Overview of Contraception
There are a lot of myths around about getting pregnant. The basic facts are that if 100 sexually active women under 35 don't use any contraception, 80 to 90 of them will become pregnant in a year.
A woman can still get pregnant:
- If it is the first time she has sex
- If she does not have an orgasm
- If a man pulls out of her vagina before he comes (ejaculates)
- If she has sex when she has a period
- If she is partially breastfeeding
- If she douches (squirts water into the vagina)
- Whatever position, the couple has sex in.
By using contraception, a woman can avoid becoming pregnant when she doesn't want to be. It is important to remember though that no method of contraception is perfect and all can fail. There are a huge range of alternative methods. The most common are listed here:
- The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP or the pill)
- The progesterone-only pill (POP)
- Contraceptive implants
- Contraceptive injections
- Diaphragms and caps
- Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD)
- Hormone releasing intrauterine systems (IUS)
- Male and female condoms
- Natural family planning (NFP)
- Male and female sterilisation
For most of the methods such as the pill or condoms, you have to think about using them each day or week or each time you have sex. For these methods to be effective, you must use them according to the instructions given. Some women prefer methods of contraception that do not depend on you remembering to take or use them. These include the IUD, IUS, injections or implants. Once you have been given one of these methods you don't have to think about contraception for as long as the method lasts.
Contraception and the Menopause
Contraception needs to be used until the menopause. You should continue to use contraception until 2 years after the last period if you are aged under 50 and for one year if you are over 50.
Contraception and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can act as a reasonably effective contraceptive when you are fully breastfeeding a baby under six months. However to be effective you must be breastfeeding at regular intervals (3-4 hourly), day and night. It is important that you are not your baby other food or drink, so no breastfeeds are missed. You should also not be having periods
