Contraception Choices
To celebrate World Contraception Day on the 26th September 2011, we thought we would give you some information about the types of contraception that are available to you. If you are thinking about having sex, you don’t want worries of unplanned pregnancy getting in the way. So it’s a good idea to explore the best type of contraception for you, and to talk about it with your partner, whether you are in a long term relationship, or you’ve met someone new. Even though you might not want to, it’s good to think of what can happen if you have unprotected sex, and what you can do to protect yourself. Once you have thought about protection you may feel more relaxed about having sex, and may find sex more enjoyable.
Long acting reversible contraception (LARC)
You might have heard adverts on the radio or TV talking about LARC. LARCs are fitted by a professional, but ‘long acting’ means that these methods don’t rely on you remembering to take them. There are four types of LARC available to you, they are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against STI’s. The four types available to you are the IUD, IUS, the implant, and the injection, the information below will explain a little about how they work.
| Type of contraception | How effective this method is | How this method works | ||||
| LARCS | ||||||
| Intrauterine Device (IUD or ‘the coil’) | 99% | The Intrauterine Device is a small plastic and copper device that is put into the uterus. It stops sperm reaching an egg, because the sperm reacts with the copper, it may also stop a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus. This types of LARC doesn’t have any hormones in it, and it can last between 5 and 10 years depending on the type of IUD fitted. | ||||
| Intrauterine System (IUS or ‘Mirena’) | 99% | The Intrauterine System is a small T-shaped plastic device that is put in the uterus; it slowly releases the hormone Progestogen. This thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg; it also thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. It may protect against pregnancy for up to 5 years. For some people it may also stop ovulation. | ||||
| Implant | 99% | Small flexible rod (about 40mm long) put under the skin of the upper arm. It can protect against pregnancy for up to 3 years, by releasing the hormone Progestogen. It stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. | ||||
| Contraceptive Injection (the jab or the injection) | 99% | The injections last for either eight weeks (Noristerat) or 12 weeks (Depo-Provera). Depo-Provera is the most common type of injection used in the U.K. The injection releases the hormone Progestogen which stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. | ||||
| Non – LARC Methods | ||||||
| Male Condoms | 98% | Made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic) it is put over the erect penis and stops sperm entering the vagina, which can protect from some STI’s. There are 5 types on the C-Card Scheme including Extra Safe, Pleasuremax, Elite, Close Fit, and Flavoured. | ||||
| Combined Pill (COC or ‘the pill’) | 99% | Each pill contains two hormones – Estrogen and Progestogen. It stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching the egg and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. There are many different types and brands of the pill available. You may take your pill differently depending on which pill you are taking. It’s thought that this method may protect you against cancer of the ovary and womb. | ||||
| Progestogen only pill (POP ‘the mini pill’) | 99% | Contains the hormone Progestogen, which thickens cervical mucus to prevent the sperm reaching an egg and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. In some cycles it stops ovulation. Some people may not be able to take the combined pill so this type of pill might be more suitable. | ||||
| Contraceptive vaginal ring (the ring) | 99% | The contraceptive vaginal ring is a small, flexible, plastic ring. It is placed into the vagina and releases Estrogen and Progestogen. This stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. The ring is replaced every month, so you don’t have to think about it every day. | ||||
| Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) |
58%
85%
95%
99%
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