Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer

There are so many different types of contraception available, women should be able to find the right method for them. But you may have to try several different things before you choose the one you like most.

When choosing a contraceptive method, the doctor and the patient should identify risk factors. According to Dr Miguel Antonio Fiallo, medical director for Bayer HealthCare, in most countries contraceptives are by prescription only and it is therefore important to choose the one that is best for you.

"You must have a good discussion with a health-care professional about reproductive health and different methods that are available. Before choosing a contraceptive method, the woman has to know about risk factors so that she can have enough elements to decide the appropriate contraceptive option for her," said Fiallo, who was recently in Jamaica.

consideration

Birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. These medications are among the most reliable birth control methods, along with sterilisation and reversible long-term contraceptives. A study carried out in Europe identified some criteria that women should take into consideration when choosing a contraceptive method.

These criteria includes contraceptive efficiency, good tolerance, no weight effect, positive effect towards welfare, good cycle control, low hormone doses, positive results over pre-menstrual syndrome physical effects, long-term effect, positive results in bleeding problems, and positive effect over pre-menstrual syndrome emotional problems.

Fiallo said family antecedents should also be considered. Age should also be a factor because the older a woman is the higher the risk, major surgery or trauma and long-term immobility.

"There should be a tolerability profile and the most effective method should be chosen that produces better side effects. Combined oral contraceptives are used by 58 million women around the world, therefore the right method can be chosen," Fiallo said.

Contraceptives diminish the rate of ectopic pregnancy and the numbers indicate that 0.005 per each 1,000 yearly, lower than users of other contraceptive methods. Likewise, this method allows women to be fertile again and to be able to conceive.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com