Contraception
Condoms
Condoms are a quick and easy way of lowering the risk of pregnancy and STI.
There are both male and female condoms. Typically Condoms are made of latex however or polyurethane (plastic) condoms are also available. Both rubber and polyurethane condoms (male) are available for free from Sophie Paterson Vice President Welfare and Societies at the Students' Union.
How reliable are condoms?
Effectiveness depends on how used. Male condoms are 98 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy when used properly according to instructions. Condoms are also effective at helping to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
How are condoms used?
Male condoms fit over a man's erect penis. They should be used before any close genital contact.
Female condoms are put into the vagina and line it loosely when in place. The closed end of the condom is inserted high into the vagina. The open, outer ring lies just outside the vagina. After sex the condom is removed by twisting the outer ring to keep the sperm inside and pulling it out.
There are a number of advantages to using a condom:
- Very effective
- Easily available (male condoms are free form SUSU and NHS)
- Only need to use them when you have sex
- Help to protect against some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
- Male condoms come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes and tastes!!
- Female condoms can be put in at any time before sex
Where can I get condoms?
Male condoms are available free and easily available from SUSU Vice President Welfare and Societies, contraception clinics, sexual health clinics and genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.
Female condoms are free from some contraception and sexual health clinics.
They can be bought from some pharmacies and via mail order
The Pill
There are many different types of oral female contraceptive “pill” but all contain two hormones (estrogen and progestogen). These are similar to natural hormones women produce in their ovaries. Taking the pill also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg in addition it makes the lining of the womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
Are there side effects and who can use it ?
The pill can have some serious side-effects, but these are not common, if worried it is best to consult your GP.
How effective is the Pill
The Pill is more than 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy when taken according to instructions. Importantly however the contraceptive pill does not protect against STI's.
What to do if you forget a pill?
The pill should be taken at a regular time each day.
Missing one pill anywhere in the pack, or starting your pack one day late, is typically not a problem, but more than one pill or starting late could affect your contraceptive cover - seek advice.
If you're sick within two hours of taking the pill it will not have been absorbed properly. Take another pill as soon as you feel well enough
The progestogen-only pill
The progestogen-only pill (POP) contains a hormone called progestogen. The POP is free on the NHS from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics or your GP.
Contraceptive patch
The patch is small and that contains the same hormones as the pill. The patch delivers a constant a dose of hormones into the bloodstream through the skin which stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month as such this reduces the likely hood of pregnancy. The patch is more than 99 per cent effective when used according to instructions. The patch is free on the NHS from contraception clinics, for more information call the helpline on 0845 122 8690.
The Contraceptive Injection
What is it?
The female contraceptive injection contains progestogen, a hormone. There are two different types:
- Depo-Provera provides contraception for three months (12 weeks)
- Noristerat provides contraception for two months (eight weeks)
The hormone is injected into a muscle (normally the bum!).
How effective is it?
Although is this highly effective in preventing pregnancy, like the contraceptive pill it does not prevent STI's. In addition there are a number of potential drawbacks to having the injection:
- Irregular bleeding may continue for some months after you stop the injection.
- Your periods may change in a way that is not acceptable to you, or they may stop.
- Your periods and normal fertility may a while to return.
- The injection can cause headaches, mood changes, weight gaining and breast tenderness
Where from:
Injections are free on the NHS, for more information contact a GP or sexual health clinic.
Emergency Contraception
If you've had unprotected sex or your contraception failed during sex then you can use emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy but these do not the risk of STI.
The most common form of emergency contraception is the hormonal emergency contraception known as the emergency pill.
Where can I get emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is free on the NHS but is also available to buy over the counter from pharmacies.
There are a number of places you can get the 'Morning After Pill' for free in Southampton, but remember it should only be used as a last resort and may not be as effective.
Other Forms of Contraceptive
There are many other forms of contraception available such as the intrauterine system, diaphragms and caps. It is important to consider the pro's and con's of the different forms before choosing a contraception which suits you. More information on contraception is available from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics, pharmacy, and from your GP.
Sexual Health Testing
If you're sexually active then you are at risk of catching sexually transmitted infection. It could not be easier to get tested and can prevent health complications for you and your partner later in life.
For More information of sexual health testing visit your GP, a genitourinary medicine clinic a sexual health clinic or Vice President Welfare. All services are confidential. You can also ask a pharmacist.
Chlamydia tests are available from Vice President Welfare and Societies