Most women in South Africa or their partners will need to use contraception for more than 30 years. Choosing a method is an important decision: an option that does not suit a woman's sexual lifestyle is not likely to be used correctly or consistently, leading to the severe consequence of an unplanned pregnancy. It can be quite distressing to have an unwanted pregnancy as a result of not using appropriate contraception.

Being educated about different types of contraception is essential throughout a woman’s lifetime, from puberty until menopause. There are many different contraceptive methods available, and each woman should select contraception according to their individual needs.

An ideal contraceptive should be sufficient, safe, reversible, it should not require daily attention or frequent visits to a doctor or clinic, and it should also have minimum complications.

The different contraceptive methods are readily available, but at the end of the day, ultimately, it is up to a woman to decide which option is best for her. Dr Baloyi has a particular interest in this field and can guide women to achieve their ultimate goal.

The goal of contraceptive advice and counselling is to allow women to choose a method they feel most comfortable with and will continue using, taking into account their concerns, preferences and lifestyle.

Some common contraceptive methods include:

Birth control pills

Progestin-only pills: These contain progestin and exclude estrogen. These pills are taken within the same 3 hours every day to prevent pregnancy.

Combination pills: These contain two hormones, namely progestin and estrogen. You will need to take one pill every day to prevent pregnancy. It is not necessary to take your combination pill at the same time every day.

IUDs

An Intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device that is placed in your uterus to stop the process of insemination. IUD stops pregnancy by preventing the sperm from reaching the eggs and fertilising them. There are many types of IUDs, and they come in different sizes and shapes and sizes.

Implants

The contraceptive implant is a soft plastic stick, measuring about 4 cm long. The implant slowly releases progestogen, a type of hormone, into your body. The implant is injected or inserted under the skin of your inner upper arm. Dr Baloyi uses a local anaesthetic so that you will not experience any pain during the procedure.

Injections

The contraceptive injection contains hormones. It either contains progestin alone, or progestin and estrogen together. The injection prevents your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix. You need one shot once every month or once every three months from a qualified Ob-gyn.