Sexual and Reproductive Health
Contraceptives
Oral Contraceptive Pill
A common and effective method of birth control that should be taken daily to prevent pregnancy.
It is a combined pill that consists of low doses of progestin and estrogen that should be taken once a day at the same time.
It is convenient, safe, affordable and does not involve serious side effects (minor side effects: nausea and headaches)
Contraceptive pills also help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycles and return to fertility with no delay after stopping the pill.
How to use?
Video Ref : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJH4CS8jtf0
Source : AbrahamThePharmacist
Where to obtain?
- Clinic
- Pharmacy
Effectiveness
The effectiveness is over 99% if correctly used.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Brief information
There are 2 types of IUD which includes copper type and hormonal type.
A copper IUD is small, flexible and free of hormones. It is inserted by the doctor to prevent the ovum from becoming embedded in the lining of the womb.
A hormonal IUD is a small, flexible T- shaped plastic device that inserted by the doctor into the uterus (womb) and releases a progesterone hormone.
An IUD does not interfere with sexual intercourse and it can be used within 3 to 5 years depending on the type and dose.
How to use?
Video Ref: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkdA0wOHR6s
Source: DoctorOnCall MY
Where to obtain?
- Requires referral to a healthcare professional: doctor
- Hospital
- Clinic
Effectiveness
The effectiveness is over 99% if correctly used.
Patch
Brief information
A small, thin, square of flexible plastic worn on the body that contains progestin and estrogen.
It easy to use as it can be worn on the abdomen, upper arm, upper back and lower back above the glute.
A new patch is worn once a week for 3 weeks. Remove the patch when menstruation occurs (on the 4th week).
However, you might experience skin irritation and rashes due to possible side effects.
How to use?
Video Ref:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqHu7k1ncpI
Source: Onclick – Bespoke Digital Learning
Where to obtain?
- Pharmacy
- Sexual health clinic
Effectiveness
- 91% rate of effectiveness
- No delay in returning to fertility
Injectable (Depo-Provera)
Brief information
It contains a synthetic hormone that helps to thicken cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining to prevent sperm from implanting as well as entering the womb.
This contraceptive injection can also help to stop the release of the ovum each month and does not interfere with sexual intercourse.
It can be taken every 2 or 3 months by a doctor or a nurse.
Unlike other methods, this injection has a delay in return to fertility between 6 months to 1 year
How to use?
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/TF7UVIqdr8w
Source: Onclick – Bespoke Digital Learning
Where to obtain?
- Clinic (by a medical practitioner)
- Pharmacy (should have prescription and injection is given by a medical practitioner)
Effectiveness
The rate of effectiveness is 97%. However, it can be effective up to 99% when the injection is done on time (every 12 weeks).
Implant
Brief information
A small flexible, soft, silastic (silicone rubber) cylinder rod that inserted by the doctor under the skin of the upper arm.
It functions by slowly releasing the progestin hormone, involving diffusion through the silastic membrane into the bloodstream.
How to use?
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/_5jdNNf9yY4
Source: MyHEALTHKKM (http://www.myhealth.gov.my/)
Where to obtain?
- Sexual health clinic
- Hospital
Effectiveness
More than 99% rate of effectiveness.
Condom
A barrier method of birth control that is divided into male (external) and female condoms (internal)
A female condom is a thin sheath that is worn inside your vagina while a male condom is a cylindrical rubber sheath sheath that is worn on the penis.
The sperm is collected in the male/female condom and is removed after sexual intercourse.
How to use?
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/fbo9_0IgcFA
Source: Teaching Sexual Health Alberta Health Services
Where to obtain?
- Can be obtained from over the counter as it does not require prescription from the doctor
- Pharmacy
- Sexual health clinics
- Grocery stores
- Drugstore (e.g: Guardian or Watsons)
- Convenience store (e.g: 7-Eleven)
Effectiveness
The rate of effectiveness is up to 98% to prevent pregnancy if used correctly, however, it depends on the user. If not used correctly, its effectiveness is 82%. A condom is the only method that can help to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Spermicides
A chemical in the form of jelly, cream, foam, tablets, suppositories or aerosol that is able to kill sperm. Spermicides do not cause any side effects.
How it works
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/RylypylEtoA
Source: ARPHorg
Where to obtain?Can obtained from over-the-counter as it does not require prescription from the doctor
Effectiveness The rate of effectiveness is around 78%. However when used with a condom, its effectiveness can increase significantly up to 95%.
Vaginal Ring
Brief information
A small soft plastic ring that can be placed inside the vagina.
