Valentine’s Day is great for steaming sex and ecstatic passion, but the 11th to the 17th of February is also Contraceptives Awareness Week.
This isn’t designed to interrupt or ruin Valentine’s Day, but does aim to educate people about contraceptive methods that they may not have previously considered, such as the contraceptive implant, the intrauterine system or diaphrams and caps.
There are over 16 methods of contraception available in the UK, but research shows that over 50% of people are unable to name at least five of these methods, and 43% admitted to not having discussed their contraceptive options with their doctor or GP. (1)
Whilst only condoms can protect against sexually transmitted diseases, all methods are designed to prevent unplanned pregnancies, which are currently on the increase in Britain. Due to this, abortions cost the National Health Service an average of £650 per abortion between the years 2006 and 2007. (2)
Therefore, the NHS has developed a list of contraceptive methods for couples to consider using this Valentine’s Day.
Contraceptive Implant
The Contraceptive Implant is a small tube which is inserted under this skin of the upper arm, and releases progestogen for three years to prevent pregnancy.
It is 99% effective, and is an ideal method for women who cannot use contraception containing oestrogen.
If there are any side effects, such as longer and heavier periods, it can be removed.
Contraceptive Injection
The Contraceptive Injection protects women against pregnancy for eight to twelve weeks, depending on the injection type, by releasing progestogen.
It is 99% effective, and has the added benefits of providing some protection against cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease.
However, it can take up to a year for fertility levels to go back to normal once women stop having the injections, and side effects can include irregular periods, headaches and weight gain.
Contracptive Patch
The Contracptive Patch is a tranparent, water-proof patch which sticks to the skin and releases oestrogen and progestogen.
It is 99% effective when used correctly, and enables a light, monthly ‘withdrawl bleed’ rather than a usual period. It can also protect against cancers of the ovary, womb and colon, and some pelvic infections.
However, it is not advised for women who smoke, and who are over the age of 35 to use this contraceptive method.
Diaphragm or Cap
Diaphragms and caps are like condoms for females. Before sex, women insert them into the vagina, but they must be used with spermicide to kill the sperm.
They are between 92% and 96% effective, and have no serious health risks, but women need to be professionally fitted for the correct size, otherwise they could suffer from cystitis.
Diaphragms and caps can be washed and reused, but women should still use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The Intrauterine Device
The Intrauterine Device is a plastic and copper device which is inserted into the womb, and can prevent pregancy from between three to ten years, depending on the type used.
It is 99% effective, and can be removed at any time. Fertility levels go back to normal soon after it has been removed.
This can be used as an emergency contraceptive after having unprotected sex, as it may prevent an egg being fertilised or from implanting into the womb.
However, it can be very uncomfortable, and the body might spontaneously expel it.
The Intrauterine System
The Intrauterine System is a small plastic device which is inserted into the womb, and prevents pregnancy for five years.
It is 99% effective, and can make periods lighter, shorter, or stop altogether. Also, it can be removed at any time, and fertility levels go back to normal soon after it has been removed.
However, it can be very uncomfortable, and cause skin problems or breast tenderness.
The Combined Pill
The Combined Pill is an oral tablet containing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, and is taken daily to prevent pregnancy.
It is 99% effective when used correctly, and enables a light monthly ‘withdrawl bleed’ rather than a usual period. It can also protect against cancers of the ovary, womb and colon, and some pelvic infections.
The chances of pregnancy increases if women vomit, have severe diarrhoea or take other types of medication, and the Combined Pill must be taken at the same time everyday.
The Progestogen-only Pill
The Progestogen-only Pill is an oral tablet containing the hormone progestogen, but not oestrogen. It is suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen.
It is 99% effective when used correctly, and can make periods lighter and irregular.
The chances of pregnancy increases if women vomit, have severe diarrhoea or take other types of medication, and the Progestogen-only Pill must be taken at the same time everyday.
Condoms
Condoms are made from either very thin latex or polyurethane, and protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Male condoms are 98% effective, and female condoms are 95% effective if used correctly.
