Contraception

This is a brief summary of the different types of contraception available. In order to avoid pregnancy and to protect yourselves from catching sexually transmitted infections and HIV, it is essential that you practice safe sex.

Types of Contraception

The Combined Pill

This combines two female hormones to stop ovulation so that there is no egg for the sperm to fertilise. You will still have a period each month. This pill is very reliable - between 93% and 99%, depending on how carefully you use it.

The Progestogen-Only Pill

Often called the mini-pill, this only has one hormone in it and must be taken at the same time every day. The hormone causes changes in the mucus at the entrance to the womb, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter.

Contraceptive Injection

This involves an injection every 2-3 months of the same hormone as the mini-pill. The hormone is gradually absorbed into the body and stops ovulation.

Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)

This is a small device that is put in a woman's womb by a doctor, and changed every 3-5 years. It stops the sperm and the egg meeting and can also slow down the egg coming down to the womb. It may also stop a fertilised egg from settling in the womb. It is 97% - 99% effective.Intra-Uterine System (IUS)This is a new method, similar to the IUD. It is a small plastic device coated with hormone, which is inserted into the womb. It releases the hormone over several years and acts like a combination of the IUD and mini-pill. There appear to be few side-effects, and periods are reduced and can stop completely, although there can also be irregular bleeding.

Diaphragm with spermicide (Cap)

This is a barrier method and is a soft rubber dome that covers the entrance to the womb, preventing the sperm from getting into the womb to meet the egg. A women inserts the cap before intercourse and it must remain in place for 6 hours afterwards. It is essential to use spermicide with it and add more after 3 hours if you have not yet had intercourse. It is 85% - 98% effective.

Condoms for men

Another barrier method - a thin rubber sheath that is put on the penis before ejaculation and so stops the sperm from getting into the vagina. It is 85% - 98% effective and does not have any side-effects. It also helps to protect both partners against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. They need to be used carefully - put on when the penis is erect, before there is any contact with the vaginal area. You can get them free from Family Planning Clinics and the University Medical Centre, all in small quantities.

Condoms for women

These are made of plastic and are a sheath that is placed inside the vagina, in the same way as a cap, although the outer end of the sheath stays outside the vagina. They are at least as reliable as the male condom, but you do have to be careful that the penis is inside the sheath, not between it and the vaginal wall. They also help protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV.

Sponge

This is a soft round sponge filled with spermicide. It is placed into the vagina, over the entrance to the womb, before intercourse and left in for at least 6 hours afterwards. It is 75 - 91% effective,

Vaginal ring

This is a more modern method - a soft rubber ring placed in the vagina and left there for 3 months before replacement. It releases a hormone that thickens the fluid at the entrance to the womb, making it difficult for sperm to enter, and stopping ovulation in some women. It is 95% - 96% effective, with few side-effects, although you may get bleeding between periods or miss periods.

Natural Methods

These are based around knowing when a woman is most likely to get pregnant, i.e. when her fertile time is. This is usually around 12 to 16 days before a period starts. Intercourse is avoided for this time. Ways of identifying when the fertile time include taking your temperature, noticing changes in vaginal fluid and noticing other signs of ovulation. It is best to get advice and training from a specialist.

Implants

Implants are small rubber tubes, six of which are placed under the skin on the upper arm. They contain progestogen, which is slowly absorbed into the body over the next 5 years. They are 99% effective and there can be a delay in getting pregnant after they are removed. They can cause scarring, and there may be side-effects.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

If you make a mistake with contraception or an accident happens, for example, a condom splitting, then there are two types of emergency contraception available from either your doctor or a family planning clinic. These consist of two special doses of the combined pill, which you must take within 3 days of intercourse and having an IUD inserted, which must be done within 5 days of intercourse.

FURTHER HELP AND INFORMATION

AWARE, 1 East Level 3, Tel: 01225 (38) 6906
Medical Centre, Tel: 01225 (38) 6655
NHS Direct 0845 46 47

CASH (Contraceptive and Sexual Health) - Riverside Health Centre, James Street West, Bath.  01225 474242, Mon 10am-12.30pm, Tues 6-8.30pm, Thurs 9.15am-11.45am, Sat 11am- 1pm