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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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