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Contraception
If you are sexually active but do not want to put yourself at risk of unwanted pregnancy of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you may want to think about the various methods of contraception available to you. Before, you decide on a method you might like to pop into UNISEX or your local Family Planning Clinic to find out a bit more information. Below is a brief summary of some of the main types of contraception availble in the UK.
For information on condoms click here
The Combined Contraceptive Pill
The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen hormones. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the production of eggs), thickening the mucus from your cervix so sperm find it difficult to move through it and by making the lining of your womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg. If taken according to the instructions it is over 99% effective. You can get it from all Family Planning Clinics and most GPs (General Practitioners). It is not suitable for all women so you will need to see a doctor or nurse who will take a medical history before deciding whether it is ok for you to take. It does not protect you against STIs.
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The Progestogen-only Pill
The progestogen-only pill contains the hormone progestogen, which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm meeting an egg or an egg settling in the womb. For some women it also stops ovulation. It is often used for women who cannot take the combined pill and, if taken according to instructions, is 99% effective. You can get it from Family Planning Clinics and most GPs and as with the combined pill, your doctor or nurse will need to take a medical hisotry to check its suitability for you. It does not protect against STIs.
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Injection
The hormone progestogen is injected into the body and released slowly over 8 - 12 weeks to prevent ovulation and thicken the mucus from the cervix to prevent sperm meeting an egg. If used correctly it is over 99% effective. You can get it from Family Palnning Clinics and most GPs. It does not protect against STIs.
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Implant
The implant is a small flexible tube placed under the skin of the inner upper arm. It releases progestogen into the bloodstream to prevent ovulation and thicken the mucus from the cervix to make it harder for sperm to travel and meet an egg. Implants can last up to three years (but can be removed at anytime) and once removed fertility normally returns immediately. Most women can feel the implant with their fingers but it can't be seen. The implant is usually put in using local anaesthetic and no stitches are needed, minor surgery is required to take it out. You can have it done at Family Planning Clinic and some GPs. If used correctly it is over 99% effective. It does not protect against STIs.
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IUD (Intrauterine Device)
A small plastic or copper intrauterine device is put in the womb to prevent the sperm and egg meeting or a fertilised egg settling. The coil can make periods heavier and more painful, but protection lasts for 3 - 10 years depending on type used (it can be removed at any time). If fitted correctly it can be 98% to 99% effective. It must be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse, Family Planning Clinics and some GPs will do this. It does not protect against STIs. Back to Top
IUS (Intrauterine System)
A small plastic device is put in the womb which releases the hormone progestogen, thickening mucus from the cervix to stop sperm meeting an egg. It can also stop an egg settling in the womb or stop ovulation. It works for up to five years, but can be taken out at any time. A trained doctor or nurse will fit it for you and this can be done at Family Planning Clinics and some GPs. It is over 99% effective if used correctly. The IUS does not protect against STIs. Back to Top
Diaphragm
The diaphragm or cap is a flexible rubber device sometimes used with spermicide. Spermicide can be an irritant for some women and it is worth checking this out with your doctor or nurse. It is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix any time before sex and must stay in place for at least six hours after sex. If used according to the instructions it is 92% to 96% effective. You must have a diaphragm fitted by a doctor or nurse to make sure you have the right size. It provides some protection from cervical infection, but does not protect against STIs.
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Natural Family Planning Method
This method relies on the use of fertility indicators. Either the woman keeps a daily record of her temperature and changes in cervical mucus or she can do urine tests with a specially designed kit. Both these look for changes in hormone levels which indicate ovualtion is occuring. This method, which can give a woman greater awareness of her body, must be learned from a trained teacher, but once learnt can be 98% effective. You can get advice on this method from Family Planning Clinics, some GPs and kits can be bought from most chemists. It does not protect against STIs.
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The Patch
The Evra contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige coloured patch which you stick on your skin to release two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen (found in the combined pill), to thin the lining of the womb and thicken mucus from the cervix which prevents you getting pregnant. If used correctly and according to the instructions the patch is over 99% effective and is available from family planning doctors, nurses and some GPs. It does not protect against STIs.
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Sterilisation
This is a permanent method of contraception. In women the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked so that eggs cannot travel down them to meet sperm. Once completed it is over 99% effective, but occasionally the fallopian tubes can rejoin.
In men, the tubes that carry the sperm are cut so that no sperm are present in the semen when ejaculation occurs. It is over 99% effective, but occasionally the tubes may rejoin.
Both men and women will have to undergo surgery to have this done and once it is done it is usually permanant. It will not protect against STIs.
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