Unfortunately, in Malaysia, contraception or birth control is not something that can be talked about openly. Most people just put aside talking about it until an accident happens and it is too late.
However, the number of unwanted pregnancy cases and baby dumping cases are clearly telling us that something has to be done. Having sex is not wrong but you need to always be safe especially if you are not ready to be responsible for another person’s life.
Here are some effective birth control methods that you can easily use so that you can have great sex while not having to worry about getting pregnant:
1. Condoms
Not only do condoms prevent the sperm from entering the vagina and making you pregnant, it also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It has no side effects unless you are allergic to latex and it is available at any pharmacy, 7-eleven and now even on Grab and Foodpanda. It is so easy to prevent an unwanted pregnancy now, just order some condoms from Foodpanda and you are set. You won’t even have to physically go to the store.
Effectiveness: 97%
2. Birth Control Pills
Also known as oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), OCPs have to be taken at the same time everyday in order for it to be effective. These pills are made out of hormones higher than a woman's normal body levels and when taken constantly they prevent ovulation.
You won’t need a prescription to get it, you can buy it over the counter at the nearest pharmacy. However, it is advised that you seek medical advice on the different types of pills before taking them as it has different effects on each person.
Effectiveness: 91% if taken regularly
3. Hormonal injection
This is a progestin-based (synthetic progesterone) shot that suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. It only lasts for three months, so you will have to take 4 shots a year.
You can easily get an injection at a government or private clinic nearby.
Effectiveness: 96%
4. Hormonal implant
This implant works the same way as the injection. The only difference is that it is a 4cm plastic rod that is inserted underneath the skin of your arm.
Just like the injections, you can get your implant at any government or private clinics nearby. It costs quite a lot, and you will have to get it replaced every three years so if you can’t afford it, try the other prevention methods instead.
Effectiveness: 99%
5. Intrauterine device (IUD)
An IUD is a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD is a form of long-term contraception that can be left in the uterus from three to five years. If you are ready to have a baby, the device can also be removed earlier.
You will have to visit a specialised doctor, a gynaecologist, to insert the IUD. Please note that you might feel some pain during the insertion, and it also costs a lot, cheaper than the implant but still quite a lot.
Effectiveness: 99%
6. Emergency morning-after pills
Morning after pills contains multiple times the number of hormones found in regular OCP pills, which means it instantly prevents ovulation. It is an emergency pill that should only be taken after unprotected sex.
It isn’t like birth control; you can’t take it every day. It is advised that you only take one or two in a month and not more as its high levels of hormones can have side effects.
You can easily get it over the counter at any nearby pharmacy and it costs around RM 10 to RM 20. Please note that it has to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The faster you take it, the ore effective it is.
Effectiveness: Effective only within three days after unprotected sex
