Contraception

• Contraception

  Methods to prevent fertilization
• Contraceptive pill

  • Contains hormones which prevent the body from producing FSH
  • Highly effective if taken correctly
  • Must be taken every day
  • Risk of side effects like increased breast cancer or blood clots
• Hormonal contraception (implant, patch, injection)

  • Contains progesterone to stop eggs maturing or being released
  • More convenient than daily pill
  • Can have side effects
• Barrier methods (condom, diaphragm)

  • Prevent sperm reaching egg
  • Effective if used correctly
  • Can reduce risk of STIs
  • Can break or slip off
• Intrauterine device (IUD)

  • Prevents embryo implanting
  • Some release hormones to reduce fertilization
  • Highly effective for up to 10 years
  • Few side effects
  • Does not protect against STIs
• Sterilization

  • Prevents egg reaching uterus (women)
  • Prevents sperm leaving penis (men)
  • Highly effective
  • Very difficult to reverse
  • Does not protect against STIs
• Natural contraception (abstinence)

  • Avoiding sex during ovulation
  • Hard to determine ovulation
  • Does not protect against STIs
• The Catholic Church teaches that all contraception is unethical apart from natural methods
• Some people believe it is a person's right to choose their preferred contraception
• Using condoms reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Issues around contraception cannot be answered by science alone