Contraception and Family Planning in Dubai

• Contraceptive Pills
• Barrier methods
• Vaginal ring
• Subcutaneous implant
• Intrauterine devices or IUDs
• Injectable Contraception
• Permanent contraception

There are different types of contraceptive methods, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. 

1.Contraceptive Pills

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives and effective birth control methods in Dubai. The hormones such as estrogen and progestin decrease the chance of ovulation. If you miss an anticonceptive pill, it should be taken immediately. Consequently, doctors advise a backup contraception such as a condom for enhanced safety. 

Side effects of pills

• Bloating, nausea, mood changes, and breast tenderness usually improve after two months.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting is common in the first few months.

2.Contraceptive Patch 

It’s a small band-aid-like patch on the skin that releases estrogen and progesterone hormones. It’s similar to a birth control pill and an effective contraceptive method. 

3.Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic that contains estrogen and progesterone that are slowly absorbed by the body. It’s left in the vagina for three weeks and removed one week during menstruation. The vaginal ring is less noticeable and easy to insert or remove.  

4.Subcutaneous implant

These devices are placed under the upper arm and act as a gestational carrier. The method uses small rods implanted under the skin. The implant prevents pregnancy for at least three years through the slow release of hormones. It is effective after 24 hours of insertion. Irregular bleeding is a common side effect. If you regret the choice, the implant can be removed anytime. 

5.Barrier methods

• Condoms: Condoms are popularly used as a barrier method to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It also prevents sexually transmitted infections. 
• Female diaphragms and cervical caps: these are flexible cups that go into the vagina and cover the cervix, so sperm can’t reach the egg. 

6.Intrauterine devices

An IUD is a small T-shaped device placed in the uterus. These devices are a safe and effective family planning method. It’s available in two types, 

• Copper IUD: The copper in the intrauterine device acts as a spermicide by changing the sperm movement and stopping it from fertilizing. Copper IUD is effective for 5 to 10 years without the use of hormones. On certain occasions, copper IUD results in heavy periods or increased bleeding that can be an inconvenience. 
• Levonrgestrel-releasing IUD: The IUD releases a hormone called progestin that thickens the cervical mucus and blocks sperm from reaching the egg. It’s effective for 5 years. 

7.Injectable Contraception

Injectable contraception utilizes progesterone hormone. The injection is performed at a muscular level and administered once every three weeks. The injection suppresses ovulation for 14 weeks by thickening the cervical mucus, which makes the endometrium unsuitable for implantation. 

The side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain, hair loss, and headache. 

7.Permanent contraception

• Tubal ligation: It’s a surgical method where fallopian tubes are cut, sealed, or blocked to prevent fertilization. 
• Hysteroscopic sterilization:  it’s a less invasive procedure where a small implant is placed in the fallopian tube, and it blocks fertilization.