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Most penetrative heterosexual sex without appropriate contraception puts you at risk of getting pregnant and any penetrative sex without a condom puts you at risk from sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, it is important that even if you are using another form of contraception you should also use a condom unless you are in a monogamous relationship and have both been screened for STI's. Do not feel pressurised into having sex without a condom. You can say 'NO'. Free condoms are available from your JCR, the Women's Officer, the Education & Welfare Officer or the LUSU Advice in the LUSU building.
Unintended pregnancies can cause emotional and physical problems. Using an effective contraceptive can lessen anxieties about pregnancy and leaves you more free to relax and enjoy sex. Different contraceptives suit different people and so if you are not entirely happy with the method of contraception you are using talk it through with your partner and see your doctor.
MALE CONDOM
Male condoms are made of very thin latex or plastic and work by being placed over a man's erect penis. They act as a physical barrier and trap sperm at the point of ejaculation. Condoms are readily available from chemists and free from family planning clinics. Women can carry them as well as men.
THEY HELP TO PROTECT AGAINST CANCER OF THE CERVIX AND REDUCE THE RISK OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS, INCLUDING HIV. The male condom has to be put on the penis as soon as it becomes erect and before any contact takes place with the vagina. They also have to be used with care as they can slip off or split. Men need to withdraw as soon as they have ejaculated and be careful not to spill any semen. Condoms should never be used with oil based products such as Vaseline and suntan oil, as these will damage the rubber.
Can be 94% - 98% effective depending on how correctly they are used.
Only use condoms approved with the BSI kite mark on the packet.
FEMALE CONDOM
Female condoms or 'Femidom' are made of thin polyurethane plastic and work by being placed in the vagina also covering the area outside, to stop sperm from entering the vagina. A female condom can be put in any time before sex and has many of the advantages of the male condom, as well as being stronger and can be used with oil based products.
It is especially good for women who suffer from allergic reactions to spermicidal lubricants used with condoms. It can slip, so you need to be sure that the penis enters the condom and isn't inserted between the condom and the vaginal wall. If used correctly it is 95% effective
CONDOMS GIVE THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROTECTION AGAINST STI'S. They're available in all sorts of colours, shapes, flavours, textures and sizes so can be fun to use. It can be difficult to raise the subject of using a condom but the sooner you do the less likely you are to get carried away and not use any. Some men will use endless excuses as to why they shouldn't wear a condom. Don't believe any of them! Condoms are everywhere, available from your doctor, family planning clinics, supermarkets, chemists, bars and pubs. You can also get free condoms from JCR officers, the Women's Office and LUSU Advice.
'NATURAL METHODS'
A woman using a natural method of contraception has to be aware of the days of her menstrual cycle which are fertile and the days which are not.
She then must avoid sex or use a method of contraception on her fertile days. Fertile days are identified by noting the different signs of ovulation, through one of the following ways: the rhythm method, Persona, the basal body method, the sympto-thermal method, an ovulation kit method.
Persona is not a method of contraception - it is more a fertility monitor. It monitors a woman's personal hormone levels to tell her the days of the month she is fertile and infertile by using a small hand held monitor and disposable urine test sticks. A green light is displayed on infertile days, a red light on fertile days.
There are no harmful side effects to natural methods. This process can also help a woman who is trying to get pregnant, plus it can be used at any stage of a woman's reproductive life, as long as her menstrual cycle is regular.
Natural methods and Persona are only suitable for couples that are very organised and disciplined, otherwise they have a high failure rate. Stress, illness, childbirth, hormonal treatments, irregular periods and the menopause can make these methods unreliable. NATURAL METHODS AND PERSONA DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV.
THE COMBINED PILL
Contraceptive pills or oral contraception are a common form of contraception for women. The combined pill is a hormonal method of contraception.
It contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which prevent an egg from being released by a woman's ovary each month. There are several different types of pill so if one does not suit you then another one might. It can reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pain. There is evidence that the pill offers some protection against cancer of the uterus and ovaries. You don't need to worry about any devices or spermicides and it does not interfere with spontaneity of sex. A full medical history is essential, as this pill is not suitable for women who have certain conditions such as high blood pressure, circulatory disease, and diabetes. Those women over 35 years who smoke or are overweight may be advised to use another method of contraception. The combined pill is not reliable if taken over 12 hours late, or after vomiting and diarrhoea. It may have some side effects such as nausea, headaches and weight gain. Some drugs, such as antibiotics may affect its reliability.
CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV.
If taken correctly, the combined pill is 99% effective.
PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL
The POP or mini pill unlike the combined pill contains only one hormone -progestogen. It works by acting on the cervical mucus, encouraging it to form a thick barrier to stop sperm entering the womb, and makes the lining of the womb thinner, to prevent it accepting a fertilised egg. Good for women who are breast feeding, older women, smokers and those who can't use the combined pill. It can also help with PMS and painful periods. It has to be taken at the same time each day, or at least within three hours of that time.
It is not reliable if taken over three hours late or if you have any vomiting and diarrhoea, in which case extra precautions will be required on the advice of your doctor. It can cause irregular bleeding, or periods may cease altogether during the time you take it. If you weigh more than 11 stone (70kgs) you may have to discuss the particular dose you take with your doctor. The POP offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
If taken correctly it is 98% effective.
IMPLANTS
Implants are small soft tubes the size of match sticks, which are placed under the skin of the upper arm. They release a steady flow of the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream, which creates a barrier in the cervix making it difficult for a sperm to meet an egg. Implants are put in under local anaesthetic, which takes about 10 minutes. They are fitted during your period and you are protected from pregnancy from that point on, for up to five years.
You can also breast feed if you have an implant. Implants are unsuitable for women who are at risk from liver disease or breast/ovarian cancers. Implants can also cause your periods to change, and have other possible side effects like acne, weight gain, and tender breasts. IMPLANTS OFFER NO PROTECTION AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV.
99% effective in the first year of use, 98% effective for 3-5 years.
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
An injection of hormones that provides a longer acting alternative to the pill. It works by slowly releasing the hormone progestogen into the body to stop ovulation. It is believed to give some protection against cancer of the uterus. It is important to attend for the next injection every 11 weeks otherwise it becomes ineffective. Irregular bleeding is a possible side effect. You should not use this method of contraception if you think you might be pregnant or if you do not want your periods to change. INJECTIONS ALSO OFFER NO PROTECTION AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV.
99% effective.
DIAPHRAGM/CAP WITH SPERMICIDE
The diaphragm or cap is a circular dome made of rubber, which is fitted by the woman over her cervix before sex. It acts as a barrier to stop sperm getting through to the uterus. It should be used with a spermicide cream, jelly or pessaries, which contain a chemical that destroys sperm. A doctor or nurse will need to fit a diaphragm initially to check what size you need and teach you how to use it. The diaphragm does not affect your menstrual cycle. Like other barrier methods, (Male and Female Condoms) you need only use it when you are sexually active. It may protect against cancer of the cervix. The diaphragm must stay in place for six hours after sex. More spermicide must be inserted again if you have sex before this time is up. Spermicides may cause irritation or an allergic reaction. DIAPHRAGMS DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV.
If used correctly it is 92% to 96% effective.
STERILISATION
Male and female sterilisations are permanent methods of contraception. They are for anyone who feels that their family is complete or who are certain that they will never want to have children. Many couples find greater sexual freedom once the risk of unwanted pregnancy has been removed. Whatever your age, you should consider sterilisation to be a permanent step and you should not undergo the procedure if you have any doubts.
FEMALE STERILISATION
Female sterilisation works by stopping the egg and the sperm meeting by cutting and blocking the fallopian tubes. It can be carried out at a Marie Stopes Centre or hospital. Usually a small incision is made just below the naval to reach the fallopian tubes, which are then clipped. Sterilisation does not interfere with sex and it works immediately.
Some doctors are not happy to sterilise young and/or single people who do not have children. While sterilisation is generally a very safe operation, there is a very
small risk of damage to other organs during the procedure. STERILISATION ALSO OFFERS NO PROTECTION AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV. There is a risk of ectopic pregnancy at a later date if the procedure is carried out when you are young. Over 99% effective.
