Sex Talk: What's the best choice for long-acting birth control?

19 February 2017 - 02:00 By Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
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Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng answers your sex questions

Q: I'm having a third child soon and I'm pretty sure I don't want any more children. What's the best option for contraception?

A: You can opt for a longer-acting method such as the intrauterine device (IUD) or the loop, as it's commonly known. This is inserted in the uterus and, depending on the type, can last between five and 10 years. 

There are hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, and you can replace an old one with a new one. It's worth noting that an IUD can be inserted and removed successfully in women who have never been pregnant or given birth.

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Another option is to have a bilateral tubal ligation. This is a surgical procedure that can be done during a Caesarean section or via a laproscope by a gynaecologist. Here the fallopian tubes are tied so that sperm is unable to reach the egg to fertilise.

For men there is the option of a vasectomy - a surgical procedure for sterilisation or permanent contraception. During the procedure, the male vas deferens are severed and then tied or sealed to prevent sperm from entering into the ejaculate - thus preventing fertilisation.

It's an efficient option; and the minor surgical procedure allows for minimal down time. People opt for this method as a way to relieve the burden of family planning and contraceptive use on their partners, with the appreciation that many women are on hormonal contraceptives for many years.

The choice of contraception must be made with the following in mind:

• Your lifestyle and ability to adhere to the instructions of how to use the method correctly;

• The side-effect profile and how it will impact on your medical issues, medications you take, and sexual health;

• The ability to return to fertility if you decide to carry a pregnancy in future.

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproductive health practice, DISA Clinic, 011-886-2286, visit safersex.co.za

 

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