Vasectomy Young
There are more methods of contraception than ever. There are more then 10 ways of effectively preventing unplanned pregnancies, and here we take a look at some of these.
THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
Along with condoms, the contraceptive pill is one of the most commonly used forms of contraception, with 3.5 million users in the UK. The pill is taken by women at the same time every day for 21-day cycles, with seven days off between cycles. So after the 3-week cycle she will not take another one for one week before another cycle begins. The “pill” contains the hormone estrogen which prevents the woman from ovulating. There are potential side effect though, which include blood clots and cervical cancer, although these are extremely rare.
CONDOM
There are condom’s designed for both the use of men and women, although male condoms are more common. They are usually made from latex and are worn on a man’s penis during sexual intercourse. This prevents sperm from entering his partners’ vagina, protecting both against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
A female condom is worn inside the vagina and prevents sperms from reaching the womb. The male condom is more effective; 98% compared with the 95% effectiveness of the female condom.
MORNING AFTER PILL
Also referred to as emergency contraception, the Morning After Pill is taken after unprotected sex. IT needs to be taken within 72 hours but the sooner the better. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation. If taken within 24 hours of intercourse it is 95% effective, but if taken later can be as little as 55%.
VASECTOMY
This is a surgical procedure whereby the tubes that carry sperm are altered to prevent sperm exiting via the penis. This is a relatively small operation that is most commonly performed on old men. Couples who have a family but do not wish to have any more children often choose this option.
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
The contraceptive implant is implanted under the skin of a woman’s arm in the form of a small tube. It contains progestogen which is gradually released into her bloodstream to prevent the release of eggs. It lasts for three years, meaning that you don’t have to worry about contraception for this period. It is thought to be 99% effective, and can be removed if there are any side effects or you decide you want to become pregnant.
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
Depending on the type of injection, this prevents pregnancy for either eight or twelve weeks, and you can have one every few weeks. Like the contraceptive implant, this contains progestogen. It is 99% effective, but can in some cases prevent fertility from returning for a period of time after use, in extreme cases up to two years.
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
The contraceptive patch can be placed in a variety of places on a women’s body. It releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body and has the same affect as the injection and patch. It is applied on the first day of the menstrual cycle, and then changed each of the following two weeks. The week after this it is removed and after a week off the cycle begins again. It can only be acquired with a prescription from a doctor.
DIAPHRAGMS
Diaphragms are dome-shaped devices made from rubber or silicone. It is input into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and covers the cervix. It works by preventing sperm from entering the womb. It is less effective than some of the alternatives; around 94%.
NATURAL CONTRACEPTION
This goes against most contraception advice. It refers to plotting the times when a woman is fertile and when she is not, and having sex at the best times according to this. A couple can attempt to follow the patterns of a woman’s menstrual cycle. There are family planning experts who can help educate couples on how to do this, but there are risks as there is no protection if the timing is wrong.
Morning After Pill
Contraception Advice
