Whether single or partnered, birth control becomes a necessity if you are sexually active. But there is a lot to know before settling for anyone. Let’s start from the very beginning.

What is Birth Control?

Birth control is a different method used to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Pills, devices, and sterilization are some of the methods voluntarily used by individuals to limit reproduction and space for kids. It is also known as contraception, anti-conception, or fertility control. The type of birth control method you choose will depend on the following. 

• When you wish to get pregnant or if you wish not to get pregnant
• How well each method is potent against pregnancy
• If you are sexually active or not
• If you have multiple partners
• Your overall health condition/ medical history 
• What is convenient for you. It has to be something you can keep up with
• What works for you and your partner
• Your lifestyle
• STDs and STIs concerns

Note that your choice of birth control can change over time as a result of changes in circumstances.

How do Birth Control Work to Prevent Pregnancy?

Birth control methods work by,

• Preventing ovulation
• thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from getting into the uterus
• Alters the uterus lining so that fertilized eggs cannot attach to it.
• Barrier methods block the sperm from entering the vagina.

Types of Birth Control Methods Available In Singapore

1. Female and male sterilization 

Female tubal ligation and male vasectomy prevent pregnancy for a lifetime. They are done through surgery. For tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut or sealed to prevent the egg from meeting the sperm. For male vasectomy, the tube that carries the sperm is damaged to prevent the transport of sperm. They are 99% effective. After surgery, short-term discomfort may follow and regrets may occur much later because these methods of contraceptive are irreversible.

2. Long-acting reversible method

They include, 

• The copper Paragard IUD which last for 10 years
• The hormonal (progesterone) Mirena IUD which last for 5years 
• The hormonal contraceptive implant that lasts for 3 years

Any of these devices are inserted one-time. It doesn’t require any routine visit to the clinic or any daily action on your part. They can last 3-10 years and are highly effective than pills, patches, or rings. They protect long-term but are reversible. This means that if you don’t want a child in a very long time, IUDs are a good bet for you. Some side effects include,

• Copper IUDs may worsen menstrual bleeding and cramps.
• Puncture of the uterus is a rare complication of all IUDs.
• Hormonal IUDs may cause headaches, breast tenderness, or acne.

Short-acting hormonal methods 

They prevent pregnancy on a short-term basis because they require that you closely follow prescriptions on a daily or monthly basis or risk getting pregnant. The time required depends on the type you choose. Short-acting prevents pregnancy by 

Examples of short-acting methods include the pill, the depo shot, mini pills, and the patch.

The shot  

Depo Provera is injectable and needs to be taken every three months without any daily action. It contains progesterone hormone and is given in the arm or buttocks. It is 96% effective.

The birth control pill 

It is a type of contraception that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy in pill form. It is taken orally (by mouth) once a day. The pill is most effective when you take it consistently at the same time each day. The pill can be 99% effective if you are consistent. There are two kinds of pills. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin while Mini Pills contain just progestin. The mini pill is good for women who can’t take estrogen. Like nursing mothers and those with a history of blood clots. 

The challenge with this method is the difficulty of taking your pills conscientiously. This is why nine out of 100 women who use the pill will have an unintended pregnancy every year. Being consistent helps keep hormone levels stable.

Vaginal rings

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a small soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. Rings are fixed into the vagina and leave it in for 21 days. Afterwards, you take a 7-day break by removing the ring, during which you see your period. One good thing about this method is, it transports a smaller level of hormones to the body, which may reduce the risk of side effects.

Contraceptive patch

It’s a patch that sticks to your skin. It releases hormones that go into your body through the skin. It contains a combination of estrogen (Ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (Norelgestromin). The brand name in Singapore is Evra.

Some side effects of short-acting methods include nausea, vomiting, acne, breast tenderness. bleeding, spotting, change in menstrual flow, headaches, and weight gain.

Barrier methods

This method of birth control is used each time you have sex. It puts a barrier between the genitals to block sperm from reaching the eggs. It Prevents the penis and vagina from making skin contact so that fluids from the penis don’t go into the vagina. 

Male and female condoms 

Male condoms are used externally and female condoms internally.

While male condoms are 87% effective, female condoms are 79 % effective.

Diaphragm sponge 

It is worn inside the vagina to keep sperm away. It is reusable. For best results, it should be used with a spermicide and worn six hours after sex. Diaphragms can be 71 to 81 % effective. 

Cervical caps

It’s a rubber cap that you put into your vagina to prevent sperm from getting into the uterus. Use caps with spermicide to be effective. they are 71 to 88 % effective and should stay in the vagina for up to 6 hours after sex to prevent pregnancy. They are reusable and can be used for up to a year.

Barrier methods have the following side effects

• Diaphragm and spermicide Increase the risk of UTI 
• Risk of toxic shock syndrome if you leave cap or diaphragm longer than 24hrs
• Skin irritation resulting from allergies to the chemicals used in spermicide products. Latex allergies may also occur if condoms are used.
• Condoms can’t be relied on as they may break.

