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I am 19 years old and female. I decided, I don't want to have sex with just anybody but I'm talking to a guy and it always sparks the question in my head.
I want to be prepared of course but my main problem is, I have health problems. I get bacterial infections on a monthly basis and the doctors have no idea what the cause is yet. With this issue, I'm on antibiotics a lot. So much that I may become immune to them soon(thats another problem in itself) and I heard they interfere with the Pill.
I've never seen my "girl" doctor yet but I want to be prepared. Do you think she might just say, lay off Sex until i'm officially off the antibiotics? Or is there another form that the antibiotics won't interfere with?
I just want to note, I'm really not planning on having sex anytime soon but I still want to know. Just in case, situation.
Well done for being so sensible and thinking about contraception in advance.
Fortunately, there are several types of contraceptive methods which won't be affected by your antibiotics.
Here are your options :-
The mini-Pill (progestogen-only Pill, or POP):
Unlike the 'normal' Pill, which contains two hormones - progestogen and oestrogen - the mini-Pill only contains progestogen. If taken correctly it's 98-99% effective, making it slightly less effective than the Pill. The mini-Pill must be taken at exactly the same time every day in order for it to be effective and unlike the combined Pill, there are no breaks. The mini-Pill works by thickening the mucus of your cervix and the lining of the womb, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg in the first place and for the egg to implant there if it does. In some women it may also stop ovulation (the release of eggs) altogether. You can find out more information about it here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/ThePOP.aspx
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/mini-pills.htm
IUD (the 'coil'):
'IUD' stands for 'intrauterine device'. The word 'intrauterine' means 'inside the womb'. The IUD is a small, t-shaped plastic device which is inserted into the womb via the vagina. IUDs are around 98% effective. You will have to get the IUD inserted by a trained professional and it is likely to be uncomfortable and painful. However, once it's in, it will last for 5-10 years and you will only need yearly check ups. The IUD prevents pregnancy in 3 ways - first it stops your partner's sperm from getting through your womb and into your tubes in the first place. It also alters the lining of your cervix, making it even tougher for the sperm. Finally, it thickens the lining of your womb, making it less likely to 'accept' an egg. The IUD can cause heavy, painful periods. You can read more about it here:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptivecoil.htm
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/IUD.aspx
IUS (Mirena):
IUS stands for 'intrauterine system'. It is similar to the IUD in that it is inserted into the womb but unlike the IUD, the IUS also contains a hormone which can make periods lighter, shorter and less painful. For that reason it is often used to treat menopausal women and women with period problems. It's more effective than the IUD at over 99% and it will start working immediately. You can read more about it here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/IUS.aspx
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptive_ius_000244.htm
The implant:
The contraceptive implant is a small, plastic rod containing the hormone progestogen which is inserted under the skin on your upper arm. It is more than 99% effective and lasts up to 3 years. With the implant, you may find that your periods are heavy and painful or they may stop altogether. It's very difficult to predict in advance how it will react with your body but it can be removed at any time. Like other methods containing progestogen, it works by thickening the lining of the mucus of the cervix and the lining of the womb. You can read more about it here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Contraceptiveimplant.aspx
The injection (Depo-provera):
The contraceptive injection is an injection containing progestogen. It works in much the same way as the implant, except instead of having a rod inserted under your skin, you have an injection in a muscle in your bottom. It is more than 99% effective and lasts up to 12 weeks. Similarly to the implant, the injection can affect your periods in different ways. It is also not to be used for longer than a couple of years as it can cause thinning of the bones and osteoporosis. You can read more about it here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Contraceptiveinjection.aspx
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptiveinjection.htm
This page here also contains lots of information about choosing a contraceptive method and the factors to consider when doing so: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Whichmethodsuitsme.aspx
Your doctor will be able to go through your options with you and give you further information but it's good to be prepared. Have a look through the information and see what you think looks best to you. Everyone is different and prefer different things from contraception. For example, do you want something you don't have to worry about on a daily basis? If so then the mini-Pill probably isn't for you. Do you want something which will stop your periods altogether? If so, you probably won't be considering the IUD.
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(Rating: 5)
Thank you for all the information!! It really helped me understand the other contraceptives, atleast enough so when the doctor brings it up, it'll definitely be a huge help! Thank you!
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