Safe choices and options to avoid unplanned pregnancy Contraception Safe choices and options to avoid unplanned pregnancy

Condoms What are they? A thin rubber sheath Fits over erect penis Catches sperm when man ejaculates Chance of getting pregnant 2-10% depending on how careful you are, how condoms have been stored. Health concerns: Allergy to latex and spermicide Advantages: Easy to use and carry Use only when needed Best form of protection from STI’s Easy to access and affordable Disadvantages: Can slip off or tear during sex Can reduce sexual feeling Penis must be erect before it can be put on

Female Condom (Dental Dam) What is it? A thin rubber sheath which is placed over the vaginal or anal area. This is used for oral sex and is not a form of contraception, but used to protect against STI’s by preventing skin on skin contact. Advantages Easy to use and carry Use when needed Protection from STI’s Disadvantages Can slip off during oral sex Can reduce sexual feeling

Diaphragm (The cap) What is it? Dome shaped rubber barrier (‘Cap’) Fits inside vagina, over the cervix Always used with spermicide Chance of getting pregnant 2-17% (depending on how well inserted) Health Concerns Some bladder infections Allergy to rubber or spermicide Advantages Can be inserted several hours before sex Use only when needed Disadvantages First fitting has to be done by a doctor Must be left in place at least 6hours after sex

Depo Provera (Injection) What is it? A pill for Females which injects progestrogen to stop ovaries from releasing an egg Chance of getting pregnant Less than 1% Health Concerns Slight increase risk of breast cancer Advantages One injection lasts 12 weeks Doesn’t interfere with sex Usually no periods Disadvantages Must be prescribed by a doctor Irregular periods, heavy bleeding May have some side effects

Combined Pill What is it? A pill for Females which stops ovaries from releasing an egg each month Chance of getting pregnant 1-5% depending on how carefully you follow the instructions Health concerns Small chance of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes Weight gain Advantages Simple to take Doesn’t interfere with sex Can be used at any age and by breastfeeding women Disadvantages Prescribed by doctor Must be taken within 12 hours of the same time every day

Intra Uterine Device (IUD) What is it? For females, it is a small copper and plastic device which is placed inside the uterus and removes eggs from the womb lining Chance of getting pregnant 1% Health concerns Increased chance of pelvic infections and could cause infertility Advantages Doesn’t interfere with sex Can stay in place for up to 5 years Disadvantages Has to be fitted by a doctor May cause heavier periods

Emergency contraception What is it? A pill for Females which is taken after unprotected sex. It delays ovulation or prevents implantation of fertilised egg on womb lining Chance of getting pregnant 1-4% Health concerns Allergic reactions to ingrediant of pill Not to be used as a main form of contraception Advantages Reduces chance of getting pregnant after unprotected sex Can be used 72 hours after unprotected sex, but the longer its left, the less effective it becomes Can be used if another method fails Disadvantages Must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex Must be supplied by doctor or chemist Can make you sick e,g vomiting, cramps

Tubal Ligation (Female) What is it? Clips placed of Fallopian tubes to stop eggs entering the uterus Chance of pregnancy Less than 1% Health concerns Slight risk of reaction to anaesthetic Advantages Permanent Once only Disadvantages Not easily reversible Requires an operation May have short term side effects-bruising, swelling, pain

Vasectomy (Male) What is it? A permanent method The vans deferens tube which carries sperm are cut and tied. Stops sperm getting to the penis Chance of getting pregnant Less than 1% Advantages Permanent, once only No general anaesthetic required No effect on sexual function Disadvantages Not easily reversible, up to 50% of reversal not working Requires an operation May have short term effects (bruising, swelling, pain)

Fertility Awareness (Female) What is it? Women check their temperature and chart this on a graph. From their temperature they are able to work out when they are ovulating so they avoid having sex at this time Chance of getting pregnant 2-24% (depending on how careful/skilful you are at checking and charting your temperature Health concerns None Advantages Acceptable to most religious beliefs No cost Disadvantages Very difficult to do No sex during ovulation Must chart info daily and very accurately