You Ask, They Answer
Q
A
: In which circumstances should a woman consider
the contraceptive pill.
using an alternative to the pill?
For those who cannot or do not wish to use oral
: The typical failure rate of the contraceptive pill is nine
contraception, other options are available, including condoms,
percent, so a woman may want to opt for alternative
which carry an 18 percent risk of not working over a year. For
methods with lower failure rates or look for one that is easier
women wanting a long-term, clinical solution, an intrauterine
to use and does not need daily pill-taking.
device, or IUD, is long-lasting and almost completely effective
In some cases, she might be experiencing significant side
in preventing pregnancy, though they can have mild side
effects related to taking the pill. These can include a range
effects. Alternatively, a contraceptive implant is similarly
of symptoms, from headaches and nausea to mood changes,
effective, while a hormone injection has a better success rate
decreased libido, weight gain, and intermenstrual spotting.
than the pill but is less long-lived.
People with certain risk factors may be advised not to use
: What long-term contraception is
the pill. For instance, the pills can increase the risk
available?
of cardiovascular problems, such as blood clots, deep
People with
:
Long-acting reversible contraception is a
vein thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack. Accordingly,
certain risk
method that does not depend on a woman
they should not be taken by anyone who has had
factors may be
advised not to
remembering to take or use it to be effective. It
these conditions before.
use the pill
is also highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
Birth control pills are also associated with an
Among them, contraceptive implants can last three
increase in blood pressure, benign liver tumours, and
years, are 99 percent effective against pregnancies,
some types of cancer.
and can be removed at any time. IUDs and their cousin, a
: What factors should be considered when deciding
intrauterine system, also offer a similar success rate, but can
on the right form of contraception?
last for 5-10 years. The contraceptive injection boasts lower
: There is a wide range of factors to inform a woman’s
efficacy with typical use and lasts for 8-13 weeks, depending on
choice, not least her own preference. Women with co-
which drug is used.
existing medical conditions, like obesity, cardiovascular
disease, severe migraines, and long-term diabetes, will likely
Dr John Teo
be advised to seek an alternative. The same goes for women
Dr John Teo is a Medical Committee member of the
who are pregnant, smokers or recent quitters over the age of
Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia
35, and those taking certain medications. Anyone who has had
(FRHAM).
breast cancer, or diabetes for at least 20 years, should not use
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A
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16
MARCH 2020
GlobalHealthAndTravel.com