I'm getting married soon but baby not our first priority, what should I use?

Dear Doctor, I'm looking for ashort term contraceptive, perhaps for a year or so prior to my wedding. I am however worried about the effects of contraceptives. Will I struggle to have a baby after, say, two years on the pill?

I am 28. Noni

Many women have some initial anxieties about contraceptive use due to inadequate information and biased anecdotes. The safety of reversible contraceptives is not in question. Not only do they prevent unwanted pregnancies, but they also have several health benefits.

There are several reversible contraceptives and you have a choice between short-term and long-term methods. The oral contraceptive, or the Pill, is the most common. You just have to take one tablet daily, without fail, and you will be protected against an unplanned pregnancy.

Once you stop taking the pill, your potential to conceive returns immediately. Patches are also available as short-term choices. Just stick it one on a discreet part of your body every week.

There are injectables also and the common one is called Depo Provera. It is administered every three months.

Barrier methods can also be termed as short-term contraceptives. Condoms are readily available, and confer additional protection against sexual infections. The effectiveness of condoms in preventing pregnancy is somewhat lower than the hormonal methods. There are other less known methods, like the cervical cup. You will obviously conceive immediately you stopping using barrier methods. Even though you are looking for a short-term method, you should not completely discount the use of long-term reversible contraceptivesn such as the intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or the coil and implants.

The coil is placed inside the uterus, while implants are placed under the skin on your upper arm. Long-term methods are very effective and you don't need to remember to take or do anything for several years. Again, you will conceive immediately the long-term method is withdrawn.

Since you are young, and presumably healthy, you could choose any method that appeals to you. However, visiting a family planning clinic will give you the opportunity for a detailed discussion on your preferred method. Be assured that reversible contraceptives will not jeopardise your chances of getting pregnant in future.

Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist. [email protected]