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The Ultimate Guide to Birth Control in Singapore (2021)

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Portrait of Dr Michelle Chia
Dr Michelle Chia

January 24th, 2019· 5 min read

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Birth control is a topic that's still not commonly discussed in Singapore.

However, with the increase in sexual awareness and activity amongst the younger generation in Singapore, it's important to raise the awareness of reliable birth control methods.

Going through a situation when an unwanted pregnancy happens can be really stressful and emotional. You must know that this situation can easily be avoided!

What studies have been done on birth control methods?

contraception methods in singapore

I conducted a study in 2017 on 300 women who were undergoing a termination of pregnancy in Singapore.

The study was specially aimed at looking at the knowledge and the contraception practices amongst these women.

What this study revealed was that a vast majority of women in Singapore have very limited knowledge of the birth control methods available. Many of them also had several unfounded misconceptions!

This is something I strongly hope to improve amongst all women in Singapore and hence the aim of this article is to help break down this information and dispel some longstanding myths on birth control.

Let's start with the age-old question on everyone’s mind…

Is birth control safe?

is birth control safe

The answer is yes! Birth control is generally very safe.

Whilst each type of method may have its own minor side effects, most methods can be safely used. To find the most suitable method for your body, go for a consultation with an experienced doctor.

Does birth control affect your future fertility?

Does birth control affect your future fertility

This is another very common question that I get from my female patients, ranging from those in their late teens to even their mid-thirties.

For some reason, there's a very widespread misconception that birth control will impair a girl’s future fertility. Many women would rather take the risk and not use any form of contraception.

The most crucial thing to highlight is that most forms of birth control do not affect your long-term fertility and are completely reversible. They can be stopped anytime you wish to get pregnant.

You should also be aware that procedures such as abortion may cause scarring of the womb. That can lead to infertility in the future.

Also read: Trying To Conceive: This Singaporean Gynaecologist Discusses Fertility Tips

Are there any permanent birth control methods?

tubal ligation methods singapore

The only permanent birth control method that will affect your future fertility is tubal ligation. This method is irreversible.

How does birth control prevent pregnancy?

1. Hormonal Methods (Pills, Injection, Patch, Implanon)

preventing ovulation hormonal birth control

The hormones work by preventing ovulation in women who take them. Additionally, they can also cause changes in the cervical mucus. This means that they make the environment more ‘hostile’ for the sperm to reach the egg.

2. Non-hormonal methods (IUD)

Intrauterine device singapore

The IUD works by preventing the sperm from meeting the egg. It also causes changes in the cervical mucus creating a ‘hostile’ environment for the sperm. It also makes implantation of a fertilized egg difficult.

3. Permanent Methods (Ligation, Vasectomy)

tubal ligation for women singapore

Imagine you are a car driving on a one-way narrow road, and a huge boulder is permanently placed on that narrow road blocking the entire passage. There’s no way you can move forward right?

That’s how these methods work. The fallopian tubes are clipped or the vas deferens is tied, with the clip and the tying off acting as these so-called ‘roadblocks’.

As a result, the egg cannot be released into the uterus, and the sperm cannot be released as well.

What are the birth control options available in Singapore?

There are a variety of birth control methods to suit your preferences and needs. It ranges from short term to long term solutions, hormonal or non-hormonal.

Long-acting reversible methods

How long is it effective for

Hormonal Intrauterine contraceptive device

5 years

Non-hormonal intrauterine contraceptive device

5 years

Hormonal Implant – Implanon

3 years

Shorter-acting reversible methods

How often it has to be administered/taken

Hormonal injection – IM Depot Provera

3 Monthly

Contraceptive Patch

Weekly

Birth Control Pills

Monthly

Permanent method

How long is it effective for

Tubal ligation

Irreversible

Vasectomy (for males)

Irreversible

Other Methods

a) Emergency Contraception

This is NOT and should not be used as a form of birth control

  • Ella (1 pill)
  • Postinor (2 pills)

b) Condoms

This is additional protection against sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is unreliable as a birth control method.

Related: What are the emergency contraception options available to prevent an unintended pregnancy?

Where can I get birth control in Singapore?

1. Birth control pills

birth control pills available in singapore

These can be obtained from most general practitioner clinics. However, do note that several general clinics that do not specially cater to women’s health do not actually stock the full range of birth control pills available on the market. They usually carry 1 or 2 common brands of contraceptive pills.

