A reasoned decision thanks to your pharmacist
Besides providing details regarding the various options available to you, pharmacists affiliated with Accès pharma can prescribe birth control once they’ve made sure that there are no contraindications.
Your pharmacist will also make sure that you’re fully aware of your chosen method’s benefits and disadvantages. This way you can make a reasoned decision.
Types of birth control
Male condoms
Condoms are used as contraception but also as protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are sold over the counter, which makes them very accessible. Furthermore, male condoms are remarkably easy to use. They offer reliable protection and are intuitive to wear.
Female condoms
They present advantages similar to those of their male counterparts. They effectively prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Besides, they’re easy to use and can be inserted before sexual relations, which makes them a practical and flexible type of contraception.
Birth control pills
The pill is a hormonal contraceptive method. Taken daily, it prevents ovulation and modifies cervical mucus (a component of vaginal discharge), which decreases the risk of pregnancy. Thanks to an array of formulations with varying hormonal dosages, women are free to find the pill type that suits them best. That way, in case of side effects, different options can be tried out until the best one is found. The pill’s greatest strengths include its ease of use and non-invasive nature.
Contraceptive patches
Contraceptive patches, also called hormone patches, release hormones that block ovulation and modify the aspect of cervical mucus (a component of vaginal discharge). Their biggest asset? All one has to do is change their contraceptive patch once a week. Additionally, unlike certain medications that can be influenced by intestinal malabsorption disorders, the efficacy of hormonal patches remains unaltered by these issues. What’s more, some women notice that they have less irregular bleeding when they’re on the patch, which contributes to improved quality of life and easier planning.
Contraceptive injections
Contraceptive injections are administered once a month to block ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. This contraceptive method can come in handy if you tend to forget to take your pill each day.
Vaginal ring
A vaginal ring is a small contraceptive ring that women insert in their vagina themselves. It intermittently releases hormones and remains in place for 3 weeks. The many benefits of this method include its ease of use and its need to be changed only every 3 weeks, which often translates to a higher rate of compliance versus other methods of birth control. Some vaginal ring users also note a reduced frequency of irregular or unpredictable bleeding, which contributes to menstrual wellbeing.
Spermicide
Spermicides are a topical form of birth control that deactivates sperm.
To protect yourself from STIs, it’s recommended to use condoms in combination with a hormonal type of birth control.
Your pharmacist can prescribe hormonal contraception free of charge. Options include the birth control pill, contraceptive patch, vaginal ring and contraceptive injections. Initial prescriptions are valid for 6 months and can be renewed for 6 additional months.
