Contraception

Long-acting reversible methods of contraception are methods that offer protection against pregnancy for several years. These are far more effective than short term methods, and users do not need to remember to keep taking them. 

Many prefer the convenience of these methods over needing to remember to take a pill every day or having an injection every 3 months. Most of MSI’s clients choose long-acting forms of contraception and in many of the countries where we work, MSI Reproductive Choices is the only provider of these methods. 

We can offer clients three long-acting reversible methods including the copper IUD, the hormonal IUD, or the contraceptive implant. 

Copper IUD
The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a small copper-coated device that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix by a specially trained healthcare provider. Once in place, it can prevent pregnancy for 5 to 12 years depending on the model used. 

If inserted within the first 5 days after unprotected sex, the copper IUD also acts as emergency contraception, and can continue to be used as regular contraception afterwards.  

Hormonal IUD
The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a small plastic device that is inserted through the vagina and cervix by a specially trained healthcare provider. Once in place, it releases small amounts of the hormone levonorgestrel every day and prevents pregnancy for 3 to 5 years. 

Contraceptive implant
The implant is a small plastic rod or rods, about the size of a matchstick, that releases a progestin hormone. A specially trained provider performs a minor surgical procedure to place the implant rod(s) under the skin on the inside of the arm. Once in place, it releases small amounts of progestins consistently, preventing pregnancy for three to five years.  

We offer two permanent methods of contraception – tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

Tubal ligation and vasectomy are both minor surgical procedures which are conducted by surgeons in an outpatient setting. They are quick, safe and protect you from unwanted pregnancies for life. Permanent methods are great for people who are certain they don’t want any more children or don’t want children at all, they are a highly effective method in which a person does not need to remind themselves of regularly. 

If someone has had unprotected sex and wants to protect themselves against pregnancy, MSI can offer emergency contraception.  

We offer two types of emergency contraception – the emergency contraceptive pill and the copper intrauterine device. 

Emergency contraceptive pill
The emergency contraceptive pill – also known as the morning-after pill – can help to prevent pregnancy when taken up to 3-5 days after unprotected sex, depending on the pill used. It works by delaying the release of an egg from an ovary, therefore preventing pregnancy. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy.

There are two types of emergency contraception medication:  
1. The emergency contraceptive pill levonorgestrel (LNG), also called Levonelle, Revoke, or Back-Up, it can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.  
2. The emergency contraceptive pill ulipristal acetate (UPA), also called Ellaone, it can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.  
 
Because the emergency contraceptive pill delays the release of an egg, it is unlikely to be effective if taken after ovulation. The most effective form of emergency contraception is therefore intrauterine device (IUD), sometimes referred to as “the coil”. 

Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
The copper IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Once inserted, it will continue working for as long as the woman wishes to keep it in place, from a few weeks up to 12 years.