Helpful Resources: Contraception
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SOGC (the Society of Obstetricians and Gynocologyst of Canada) provides insight into the different options for contraception available. Visit the resources below to view the advantages and disadvantages of each contraceptive method to help make the right decsion for you.
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A hormonal IUD works by releasing a hormone called progestin which is very similar to a naturally occuring hormone in the body called progesterone. The IUD prevents pregnancy by inhibiting sperm mobility, thickening cervical mucus and by keeping the uterine lining very thin which makes it difficult for the egg to attach to the uterus.
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The non-hormonal IUD or copper IUD is a T-shaped device which has a copper component coiled around it. This type of IUD prevents pregnancy by reducing sperm motion and inhibiting sperm from contacting an egg. Copper IUDs can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years and are 99.2% effective.
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The implant or Nexplanon is a form of birth control that that can help to prevent pregnancy in adult women for up to 3 years. The implant is placed under the skin by a health care provider on the inside of your upper arm. Nexplanon contains a hormone called etonogestrel which prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the monthly release of an egg from your ovaries and changes cervical mucus making it hard for sperm to enter the uterus.
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The birth control pill is an easy and effective way to prevent pregnancy. There are two forms of the birth control pill; the combination pill and the minipill. The combination pill contains both estrogen and progestin while the mini pill contains progestin only. The combination pill prevents pregnancy in a few ways; it prevents egg release from the ovaries, it slows the movement of the egg through the fallopian tube, thickens cervical mucus and maintains a think lining of the uterine wall, all of which prevent sperm from contacting the egg. The mini pill works in similar way by thickening cervical mucus, slowing egg movement, and creating thin lining of the uterus, as well can sometimes suppress ovulation.
Taking the pill at the same time every day is important for its effectiveness, SOGC provides a helpful resource for staying on schedule with your pill and what to do if you miss a dose, find the link below