Contraception

• What is family planning?

  Family planning is the consideration of the number of children a woman wishes to have, including the choice to have no children, and the age at which she wishes to have them.
• How does contraception work?


  Prevent the sperm from meeting the egg – barrier methods Ensure that a fertilised egg cannot implant and develop in the uterus.
• What are the two hormones contained in the combined pill?

  Progesterone and oestrogen
• How does the combined pill prevent pregnancy?


  It stops ovulation and prevents the fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus
• What are the benefits of using the combined pill?


  It may reduce the risk of cancer of the ovaries and uterus and doesn’t interrupt sex
• What are the drawbacks of the combined pill?


  It does not protect against STIs and can cause temporary side effects
• What is the primary function of a male condom?


  To prevent sperm and egg from meeting
• How does a male condom work?


  A thin rubber sheath is put over the erect penis to collect semen
• What are the advantages of using male condoms?


  They protect against STIs and have no medical side effects
• What are the disadvantages of male condoms?


  They may split or tear if not used properly and some people may be allergic to latex
• What is a contraceptive implant?


  A small flexible tube containing progesterone injected under the skin
• How does the contraceptive implant work?


  It releases progesterone into the bloodstream to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting
• What are the benefits of the contraceptive implant?


  It works for up to three years and does not require daily attention
• What are the drawbacks of the contraceptive implant?


  It must be inserted by a doctor and does not protect against STIs
• How often is the contraceptive injection administered?


  Every two or three months
• How does the contraceptive injection prevent pregnancy?


  It releases progesterone that prevents sperm from meeting an egg
• What are the advantages of the contraceptive injection?


  It lasts for 8 – 13 weeks and does not require daily attention
• What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive injection?


  It must be given by a doctor or nurse and does not protect against STIs
• Emergency contraception 


  If contraception fails or none is used at all someone may choose to use an emergency method of contraception. This may include - •The morning after pill – up to 72 hours •The Coil (IUD) – up to 5 Days if contraception fails or none is used at all someone may choose to use an emergency method of contraception. This may include - •The morning after pill – up to 72 hours •The Coil (IUD) – up to 5 days
• Help and advice

  Further information is available on contraceptive methods from: •Local GP •Family Planning Clinic •Websites •Brook Advisory Service