The ring might help in reducing the pain of premenstrual symptoms and bleeding becomes lighter.
However, some women might experience side effects such as breast tenderness, increased vaginal discharge and headaches.
How it works
Video Ref:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFKBkt78MG8&feature=youtu.be
Source: Onclick-Bespoke Digital Learning
How to obtain?
- Sexual health clinic
- Hospital (refer to doctor)
Effectivenes
The effectiveness is 99% effective if used correctly. If not used correctly, it’s less effective.
Ref info: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/vaginal-ring/
Tubal ligation
Brief information
Involves the process of cutting and tying the Fallopian tubes that carries the ovum.
The ovum is then unable to travel down into the uterus and meet sperm to avoid conception.
This method is performed by doctors only.
Using this method, you would not have to experience the side effects and it does not interfere with sexual intercourse
How is it done?
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/GxRJH2f–P0
Source: Nucleus Medical Media
Where to obtain?
- Requires referral to health care professional; doctors
- Hospital
- Clinic
Effectiveness
The rate of effectiveness is 99.5% as it is a very effective and permanent method of contraception.
Vasectomy
Brief information
It is a method performed by cutting and tying the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperms to prevent them from meeting the ovum.
This method is performed by doctors.
How is it done?
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/MOaL93xoHRk
Source: Nucleus Medical Media
Where to obtain?
- Requires referral to health care professional; doctors
- Hospital
- Clinic
Effectiveness
The rate of effectiveness is 99.8% as it is a permanent method similarly to tubal ligation method.
Withdrawal/Coitus Interruptus
Brief information
A method of contraception when a man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
How is it done?
Video Ref:
Source: Howcast
How to obtain?
- Through self-control and observation.
Effectiveness
Less effective because of small drops of sperm may be released into the vagina before the man ejaculates.
This method requires absolute control from the man.
Rhythm/Fertility Awareness Methods
Brief information
It relies on a regular period and the days between periods in order to determine fertile and infertile phases during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
In other words, it requires you to track your menstrual cycles so that you are able to know when you need to prevent sexual intercourse or use birth control.
However, it is not suitable for women with irregular menstruation and this natural method requires consistency, commitment and accuracy for it to be effective.
How it works
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/Im30Hs2Jv98
Source: British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Head Office)
Where to obtain?
- Use calendar or calendar application to track menstruation and ovulation
- Use a thermometer to check body temperature
- Individual observation to check cervical changes
Effectiveness
The rate of effectiveness is about 76-88%. It would be more effective if you are able to track your fertility daily and use birth control. However, the chances to get pregnant are also high even though it is carried out perfectly.
Ref info: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness
Abstinence
Brief information
Refers to refraining yourself from any sexual activity and genital contact.
How it works
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/RXjoLPss9ZI
Source: Planned Parenthood
How to obtain?
- Through an individual’s self-control
Effectiveness
A 100% rate of effectiveness when you able to refrain yourself as it requires considerable self-control.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method
Brief information
A birth control method that relies on a new mother’s breastfeeding to her baby, exclusively up to the first 6 months and menstruation does not occur.
It is a temporary method of birth control.
How it works
Video Ref:
https://youtu.be/LrEsVXqri8A
Source: ARPHorg
How to obtain?
- Individual self- control and observation
Effectiveness
It can be only effective up to 6 months after childbirth, as long as the mother is exclusively breastfeeding and remains amenorrheic (no menstruation).
Breastfeeding temporarily prevents the release of the natural hormones that cause ovulation.
However, you should not depend on this method as birth control once your baby is already being introduced with solid foods.
Ref info: https://www.hhs.gov/opa/pregnancy-prevention/birth-control-methods/lam/index.html
Emergency Contraception Pill
Brief information
It is a type of emergency contraceptive that helps to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse but it is not considered a contraceptive method as they are used for unprotected sex, birth control failure and unintended sexual activity.
How it works
It works to prevent ovulation from occurring. However, it would not induce an abortion as it cannot harm the established pregnancy or developing embryo.
Video Ref:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWZQCMrSqwo
Source: DoctorOnCall MY
Where to obtain?
- Pharmacy
Effectiveness
95% rate of effectiveness in preventing pregnancies when using it within 5 days after intercourse.
Ref info: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/emergency-contraception
Other References
Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM)
Life’s Journey, Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) (2014): A Manual on Sexual and Reproductive Health for Peer Educators (3rd edition)
Our materials can be purchased and accessed through our Manual page in the Resources menu by completing the form provided.
Healthline
How to Find the Best Birth Control Method for your Lifestyle: https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/methods