Natural rhythm 

No birth control is used in this instance. It has to do with abstinence from sex during your fertile window. With an ovulation kit, you can find out when you are ovulating and abstain or use protection during that time. Others use the withdrawal method where it requires the man to withdraw when he climaxes. These methods require perfect timeliness to avoid pregnancy. As such they are less effective because of human error that may occur.

Emergency contraceptive

These contraceptives are morning-after pills and IUDs that can be used up to 5 days after sex. However, they shouldn’t replace the regular birth controls. Should only be used as a plan B when your regular fails.

Benefits of birth control pills

Aside from preventing pregnancy, birth control pills have the following benefits.

• More regular and lighter periods
• Fewer cramps
• Less acne 
• Lowered risk of ovary, uterus and colon cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease
• Non-cancerous ovarian cyst and iron deficiency anemia
• You can time your period and make it come when you are ready for it.

What type prevents STIs and HIV

Only condoms can prevent STIs and HIV but are not as effective to prevent pregnancy as other contraception. It’s safest to use condoms alongside pill, shot, or IUDs for dual protection.

Which can I get without a prescription?

Condoms, emergency pills, sponges, spermicides are forms of birth control methods you do not need a prescription to get. You need to see a doctor to get an oral contraceptive, shots, and a Patch. Vaginal ring diaphragms and cervical caps need to be inserted by the doctor or nurse. So you need a prescription for these because you need to get the right size for your vagina. In Singapore, the male condom is the most popular barrier method used. Cervical caps, female diaphragm and female condoms are not easily accessible or not available in most cases.

Where can I get birth control in Singapore?

You can get them in the following places. As long as you are not under 16 years, a GP or a gynaecologist can prescribe a birth control that suits you. You can get them in the following places. 

• Public Health centers. These are general hospitals and community hospitals that are runned by the government.
• Private hospitals. These are hospitals that are run by individuals and approved by The Ministry of Health.
• Teleconsult. You can consult with a doctor over the internet and get the prescription that suits you. You also get your prescriptions delivered to you. Zoey specializes in female health and offers free consultation and free delivery of birth control pills in singapore. You only have to pay for your pills.

How much do they cost? 

Pricing for each contraceptive can have a wide range. This will depend on whether you are consulting in a private or public hospital. Public hospitals have a very subsidized rate for each contraception as opposed to privately owned hospitals. Here’s an estimated price list for the most common contraceptives that you can access in Singapore.

• Male surgery can cost between – $200 – $2,000 
• Female surgery – $1,000-$10,000
• IUD – $400-500
• Implant – $400-600 at btwn $11-17 per month
• Pills –  $18 to $40 per month
• Evra patch – $36-$50
• Nuva ring about &60 per month
• Injection $150 to $200 for 3 months 

How quickly do they work?

Hormonal birth control methods may not begin work immediately and would depend on the time in your cycle that you started the contraception. As a rule of thumb, begin the combination pills within 5 days after your period starts. The pills begin to work from when you take them. If you begin to take them at any other time, it begins to work seven days after you take them.  You can start your mini pills (Progestin-only pills) at any time. Protection begins after 48 of taking them. 

To guarantee your safety, it’s advisable to use an alternative during the first week you start the pill or any other hormonal contraceptive. The barrier method works each time you use it before having sex. 

Can you get pregnant on birth control?

The short answer is YES. It is possible to get pregnant even while on birth control. They are not 100% effective. But when they are used correctly and consistently they can be 99% effective. It’s important that you understand how each birth control works and how to correctly use them.

Can birth control cause infertility?

There’s usually a misconception that birth control causes infertility. You may fear that when you are ready to have a baby, it may not come through as a result of using a birth control method. But in truth, birth control does not cause infertility issues. Once you stop birth control, your body hormones return to normal again. 

Which birth control is best?

There is no best when it comes to birth control methods. Individual peculiarities and circumstances determine which is best for you. Largely, the effectiveness of a birth control method depends on whether you use them correctly and consistently. The best birth control method for you should be safe, convenient and reliable. It’s best to see your doctor to make an informed decision about which you should go with.

Will birth control make me fat?

It’s a temporary side effect as a result of fluid retention and not fat. This may happen within the first 3 months when you begin any hormonal contraceptive but goes away afterward. If you notice that you are gaining weight, talk to your doctor about a change in your contraception. But for most women, hormonal contraception does not cause weight gain for them.

According to a study, weight gain occurs in about 5% of women. In that same study, other women reported losing weight too. So far, no studies have substantiated the fact that birth control pills cause weight gain in most women. Generally, women tend to gain weight as they grow older and not necessarily as a result of birth control.

They are safe

All birth control methods are generally safe for use. In the early times of birth control, hormonal birth controls had very high doses of estrogen and progestin. But this has changed. Birth control pills today have lower doses of these hormones. This has lowered the risk of side effects and serious health problems.