Most contraceptives require a doctor's prescription to purchase them.

To talk about contraception, you can make an appointment on Doctolib , with:

• A gynecologist
• A midwife .

Read: the Réfugiés.info fact sheets " Make an appointment on Doctolib " and "Go to the gynecologist"

Your doctor can also advise you on the most suitable contraception for your situation.

There are many different types of birth control.

Contraception can be of 3 types:

• Mechanical:
• • Contraception is a physical barrier during sexual intercourse.
  • The sperm cannot reach the ovum.
• Hormonal:
• • Contraception works on the body all the time .
  • Hormones are natural substances in the body.
  • They control a lot of things: periods, mood...
  • Hormonal contraception adds hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Permanent (sterilization):
• • It is a contraception that prevents pregnancy forever.
  • You can't have children after that.

Mechanical contraceptives act as a physical barrier, so they have no side effects on how you feel physically and mentally.

1. The condom

A condom is a small plastic shield that is placed around the genitals during intercourse to retain semen during ejaculation. Some condoms are placed around the penis, while others are placed inside the vagina.

You don't need a doctor to buy condoms:

• You can get it for free at a pharmacy if you are under 26, or at a Family Planning center.
• You can also buy them at the supermarket, or from vending machines on the street.

2. The copper IUD

The IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted by a gynecologist or midwife into the uterus (at the top of the vagina). The IUD is made of copper, a metal that kills sperm, preventing pregnancy.

To get an IUD, you need to make an initial appointment with a gynecologist or midwife , who will give you a prescription to buy the IUD at a pharmacy. The gynecologist or midwife will then place the IUD in your uterus. You can keep your IUD in place for 5 years, then you need to get a new one.

Hormonal birth control changes the amount of hormones in your body. There may be side effects on your weight, mood, or how you feel physically .

1. The pill

The pill is a medication that must be taken every day. It is a hormonal contraceptive; it influences your hormones to prevent you from getting pregnant.

To get the pill, you need to make an appointment with a gynecologist, midwife, or your primary care physician, so they can give you a prescription to buy the medication at a pharmacy. Then, you need to take the medication and follow the healthcare professional's instructions.

2. The hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD is a small T-shaped object, which is inserted by a gynecologist or midwife into the uterus (at the top of the vagina).
The hormonal IUD sends hormones to your body to prevent pregnancy.

To get an IUD, you need to make an initial appointment with a gynecologist or midwife so they can give you a prescription to buy the IUD at a pharmacy. The gynecologist or midwife will then place the IUD in your uterus. You can then keep your IUD in place for 5 years , and then you need to get a new one.

3. The hormonal implant

A hormonal implant is a small plastic rod that is placed under the skin of your arm by a gynecologist or midwife. The implant sends hormones to your body to prevent pregnancy.

To get an implant, you need to make an initial appointment with a gynecologist or midwife so they can give you a prescription to buy the implant and an anesthetic cream from a pharmacy. Then, the gynecologist or midwife will place the implant under your arm with a needle. You can then keep your implant for 3 years, after which you will need to get a new one.

4. The hormonal patch

The patch is a type of bandage that is stuck to the skin (on the arm, stomach, or lower back). The patch sends hormones to your body to prevent pregnancy.

To get patches, you need to make an initial appointment with a gynecologist or midwife so they can give you a prescription to buy the patches at the pharmacy. Then, you need to change the patch every week for 3 weeks, then do a week without the patch, and start again.

5. The vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a small, soft plastic ring that fits deep inside your vagina (like a tampon). The ring sends hormones to your body to prevent pregnancy.

To get a vaginal ring, you need to make an initial appointment with a gynecologist or midwife so they can give you a prescription to buy the rings at a pharmacy. Then, you need to put the ring in yourself, keep it in for 3 weeks, go ring-free for a week, and then repeat.

Permanent contraception (also called sterilization) is a surgical procedure for people who are sure they no longer want to have children.

Since there is no way to go back, you will first have an appointment with a doctor who will discuss it with you to make sure it is what you want. You will also have to make a written consent, that is, write on a piece of paper that you agree to the operation. You will also have to wait several months before being able to have the operation.

There are two methods of permanent contraception:

• Tubal ligation ( for women): This is a surgical operation to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.
• Vasectomy (for men): This is a surgical operation to prevent sperm from entering the semen.

Each contraceptive has advantages and disadvantages.

Also, it is very important to find the right contraception for your situation. If a contraception hurts you, bothers you, or no longer suits you, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist or midwife to change it.