CONTRACEPTION

The Combined Pill Works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs Prescribed by a doctor or a family planning clinic Must be taken daily at the SAME TIME. ADV – Lighter periods DIS –Some weight gain, breast enlargement and soreness may occur 99% Effective.

The Packet

The Mini Pill Works by changing the mucus at the cervix so sperm are blocked Prescribed by a doctor or a family planning clinic Must be taken daily at the SAME TIME. DIS – Irregular spotting or bleeding may occur 98% Effective

Condom Prevents sperm from entering the vagina Brought from chemists, supermarkets or vending machines A new condom is rolled onto an erect penis before intercourse Provides best protection against STI’s 80 – 98% Effective Putting on a condom

Diaphragm Covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus Correct size fitted by a doctor Must be inserted by user before intercourse, also using a spermicide ADV – used in body only during intercourse DIS – May be difficult to put in place 94 – 96% Effective *

IUD (intra-uterine device) Prevents the fertilised egg from implanting in the wall of the uterus. Inserted by a doctor An IUD is a copper or plastic device places inside the uterus ADV – Long-term protection DIS – could cause longer and heavier periods; not recommended for young people 99% Effective IUD

Morning-after pill (emergency contraception) Pills taken within 72 hours of intercourse prevent the egg from implanting into the uterus. Prescribed by a doctor or a family planning clinic ADV – Emergency prevention of pregnancy DIS – Cause Nausea, it is not a for of contraception – used in emergencies only 98-99% Effective

SAFE TIME Keeping a chart of the woman’s menstrual cycle and avoiding intercourse around the time of ovulation. Visit a doctor or family planning clinic for advice ADV – involves no drugs or device DIS – requires discipline, and a regular, predictable menstrual cycle Theoretically very effective, but in practice failure rates are high.

Releasing of the egg

Depo Provera A hormone injection, given every 3 months, which stops ovulation Visit a doctor or family planning clinic ADV - Highly effective; given only once every 3 months. DIS – can cause weight gain 99% Effective

Withdrawal Man pulls out his penis from woman’s vagina before ejaculating. Should only be used if other forms of contraception are not available 10% Effective ABSTINENCE Avoidance of sexual intercourse - the couple may perform other sexual activities. 100% Effective

PAP SMEAR In 1928, Dr Papanicolaou discovered that cells in the cervix change in appearance before they become cancerous. The Pap smear, named after the doctor, is used to check changes in the cervix (the neck of the womb) at the top of the vagina. It is a screening tool to find early warning signs that cancer might develop in the future. The Pap smear is a simple procedure. Cells are collected from the cervix and placed (smeared) onto a slide. The slide is sent to a laboratory where the cells are tested for anything unusual. If abnormal changes are found at screening, further tests will be done to see if treatment is needed.

PAP SMEAR The Pap smear is not for diagnosing cancer, but rather, for finding early changes which might become cancer. A Pap smear only takes a few minutes. No drugs or anaesthetics are required and it can be done by a general practitioner, nurse or women's health worker The Pap smear does not check for other problems in the reproductive system including ovarian cancer. It is not a check for sexually transmitted infections. Women who are worried that they may have a sexually transmitted infection should talk to their general practitioner about the tests and treatments available.