MALE STERILISATION (VASECTOMY)
A permanent surgical technique in which the vas deferens (tubes which carry the sperm) are sealed, so that sperm are no longer present in semen when a man ejaculates. Orgasm and ejaculation are not affected. Sperm continues to be produced by the testicles but its passage to the penis is blocked, so it is re-absorbed by the body. Vasectomy has no effect on the production of male hormones or the sex drive. The procedure takes 10 - 15 minutes and can be done at a Marie Stopes Centre, doctor's surgery or hospital. Male sterilisation takes longer to work than female sterilisation and sperm can take a few months to disappear from semen. Therefore you need to use another method of contraception until you have had tests to show that you have no sperm in the semen. Male sterilisation is over 99% effective.STERILISATION OFFERS NO PROTECTION AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND HIV.
"I forgot to take my pill"
First of all don't panic. Answer these simple questions to find out what you need to do
If after answering the questions you are still unsure what to do, then seek advice as soon as possible. While you are getting advice don't stop taking the pill and use an extra method of contraception.
Q1. Which pill are you taking?
There are two types of contraceptive pill:
The combined pill (containing 2 hormones) which is usually taken for 21 days and then stopped for 7 days. However there are some combined pills which are taken everyday without a break. These are called everyday pills and have ED after the name of the pill.
The progestogen-only pill (containing one hormone), which is taken continuously without a break.
Q2. Is this the only pill that you have missed or taken late?
No/Unsure - If you have had sex recently you may need emergency contraception. Speak to someone as soon as possible to find out if this is necessary.
Yes - Answer the questions below and be sure to follow the advice for the type of pill that you are taking.
Q3. How late are you with your pill?
Less than 12 hours with a combined pill or less than 3 hours with a progestogen only pill -
1.Don't worry.
2.Take the pill that is late.
3.Take the rest of the pack as usual.
4.You don't need to use an extra method of contraception.
More than 12 hours with a combined pill or more than 3 hours with the progestogen only pill -
1.Take the missed pill now.
2.Take the next pill at the right time (this may mean that you have taken two pills on the same day).
3.Use extra precautions until you have taken seven pills in a row at the correct time.
The following questions are for combined pill users only.
Q4. How many pills are left in your packet?
7 or more
1.Finish the pack as normal making sure you have used an extra method of contraception.
2.Take the usual 7-day break or continue taking the inactive everyday (ED) pills.
3.Be sure to start the next packet at the right time.
Less than 7
1.Take the rest of the pills in the pack making sure you have used an extra for 7 days after the missed pill.
2.When you have finished the pack start a new pack the next day.
3.Do not have a 7-day break
If you are taking an Every Day pill (ED) you will need to miss out all the inactive (larger pills) and start the next active pill in the new pack and use an extra contraceptive method for 7 days.
Contraceptive Awareness Week
Background
Contraceptive Awareness Week is owned by fpa and was initiated in 1997 to raise awareness of the different methods of contraception and issues affecting contraceptive choice.
2006 campaign
The campaign will raise awareness about long-acting reversible methods of contraception (LARC): the IUD, IUS, implant and injection. Long-acting methods are defined as those that do not have to be thought about on a regular basis or do not rely on the user for their effectiveness.
2007 campaign
The theme for this year’s week is Reproduction: a quick guide to your body. We know from calls to our helpline that there are lots of myths and misinformation about how men’s and women’s bodies actually work – especially when trying to avoid pregnancy. These myths can affect how well people use contraception and what to do when it fails. So this year we are going to expose some of these fairytales and set some records straight.
2008 campaign.
Contraceptive Awareness Week next year is the week of 11th-17th February. The key themes are;
Visit the Family Planning Association website for more details and lots of advice on contraception and family planning on www.fpa.org.uk or ring on 0845 122 8690
If you are still unsure at all then seek advice. While you are getting advice don't stop taking the pill and use an extra method of contraception.
To find out more about any type of Contraception consult your doctor or drop into the Nurses unit (through security reception).
You can contact any Brook Advisory Service through www.brook.org.uk
You can contact the local contraceptive clinic at Ashton Community Centre on 01524 387401.
Or you can call the national 'contraceptive service helpline' on 020 7837 4044.