The male condom is worn on the penis, and the female condom is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill, also known as the Morning After Pill, contains progestogen and works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
It is 95% effective if taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, but chances of pregnancy increases the longer women wait to take the pill.
Side effects can include headaches, tender breasts, abdominal pain, dizzyness and feeling sick.
With so many contraceptives on the market, couples can enjoy Valentine’s Day without the worry of getting pregnant or catching sexually transmitted diseases.
Please note that this article is a brief summary of contraceptive methods, and that people should seek professional advise from their doctor or GP before considering their own contraceptive options.
Visit the NHS website for more information.
By Kay Taylor
(1) Kudos Research, on behalf of Marie Stopes International, 2008.
(2) House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 16 Jun 2008, Health: Abortion.
Valentine’s Day is great for steaming sex and ecstatic passion, but the 11th to the 17th of February is also Contraceptives Awareness Week.
This isn’t designed to interrupt or ruin Valentine’s Day, but does aim to educate people about contraceptive methods that they may not have previously considered, such as the contraceptive implant, the intrauterine system or diaphrams and caps.
There are over 16 methods of contraception available in the UK, but research shows that over 50% of people are unable to name at least five of these methods, and 43% admitted to not having discussed their contraceptive options with their doctor or GP. (1)
Whilst only condoms can protect against sexually transmitted diseases, all methods are designed to prevent unplanned pregnancies, which are currently on the increase in Britain. Due to this, abortions cost the National Health Service an average of £650 per abortion between the years 2006 and 2007. (2)
Therefore, the NHS has developed a list of contraceptive methods for couples to consider using this Valentine’s Day.
Contraceptive Implant
The Contraceptive Implant is a small tube which is inserted under this skin of the upper arm, and releases progestogen for three years to prevent pregnancy.
It is 99% effective, and is an ideal method for women who cannot use contraception containing oestrogen.
If there are any side effects, such as longer and heavier periods, it can be removed.
Contraceptive Injection
The Contraceptive Injection protects women against pregnancy for eight to twelve weeks, depending on the injection type, by releasing progestogen.
It is 99% effective, and has the added benefits of providing some protection against cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease.
However, it can take up to a year for fertility levels to go back to normal once women stop having the injections, and side effects can include irregular periods, headaches and weight gain.
Contracptive Patch
The Contracptive Patch is a tranparent, water-proof patch which sticks to the skin and releases oestrogen and progestogen.
It is 99% effective when used correctly, and enables a light, monthly ‘withdrawl bleed’ rather than a usual period. It can also protect against cancers of the ovary, womb and colon, and some pelvic infections.
However, it is not advised for women who smoke, and who are over the age of 35 to use this contraceptive method.
Diaphragm or Cap
Diaphragms and caps are like condoms for females. Before sex, women insert them into the vagina, but they must be used with spermicide to kill the sperm.
They are between 92% and 96% effective, and have no serious health risks, but women need to be professionally fitted for the correct size, otherwise they could suffer from cystitis.
Diaphragms and caps can be washed and reused, but women should still use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The Intrauterine Device
The Intrauterine Device is a plastic and copper device which is inserted into the womb, and can prevent pregancy from between three to ten years, depending on the type used.
It is 99% effective, and can be removed at any time. Fertility levels go back to normal soon after it has been removed.
This can be used as an emergency contraceptive after having unprotected sex, as it may prevent an egg being fertilised or from implanting into the womb.
However, it can be very uncomfortable, and the body might spontaneously expel it.
The Intrauterine System
The Intrauterine System is a small plastic device which is inserted into the womb, and prevents pregnancy for five years.
It is 99% effective, and can make periods lighter, shorter, or stop altogether. Also, it can be removed at any time, and fertility levels go back to normal soon after it has been removed.
However, it can be very uncomfortable, and cause skin problems or breast tenderness.
The Combined Pill
The Combined Pill is an oral tablet containing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, and is taken daily to prevent pregnancy.