Contraception Counseling and Procedures (Copper-T, Mirena, etc.)

What is Contraceptive counselling?

Contraceptive counselling refers to a communication between someone seeking counselling and a clinician regarding the options available for contraceptive use.

The aim of counselling is to:

• Give accurate information about the contraceptives available and their effectiveness.
• Discuss the benefits and potential side effects of each contraceptive.
• The limitations of each contraceptive.
• Consider future plans for pregnancy before choosing a contraceptive.
• Address concerns, myths and misconceptions about contraceptive.
• Support informed and shared decision making based on personal choices and medical needs.

Effective counselling assists people to select a method that they will be more likely to use in an appropriate and consistent fashion.

Why counselling is important before choosing Birth control?

Not all contraceptives are for everyone.

Factors that can influence contraceptive choice are,

• Age and reproductive planning including plans for future pregnancies.
• Medical conditions that might affect the safety of contraceptive use.
• Lifestyle preferences including remembering to take a pill every day or to have a long-acting method of contraception.
• Menstruation and concerns about menstruation.
• Breastfeeding and postpartum planning.

How do doctors help you to choose the right Contraceptive?

Doctors evaluate factors before advice a contraceptive method.

• Medical history and current health status.
• Any previous experiences with contraception.
• Menstrual cycles patterns and symptoms.
• Individual preferences for hormone and convenience.
• Any fertility plans in future.
• Other potential benefits than pregnancy prevention.

What are the different types of Contraceptives?

Today there are several contraceptive choices available: –

Barrier Methods

• Male and female condoms are not only help to prevent pregnancy, they also help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• These methods are easy to use and do not contain hormones. Oral Contraceptive Pills

Birth control pills

• Pills that contain hormones that stop the egg from being released and therefore they prevent the pregnancy.
• They also can help manage a woman menstrual cycles and ease menstrual pain.

Contraceptive Injections

• These injections last for several weeks or months and prevent pregnancy.
• They can be used by people who do not want to have to take a pill every day.

Contraceptive Implants

• Small implant inserted under the skin of the upper arm which releases hormones over several years.
• One of the most effective reversible contraceptive methods available.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

• IUDs are small devices that are placed in the uterus for long term contraception.

What is Copper-T?

Copper-T is an intrauterine device which contains copper and is not hormone-based.

It works by: –

• Creating an environment that prevents sperm from being able to fertilize an egg.
• Providing pregnancy prevention for several years.
• Providing a reversible option whereby IUCD is removed and fertility returns.
• Appealing to people who do not want to use a hormonal form of contraceptive.

 There is a possibility of heavier periods or cramping, especially during the first few months after insertion.

What is Mirena?

Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases a small amount of levonorgestrel into the uterus.

Mirena advantages consist of,

• Highly effective long- lasting contraceptive.
• Lessening of menstrual bleeding for lots of people utilizing it.
• Improvement in heavy menstrual bleeding in some women.
• Long-lasting protection with fast return of fertility after its removal.

 Since Mirena contains hormones, it is possible that some people will experience hormonal side effects.

How is an Intrauterine device (IUD) inserted?

The IUD insertion takes about 2 to 3 minutes, although many patients experience anxiety prior to the procedure.

The healthcare provider conducts a pelvic exam and then gently introduces the insertion device with the IUD into the uterus and the strings of the IUD are visible near the cervix for future removal and monitoring.

Most women will experience cramping during or immediately following insertion but will feel better over time.

What happen after IUD insertion?

Most people are able to resume their daily life shortly after insertion of the IUD.

The common experiences are:

• Mild cramping in the first few days.
• Mild vaginal bleeding or irregular bleeding.
• Temporary pelvic discomfort.
• Gradual adjustment to the device within a few weeks.

If concerns are raised follow-up visits may be recommended.

What are the possible side effects of Contraceptives?

Some side effects are:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
• Temporary headaches or breast tenderness.
• Slight cramping after the insertion of the IUD.
• Spotting between periods.
• Hormonal symptoms in some women using hormonal contraceptives.

Many of the side effects get better as the body adapts to the selected method.

When should you consult a Gynaecologist?

• If one does miss a menstrual period.
• If the severe pelvic pain occurs after insertion of the IUD.
• If the bleeding is heavy or prolonged.
• If the symptoms of infection (fever or unusual discharge) are present.
• If pregnancy is suspected.
• If the strings are not felt or if they are extremely long or short.

There is a gynaecologist nearby who can assess and see if additional evaluation is needed.

What recent advances have improved Contraceptive care?

The care of contraception has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past few years. Key advances involve:

• More personalized contraceptive counselling, taking individual health needs and reproductive goals into account.
• Improving pain management during insertion procedures.
• Easing access to contraceptive advice and to follow up care through telemedicine consultations.
• Reducing unnecessary delays by initiating contraception on the same day as eligible patients.
• Digital reminders and mobile applications to help users remember pill, injection, and device replacement schedules.
• Greater emphasis on shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
• Better education materials to ensure people are informed about contraceptive options.

These innovations have contributed to increase the availability, convenience and patient centredness of contraception.

Contraception counselling involves information about the various contraceptive options available and selecting one that suits individual health needs, lifestyle, and future reproductive intentions.

An effective contraceptive service is based on counselling and choice, with a modern approach to personalised counselling and informed choice, and access to a range of effective contraceptive options such as Copper-T, Mirena, implants, pills, injection and barrier methods.

Knowing the effects, side effects, and processes of each option can empower individuals to make informed health care choices.

For contraceptive or other questions, or if you are, or thinking about being, using an IUD, please ask your doctor or gynaecologist in your area about your specific situation and needs.