If you’ve been reading this blog faithfully then by now you know that your period is a messenger; it tells you what’s going on with your body. 

Contraceptives modify the language sometimes. Especially hormonal ones. Some methods make periods lighter. Some stop them completely. Some make them heavier at first before things settle. So let’s talk about what they are and the options available to you. 

1. Hormonal options:

a) Daily Pills (the combined pill & mini pill)

These are often the first thing we hear about. “Take one daily, avoid pregnancy”. They require consistency. Missed pills can mean surprise stress/bun in the oven. At their core, these pills work by using synthetic versions of hormones your body already produces to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg), thicken cervical mucus (making it harder for sperm to move), and thin the uterine lining.

What’s actually inside them? There are two main types:

Combined pills which contain:

• Oestrogen
• Progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone)

Mini pills which contain:

• Progestin only

These hormones don’t introduce something foreign or toxic. They simply mimic hormonal signals your body already understands; just in a more controlled and predictable way.

What they do to your period

Hormonal pills don’t just prevent pregnancy, they directly interact with your menstrual cycle. Many women experience:

• More regular cycles
• Lighter bleeding
• Reduced cramps
• Less clotting

For some, periods become shorter or even disappear during pill use (that doesn’t mean the blood is “building up” inside you). The uterine lining stays thin, so there’s simply less or nothing to shed. This can feel freeing for some women. For others, unsettling. Both reactions are valid. Also, your period on the pill is often a withdrawal bleed, not a natural cycle and that distinction matters.

Why women choose the combined hormonal pills (beyond pregnancy prevention)

Hormonal pills are often prescribed for reasons that have nothing to do with sex. It is less about avoiding pregnancy and more about giving your body some breathing room in certain instances as they help manage symptoms and reduce long-term risks. They’re commonly used to help manage:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Endometriosis symptoms
• Severe PMS or PMDD
• PCOS
• Acne linked to hormonal imbalance
• Irregular cycles

Hormonal pills are not one-size-fits-all. Some women feel amazing on them while others don’t. Especially if you’re sensitive to hormones or dealing with migraines, high blood pressure, or certain health conditions. You may experience:

• Weight Changes
• Mood shift
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches etc

Side effects often settle after the first few months, but if something feels off, you’re allowed to reassess.

b) Emergency contraception (the “morning after” pill)

Let’s say you missed a couple of days of your daily pill and had unprotected sex, this is your next available option to ensure that bloody mary shows up. It is not routine contraception, it’s a safety net. It’s available in most pharmacies and is an over the counter medication, all you have to do is ask. Currently in Nigeria, Postinor or Post pill are the widely known brands and they retail for 2-4k naira. It is to be taken within 72 hours after intercourse (the sooner the more effective) and it’s also important to note that this is not a sure method, it is possible to still get pregnant after taking it, even if you took it within the prescribed timeframe. 

There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills, and what’s inside depends on which one you take.

1. Levonorgestrel – (Most common “morning-after” pills)

This is the one most people recognise.

What’s inside:

• Levonorgestrel — a synthetic form of progesterone (Yes, the same family of hormone your body already makes.)

What it does:

• Delays or stops ovulation
• Makes it harder for sperm to meet an egg

If ovulation hasn’t happened yet, it can prevent pregnancy.
If ovulation has already happened, it won’t work.

2. Ulipristal acetate- (Often sold as Ella or similar)

This is a newer, stronger option.

What’s inside:

• Ulipristal acetate — a progesterone receptor modulator

Instead of mimicking progesterone, it blocks or delays progesterone’s action around ovulation.

What that means:

• It can delay ovulation even when your body is very close to releasing an egg
• It works for a longer window (up to 5 days after sex)

 Now, let’s move on to other options.

c) Injectables (like Depo-Provera, Sayana Press)

One injection every few months. Maybe three months, maybe six months and you’re covered. This is actually my favourite option. Injectable contraceptives are often chosen by women who want effectiveness without daily thinking.

What are injectables, really?

Injectables contain progestin only (a synthetic form of progesterone). Most injectables use medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). As we said previously, they work by:

• Stopping ovulation
• Thickening cervical mucus
• Thinning the uterine lining

Once injected, the hormone is released slowly into your system over time. You don’t control it day by day; which is both the appeal and the caution.

d) Implants (the small rod in your arm)

Low maintenance. Long-term. Discreet. Implants are often described as “set it and forget it” contraception. A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It works for 3–5 years, depending on the type. It is non-surgical and once inserted, it releases hormones slowly into your bloodstream.

What’s inside them?

Implants contain progestin only most commonly etonogestrel. It is safe for women who can’t take oestrogen.

e) Intrauterine devices (IUDs) — hormonal 

IUDs are small, T-shaped devices placed inside the uterus and can last up to 10 years depending on the brand.

They’re long-term, highly effective, and often talked about without enough honesty especially about pain as insertion can be quite uncomfortable.

There are two very different types, and what’s inside them matters.

Hormonal IUD: 

Hormonal IUDs release levonorgestrel, a progestin. This hormone works locally in the uterus, not throughout your whole body in the same way pills do. Hormonal IUDs are often chosen for menstrual relief.

Many women experience:

• Much lighter periods
• Less cramping
• Shorter bleeding days
• No periods after some time

2) Non- Hormonal Options: 

a) Intrauterine devices (IUDs) — copper

Similar to hormonal IUDs in look, placement, longevity and function, except the magic is in the copper wire wound around the device. That’s it. No hormones, no synthetic chemicals. Copper creates an environment in the uterus that is toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization. It does not affect your natural hormones or ovulation. In fact, fertility returns quickly after removal. You need to go to the clinic to get this done; you can’t do it yourself, you can’t do it at home.

How they affect your Period

Because it’s hormone-free, the copper IUD doesn’t regulate bleeding. In fact, many women notice:

• Heavier periods, especially in the first 3–6 months
• Longer bleeding
• More cramps during menstruation

These changes happen because the uterus responds to the foreign object and copper, not because something is wrong with your body. Over time, many women adjust, but some continue to experience heavier periods which is okay, it’s about knowing what to expect.

b) Condoms (internal (female) & external (male))

Condoms are one of the simplest and most accessible forms of contraception. They are hormone-free and work purely as a physical barrier. Common materials include:

• Latex (most common)
• Polyurethane or nitrile (for those with latex allergies)

Some condoms come pre-lubricated, and occasionally with a spermicide, but the main protection is the barrier preventing sperm from entering the vagina. They protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 How they affect your period

Condoms don’t change your menstrual cycle, bleeding, or cramps. Your hormones continue their natural rhythm without interference. This makes condoms appealing for anyone wanting contraception without hormonal effects.

Yeah that’s it. Pick from one of the above choices for pregnancy prevention. Good luck! Oh and also expect a delayed return to fertility when you stop using the hormonal options, like a couple of months not years (Anything outside that should be medically checked and most likely not caused by using them; meaning you’d still have the issue whether you had used contraceptives or not).