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What
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Being prepared will help you to have more choices,
freedom and pleasure. If you want to avoid pregnancy
and sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), you will need
to use a barrier method of contraception. Here
is a list of contraceptives that you can use to
avoid pregnancy. Some of these will also offer
protection against STIs. Different forms of contraception
suit different people; some forms are more effective
than others. Some do not protect you from STIs.
If you have any questions, concerns or difficulties
about contraception, consult your FPA
or doctor, Family
Health International has more information.
Not
all of these methods may be available in your
country. Check with your doctor or FPA.
Male
contraceptive
CONDOM:
protects men and women, made of thin latex rubber,
some condoms are lubricated with spermicide (spermicides
are chemicals that inactivate sperm, and therefore
provide some protection against pregnancy,
but should be used in conjunction with barrier
methods of contraception.)
how
it is used: fits over erect penis
before intercourse. The Health
Education Authority has more information
advantages: usually easily available,
no physical side effects, protects against STIs
and HIV.
disadvantages:
has to be used properly to be effective, can
interrupt sexual activity
Female
contraceptives
ORAL
CONTRACEPTIVE: Pill containing
hormones that stop the ovaries releasing an egg
each month
how
it is used: usually taken for 21 days followed
by a break of 7 days
advantages:
easy to use, may decrease menstrual pain
disadvantages:
must be taken daily, no protection against STIs/HIV,
women who take the Pill and smoke are at higher
risk of developing thrombosis (blood clots)
and heart problems
INTRA-UTERINE
DEVICE (IUD): small flexible devices
of either metal and/or plastic
how
it is used: inserted into the uterus
(womb) of the woman by a medical professional
advantages:
long term protection from pregnancy
disadvantages:
can increase risk of inflammatory disease, offers
no protection against STIs/HIV, not recommended
for those who have never had a child
DIAPHRAGM:
soft rubber cap that fits over the cervix
preventing sperm
from entering the womb
how
it is used: it is placed into the vagina
before intercourse and left in place for several
hours after
advantages:
no side effects for the woman, may protect against
some STIs, once in place it does not interfere
with sexual activity
disadvantages:
need to plan ahead, has to be used with spermicide,
have to learn how to use it, has to be fitted
by a medical professional, can be damaged by
use, needs regularly checking to see that it
still fits
FEMALE
CONDOM: a loosely fitting sleeve of
polyurethane that lines the vagina completely
how
it is used: before intercourse it is placed
securely into the vagina
advantages:
protects against some STIs/HIV
disadvantages:
can interrupt sexual activity, have to learn
how to use it
HORMONAL
INJECTION: like the Pill these contain
a hormone
how
it is used: an injection once every three
months, two months or monthly to prevent ovulation
advantages:
once injected, no further action is required
until the next injection
disadvantages:
must be injected by medical personnel, may cause
irregular or absence of menstrual bleeding,
no protection against STIs/HIV
Other
methods of contraception
PERIODIC
ABSTINENCE
how
it is used: a couple abstains from sexual
intercourse during the time that the woman is
most likely to become pregnant
advantages:
no physical side effects
disadvantages:
difficult to predict menstruation
and ovulation, especially when you are young,
no protection against STIs/HIV
WITHDRAWAL
how
it is used: a man withdraws his penis
from his partner's vagina before he ejaculates
advantages:
no physical side effects
disadvantages:
not safe or effective since sperm can be present
in pre-ejaculatory fluid, does not protect against
STIs/HIV
STERILISATION
Vasectomies
for men and sterilisation for women are
medical options either for health reasons or
as a permanent contraceptive. If people choose
them as a form of contraceptive, they usually
do so when they are completely sure they do
not want to have any or any more children. These
are surgical interventions with permanent consequences
and you should not consider them without professional
medical advice from a doctor you trust or from
your FPA.
Emergency
contraception
This can be used when unprotected sex or a method
of contraception used has failed. It is not a
regular form of contraception but a solution that
can be used in emergencies. Medical professionals
may provide emergency contraceptive pills within
72 hours after intercourse (an IUD can be inserted
within 5 days of unprotected intercourse). Princeton
University offers further information on emergency
contraception.
Essential
list
Diary
for periods/Pill
Sanitary protection
Tube of lubricant
Condoms
and spermicide
Other contraceptives
The Reproductive Health and Rights Center
has more information on contraception.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation
lists addresses
for contacts and useful services.
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What
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