YOUR RETURN TO FERTILITY

WHEN YOU’RE READY

Today's contraception methods are gentler on the body than they used to be, and generally they are designed to not influence your fertility after you stop using them. Even hormonal contraceptives like the long-acting hormonal coil allow you to return to fertility quickly, because the hormones in these methods leave the body quickly after you stop using them.

When do you want to get pregnant?

Thinking about future pregnancies is bound to be a factor in deciding on a contraception method. Here are some things to consider.

WITHIN A YEAR

If you intend to get pregnant within a year or so, it might not be worth opting for a long-acting contraceptive. Although you can get pregnant almost immediately after getting a coil removed, for example, shorter-term contraceptives such as condoms, a diaphragm, or the patch just might be easier for you to manage.

IN 3-5 YEARS

There are plenty of options for women who want to get pregnant in a few years’ time. If using contraception every time you have sex, or remembering a daily pill isn't an issue for you, then shorter-term options can work just fine. If you'd prefer something long acting, a hormonal coil works continually for up to 3 to 5 years and might be just what you're looking for. After you stop using the contraceptive injection, it can take up to a year to return to fertility. The injection is therefore not advised for women who wish to get pregnant in the near future.

FAR IN THE FUTURE

If you definitely don’t want kids now, and would rather a long-acting contraception that doesn't demand a regular routine, a contraceptive implant or a hormonal coil are both good options that work for up to 3 to 5 years. A copper coil works for even longer – up to 5 to 10 years. If you know you never want to get pregnant, or if you don’t want any more children, male or female sterilization are the permanent, irreversible solutions.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If your usual contraception recently let you down, if a late period has caused you concern, or if your current method doesn’t fit your lifestyle, consider these contraception methods:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

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THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

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THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

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THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

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COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE?

Get ready to speak to a doctor or nurse. Use a 3-step guide to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment.

START PREPARING
START PREPARING

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.  

WHAT’S MY METHOD?

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

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THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

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THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

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THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

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THE
INJECTION

A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

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THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

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THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

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THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

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THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

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THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

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THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

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NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

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SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

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WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

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FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

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MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

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COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

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Last updated on 21/02/2020

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