Allergic to latex, or just too lazy to pop a pill every day? Regular birth control methods like condoms or the pill are common ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but may not work for everyone. That’s why alternative birth control methods, like birth control apps, have been gaining popularity.
However, birth control apps may not be as effective as advertised. On Wednesday (Jan 17), the Natural Cycles app, which uses basal temperature readings and software to see when women are ovulating and likely to be pregnant, and markets itself as a contraceptive, was reported to Swedish authorities after 37 women using it had unintended pregnancies.
Studies from the Natural Cycles company showed that used properly, the app had a 99 per cent success rate of preventing pregnancy, which led to it being certified as a contraceptive device in the EU. While Natural Cycles is approved as a contraceptive device in Europe, it is sold as a fertility monitoring app in the US, as it it has not been approved by the FDA as a contraceptive.
Still keen on non-traditional methods of contraception? Scroll the gallery to check out other options to regular birth control methods, which are all approved in Singapore.
(This information isn’t meant to replace medical advice. If you have any issues or questions, consult your doctor.)
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Success Rate: 99 per cent
What: Approved in Singapore last June, Jaydess is a 50-cent coin-sized T-shaped plastic device your gynecologist inserts into your womb, where it slowly releases a small amount of progestogen.
This hormone thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot easily swim through the cervical canal to get to the egg. The IUS is touted by doctors as one of the most reliable forms of contraception; unlike the pill, you don’t have to worry about missed doses.
According to healthcare solutions company Quintiles IMS, there was an 11 per cent jump in the use of such long-acting reversible options over the past year.
Don’t freak out if your period becomes light, shorter or event stops — these are common side effects.
Use it if: You want a break between babies or are done having kids as the device stays in you for three to five years. See your doctor to remove it.
Don’t use it if: You have unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver inflammation or hormone dependent conditions such as a breast and womb cancers.
Success Rate: 99 per cent
What: Approved in Singapore last June, Jaydess is a 50-cent coin-sized T-shaped plastic device your gynecologist inserts into your womb, where it slowly releases a small amount of progestogen.
This hormone thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot easily swim through the cervical canal to get to the egg. The IUS is touted by doctors as one of the most reliable forms of contraception; unlike the pill, you don’t have to worry about missed doses.
According to healthcare solutions company Quintiles IMS, there was an 11 per cent jump in the use of such long-acting reversible options over the past year.
Don’t freak out if your period becomes light, shorter or event stops — these are common side effects.
Use it if: You want a break between babies or are done having kids as the device stays in you for three to five years. See your doctor to remove it.
Don’t use it if: You have unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver inflammation or hormone dependent conditions such as a breast and womb cancers.
Success Rate: 99 per cent (when used correctly)
What: This self-adhesive birth control patch has been around since 2003. You stick it on a clean, dry and nonhairy patch of skin — thick: your upper arm or lower abdomen — which will then absorb the hormones that stop the release of eggs. Stomach upsets also don’t mess with absorption. Expect side effects such as breast tenderness, spotting and migraines, which go away after you’ve been on the patch for two to three months.
Dr. Christopher Ng, obstetrician and gynecologist at GynaeMD Women’s & Rejuvenation Clinic, says that two per cent of women will experience skin irritation from wearing the patch.
Also, in about four per cent of them, the patch could come off and they won’t notice it. You need to change the patch every week.
Use it if: You don’t want the daily hassle of the pill, yet are uncomfortable with the thought of getting a device or a vaginal ring.
Don’t use if: You already suffer severe migraines or are at an increased risk of developing blood clots.
Success Rate: 98 per cent
What: The vaginal ring releases hormones into your blood through the vaginal wall to stop ovulation. It needs to be changed every week. Launched in 2012, it works like the pill but with one big benefit: the hormones aren’t absorbed by the stomach, which means that tummy upsets won’t negates its effects. Possible side effects, however, include vaginal discomfort and nausea.
Use it if: You aren’t squeamish about inserting the ring on your own. Squeeze the ring between your thumb and finger, and use your other hand to gently spread your labia. Push the ring into your vagina until it feels comfortable. To remove it, hook your finger through the loop and gently pull it out. Discard the used ring.
Don’t use if: You’re a smoker aged 35 and above, says Dr. Susan Logan, a sexual and reproductive health care consultant at the National University Hospital Women’s Centre. This could increase the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Opt for the copper IUD or IUS instead.
Success rate: 99 per cent
What: Unlike an IUS, this doesn’t contain hormones. Rather, copper ions are released into your womb, which change the make-up of fluids and makes it less-than comfortable for sperm to survive.
Use it if: You’re buying time between babies or are done having kids. “It works best for women who have already had a pregnancy, partly because the cervix is open wider, making the insertion of the device earlier and less painful,” says Dr Ng.
Don’t use if: You have heavy or prolonged periods — IUDS can make less periods heavier, longer and more painful.
Text: Adora Wong/CLEO