Your Guide To Contraception

How Do You Choose A Method Of Contraception?

There are two methods of contraception for men-condoms and vasectomy and currently 13 methods for women. In deciding which method is right for you then we would recommend you talk to a doctor or nurse. Here we try to list some of the things you may want to think about first. You may for example want to consider when you want to start a family, what sort of lifestyle you have and whether you need contraception for every day. Your answers to these questions may help you choose the method that is right for you.

Methods That Don't Depend On You Remembering To Use Them

There are five methods of contraception that fall under this category. They include the contraceptive implant, IUS, contraceptive injection, sterilisation and IUD.

Sterilisation

In women this involves the fallopian tubes, in men the tubes carrying sperm to be cut, sealed or blocked. This is a permanent procedure and doesn't have any long or short term side effects. With this in mind you would only have this procedure done if you are sure that you do not want children. The failure rate for this operation is 1 in 500 for women and 1 in 2000 for men.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is placed in the uterus. It works for 5 or 10 years type depending on the type used. One of the main disadvantages of this method is that periods can tend to be longer and more heavy than normal.

Methods You Have To Think About

These methods include the contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, combined pill, progesterone only pill, external condom, internal condom, diaphragm and fertility awareness methods.

Combined Pill

The combined pill is a pill containing oestrogen and progesterone. It is taken orally. Side effects can include helping with period pain and also premenstrual symptoms. The disadvantage of this method is that you have to remember to take the pill and if you have sickness or diarrhoea then the pill can be les effective.

External Condom

The external is a very thin, latex plastic which is placed over the erect penis. They are a way of not only preventing pregnancy but they also help to protect from sexually transmitted diseases.The disadvantage is that if a condom splits or slips off then it will not work.

How Can You get Free Contraception And Advice

The Family Planning Association can be found on www.fpa.org.uk and here you will be able to find a local clinic that can help you. If you live in Northern Ireland you can call a helpline on 0345 122 8687.