Related: Can I safely resume taking my contraceptive pills if I have stopped taking it for a period of time?

2. Contraceptive Patch & Contraceptive Injection

contraceptive patch

The patch can usually be found in general clinics as well, however again, there are several clinics that may not have these.

You may choose to get them from a women’s health clinic.

3. Intrauterine contraceptive device or IUD

Intrauterine contraceptive device

An IUD insertion requires a doctor with the relevant experience or expertise to perform this for you. Reason being, this is considered an invasive procedure.

You should look for a doctor who has adequate experience with an IUD. Before you decide to insert it, speak to them about the risks, suitability, as well as the potential side effects.

An IUD insertion can be done at a women’s clinic.

4. Implanon or Contraceptive implant

 implant for hormonal contraception

The Implanon is usually inserted into the arm. The insertion and removal of this device are also considered an invasive procedure. It has to be performed by a women’s doctor with adequate and relevant expertise.

You should go to a women’s clinic if you are looking to have an Implanon inserted.

Related: How safe and effective are hormonal birth control implants like Implanon?

5. Tubal ligation or Vasectomy

vasectomy

Tubal ligation involves the surgical clipping of your fallopian tubes (for females) while vasectomy involves the tying off of the vas deferens (for males).

These are permanent forms of birth control and require surgery.

They can only be performed by your gynaecologist (for females) or your urologist (for males).

Are there any side effects from birth control?

side effects of birth control

This is another very common question that I get asked all the time.

In my practice, a large majority of my patients fall into the age group of the early 20s to mid-30s, when they are sexually active.

However, not all of them may be ready or planning for pregnancy yet. A huge majority of them also have very limited knowledge of proper birth control methods.

The truth is, each type of birth control method has its own minor inconvenience or side effects. However, these side effects are definitely better than ending up with an unwanted pregnancy.

All of them usually agree with me on this point.

Common side effects of different types of birth control

Here is a breakdown on the common side effects and inconveniences you may experience with each contraception method:

Birth Control Method

Common Side Effects

Birth control pills

Headaches, bloating, initial breakthrough bleeding

A small proportion of girls may experience mood swings or weight changes

Patch

Side effects similar to birth control pill (similar hormonal types)

May also get mild skin irritation if you have sensitive skin

Hormone injection

Weight gain, headaches, bloating, mild acne, irregular spotting, no menses (after prolonged use)

Non-hormonal IUD (Copper)

Heavier periods, infection, migration or expulsion of IUD

Hormonal IUD (Mirena)

Irregular spotting, very light periods or no menses, infection, migration or expulsion of IUD

Implanon

Weight gain, headaches, bloating, mild acne, irregular spotting, no menses (after prolonged use)

Ligation

Permanent and irreversible, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy if failed, risks of surgery and general anaesthesia

(Do note: Side effects listed vary according to the individual and may not apply to everyone using it)

What is the safest form of birth control?

There is no one ‘safest’ method of birth control. Most contraception methods are generally very safe.

However, methods such as the IUD or Implanon are more invasive procedures. Hence, they may carry a slightly higher risk, which is very rare.

Ligation also carries the risk of surgery and general anaesthesia.

What is the most effective birth control method?

effectiveness of birth control singapore

The efficacy of all the proper birth control methods listed above is at least 90%.

On the other hand, condoms, withdrawal or menstrual cycle counting only have an effectiveness of 60 - 70%, with lots of room for “accidents” to happen.

Many people also have the misconception that reliable birth control has to be expensive. Thus, many of them, especially girls who are still in school and not working think that they are unable to afford them.

When I tell my patients that reliable birth control can be available from as low as less than $10 per month, most of them are very surprised.

How much does birth control cost in Singapore?

