Contraception Advice
A FEMALE CAN GET PREGNANT IF A MALE’S SPERM REACHES ONE OF HER EGGS. CONTRACEPTION TRIES TO STOP THIS HAPPENING BY KEEPING THE EGG AND SPERM APART, OR BY STOPPING EGG PRODUCTION. THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION THAT DO THIS.
Condoms
This is the only form of contraception that protects you against BOTH pregnancy and STIs. The condom blocks the exchange of sperm and other bodily fluids between partners.
The male condom is made out of latex rubber or polyurethane (thin plastic), and fits over an erect penis acting as a barrier during sexual activity. Male condoms are free for young men and women through the C Card Scheme and other Sexual Health services.
The Female condom is made of polyurethane and lines the female’s vagina to prevent semen getting through. Its works in a very similar way to the male condom as it blocks the exchange of sperm and bodily fluids between partners.
The Contraceptive Pill
The pill is a tablet taken by females so they don’t get pregnant when they have sex.
There are lots of different types of the pill they work in different ways for different people. A doctor would advises the best pill for you. The pill is usually taken daily in order to be over 99% effective.
The pill prevents a female from releasing an egg (ovulation), which would stop a males sperm from fertilising the egg and making her pregnant.
Some pills can also help females who suffer painful or heavy periods
Implants
The implant is another form of contraception that stops the egg and sperm from fertilising (getting pregnant).
The implant is a small flexible tube that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It lasts for three years, and can be replaced or removed at any time. This is a great form of contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant for a while, or think about taking a pill every day!
Like the pill, the implant stops a female’s egg from being released by slowly releasing progestogen into your body. It also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining, making it harder for sperm to move through the cervix and fertilise the egg.
Injectons
The injection is a form of contraception that stops the egg and sperm from fertilising (getting pregnant).
There are different types of the injection, and all of them last for different amounts of time. The most popular is called Depo-Provera which lasts for 12 weeks. This injection is usually given into a muscle in your bottom.
The injections works in the same way as the implant. It steadily releases a hormone called progesterone which stops a female’s egg from being released and fertilising. It also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining, making it harder for sperm to move through the cervix and fertilise the egg.
Patch
The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch (bit like a nicotine patch) that delivers hormones into your body through your skin.
The patch contains the same hormone as the pill and works in the same way. This is by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). It also thickens the cervical mucus which makes it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and fertilise the egg.
The patch can be used on most areas of your body so long as the skin is clean, dry and not very hairy. The patch is applied one a week for three weeks, and then you stop using it for a week (7 days). After 7 patch free days, you apply a new patch and start the four week cycle again.
Diaphragms
The “cap” (diaphragm) is a circular dome made of thin, soft silicone. It is inserted into the vagina before sex, and covers the cervix so that sperm cannot get into the womb.