask. For some women with very painful periods or specific medical conditions, hormonal contraceptives can make their symptoms worse. Plus, many common side effects of the pill are actually related to changes in bleeding patterns.
- Are there any non-contraceptive benefits that I should consider? The implant and the IUD are tied for the most effective form of reversible birth control on the market today. Both last for years and, when applied correctly, are nearly 100 percent effective. These benefits make them a great option for women who want to be done with their childbearing years — but there is another benefit: the non-contraceptive health benefits of these highly effective forms of birth control can outweigh other concerns.
- Will this method help control my cramps? For many women, taking a birth control pill with the combination of estrogen and progestin can reduce menstrual cramping.
- Does this method fit into my lifestyle? The bottom line is that contraception works only if you use it correctly and consistently. Different contraceptives suit different lifestyles, so your doctor can help you find the best contraceptive option for you.
- What are the side effects or risk factors of this choice of contraception? Every drug has some kind of effect on your body, whether good or bad. Talk to your doctor about how likely you are to experience these unwanted effects with a particular form of contraception before deciding which one is right for you.
The Importance of Consulting with a Health Professional before Choosing a Contraceptive Method
If you’re thinking about starting a family and want to choose the best form of contraception in Singapore, be sure to consult with your doctor or medical professional. They can advise on many options for preventing pregnancy, and they will know which ones are safe in your case.
They will also be able to help you determine if emergency contraception may be an option in the future, based on both your desired form of long-term contraception and any risks associated with potential side effects for you personally. For more information on finding the best contraceptive method for you in Singapore, please get in touch with us here at (+65) 6226 6442. We can answer all of your questions about contraception and family planning.
The Health Advisory Clinic – Women’s Health | STD/HIV Testing
1 Raffles Pl, #04-49, Singapore 048616
+65 9886 6442
https://healthclinicgroup.com/