Here are the approximate figures on the efficacy and cost of each form of birth control:

Method

Efficacy

Estimated cost

1.Withdrawal / Menstrual cycle counting

60 - 70%

Free

2. Condoms

70%

$15 - $30 per box

3. Birth control pills

> 95% if taken correctly

$8 - $40 per pack for 1 month

4. Hormonal patch

> 95% if used correctly

$30 - $40 per pack for 1 month

5. Hormone injection

> 95%

$40 - $50 per shot (for 3 months)

6. Hormonal implant (Implanon)

98 - 99%

$400 - $500 (for 3 years)

7. Intrauterine contraception device (IUD)

98 - 99%

Copper - $150 - $300

Hormonal - $ 500 - 600

(both for 5 years)

8. Surgical sterilization/ligation

99%

$1500 - $3000

(permanent)

Disclaimer: Prices listed are just a rough estimate on the average cost and do not reflect the prices of any particular clinic. Different clinics will have a variation of their cost and charges.

Prices will also differ between public hospitals/polyclinic VS private clinics. Prices listed also do not include consultation cost and procedure fee.

Related: Where can I get the most cost effective birth control pills in singapore?

What is the most common type of birth control used in Singapore?

condoms are not birth control

The contraception awareness study that I conducted in 2017 included 300 Singaporean women. The results of this showed that almost 70% of them were not using any form of birth control, while 25% of them were using just male condoms.

Only a mere 8% or less were using reliable birth control methods, of which birth control pills were the most common choice (5%).

While the statistics in this study certainly may not be reflective of all Singaporean women, it does show that many of us are still not aware of proper birth control methods available.

Can you still get pregnant even if you are on birth control?

pregnancy test kit

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. You might have noticed that none of the birth control methods, including permanent ligation, give a success rate of 100%.

The only way to 100% guarantee a zero chance of pregnancy is through abstinence.

Are there any birth control options for men?

The only 2 methods available now are:

  1. Male condom
  2. Vasectomy (permanent)

Are there any other added benefits of birth control?

benefits of birth control

I am pretty sure most of you reading do not know this: many hormonal birth control methods are prescribed by doctors for other female-related problems that do not involve family planning.

For example:

  1. Birth Control Pills

They are very useful for regulating your periods, especially for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). On top of this, they also reduce your menstrual flow, reduce menstrual cramps, improve acne and even provide protection against cancer!

Yes, you heard right. Birth control pills can reduce your risk of developing ovarian and womb cancer in the long run.

  1. Hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD, commonly known as Mirena, is very commonly used to treat women with heavy menstrual periods or bad menstrual cramps. Additionally, Mirena can also be used as a form of treatment for endometrial hyperplasia (a pre-cancerous cell change in the womb)

  1. Hormone injection

This is also useful to reduce heavy and painful periods.

How do I decide which type of birth control to go for and what should I consider?

consult a doctor for birth control

First and foremost, you need to get a consultation with a doctor.

My advice is to speak to someone who is well versed and experienced with all the various types of birth control. He/she will then be able to adequately weigh the pros and cons of each option for you.

From there, you can decide on the most suitable type of birth control for you.

Personally, I usually base my discussion with my patients on a few key factors:

  • Duration of birth control/family planning desired

  • Patient’s lifestyle and medical history

  • Hormonal vs non-hormonal

  • Type of side effects or inconvenience deemed acceptable to the patient

  • Financial budget

Are there any limitations to these birth control methods?

STDs prevented by condoms

Whilst the various birth control methods discussed above are extremely effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy, they, unfortunately, do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

STDs can only be prevented with the use of condoms.

Conclusion

birth control options singapore

A few main takeaway points I wish to reiterate from this guide:

  • There are many birth control options available of which many options have not been heard of by many people: it is possible to find an option that is suitable for you

  • Always use some form of reliable birth control if you are sexually active and not planning to get pregnant

  • Birth control is safe!

  • It does not necessarily cost a bomb to use birth control

  • Always speak to an experienced doctor to obtain reliable information to make the right choice!

Dr Michelle Chia graduated from the National University of Singapore. She subsequently underwent her post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Singapore’s largest women’s hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and Singapore General Hospital.

She has extensive experience in managing a variety of women’s health, general gynaecology issues and antenatal care for pregnancy and aims to provide holistic well-rounded care for all women’s health problems.


I hope that you've found this guide useful, and perhaps gained more insight into the application process. Most of the admissions-related information (admin and logistics wise) can be found on the official NUS Faculty of Dentistry website.

To help yourself out, you should take note of what people look for when they look for a dentist.

This article was written by Dr Michelle Chia and published on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. Human medically reviewed the article on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. The last update was made on Friday, 18 September 2020.

Disclaimer: Opinions belong to the author and not to the platform.

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