There are a number of different types of contraception which you can use, make sure that you take responsibility for your actions, don’t leave it up to somebody else.
Click on one of the links below to find out how each of the different types works:
Male Condom
Female Condom
Combined Pill
Progesterone only Pill
Emergency Pill
Diaphragm or Cap <awaiting details>
Injectable contraceptive
MALE CONDOM
This is one of the most commonly used types of contraception, it is a safe way of preventing pregnancy or the spread of an infection but it is not 100% safe. It is said to be about 98% safe, although this is a high percentage there is still the chance of it not working.
The condom works by preventing the sperm of the man meeting an egg of a female which creates the process of pregnancy.
If you are over 16 condoms are free from most family planning clinics, they can be bought from chemists and other retail outlets, i.e. supermarkets. You can also see your local GP who may be able to offer you them free of charge, for more information visit the GP’s page of the section of the website.
Condoms come with guidelines on how to use them correctly, preventing them from splitting or slipping off during sex.
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FEMALE CONDOM
This type of contraception can be bought from most chemists or your local clinic may offer it free of charge.
It is not the most secure method of contraception, it is believed to only have a 95% success rate, it performs a similar job to that of the male condom. It prevents the sperm from meeting the egg. It is important to make sure that the penis entering the vagina goes into the condom, making sure that it doesn’t slip in between the condom and the vagina.
Again this can prevent both pregnancy and the spread of an infection if used properly.
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COMBINED PILL
This type of pill prevents the females ovaries releasing an egg each month, therefore it prevent s the males sperm from fetrilising the egg, reducing the chances of pregnancy. Although it reduces the chances of pregnancy it will not stop the spread of infections or diseases.
It is believed to be 99% reliable, still this is not 100% and should not be relied on to be so. There is only one way to prevent pregnancy and the spread of an infection completely, and that is to not to have sex at all.
This kind of pill can reduce period pain and it is believed to protect against cancer of the ovary and womb. Although it can have some side effects, including headaches, sickness and some other more serious effects which are very rare, including blood clots, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
It is vital that you follow the instruction on how to take the combined pill, if not used properly the precaution may not work properly.
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PROGESTERONE ONLY PILL
This pill works by thickening the mucus from the cervix of the female, this means that the sperm from a young man finds it difficult to reach the egg off a young woman, stopping the egg from becoming fertilized.
It is seen as a good type of precaution, it is believed to be 99% successful, it is important to read the instruction on how to take this pill, it will only work properly if the instructions are followed.
This pill my effect the regularity of a period, causing some bleeding in between them. It is important to remember that this is only a pill to reduce the risk of pregnancy, it will not prevent the spread of an infection.
(click here for link to GP’s and surgeries)
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EMERGENCY PILL
You can get the emergency pill free from your local clinic, some clinics may have different rules for people under 16 but most should provide the pill free. If this pill is to be used it has to be taken with three days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. The sooner the pill is taken the more effective they are.
This is not the best form of contraception, the best form is to use a condom, combined pill or the progesterone only pill. The only method which prevents the spread of infection is the condom and then this will be only if its used properly.
It is vital that you understand the instructions on how to take the emergency pill, you should take one as soon as after you have had unprotected sex and then another 12 hours later, but no more than 16 hours later. These are tight guidelines but the have to be followed.
The emergency pill can work in a number of ways, it either stops the egg being released, delays the ovulation or it can stop the fertilized egg setting in the womb.
If you have taken the pill and your next period seems normal it is unlikely that you will be pregnant, it is always best to check out your situation with your GP or nurse at a clinic if you have any doubt what so ever.
(click here for link to GP’s and surgeries)
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INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTION
This works like the combined pill, the major difference is that it comes in an injection which lasts for up to 12 weeks, this means that you would have to have the injection every 3 months to reduce the risks of pregnancy.
The injection will prevent the ovaries releasing an egg each month, reducing the chances of a mans sperm fertilizing an egg. This is believed to be 99% effective, it will not prevent the spread of infection but it will reduce the chances of becoming pregnant.
These injections can have a side effect on a woman’s period, either through them becoming irregular or stopping all together, it is important that you consult your GP or nurse before you consider this injection.
Click here to look at a list of GP’s and Surgeries in South Tyneside
For further information on the types of contraception you can visit www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk or www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk.
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