If you are being sexually active, it is extremely important that you are safe and using a contraceptive suited to your needs. You can choose from a variety of different methods, each method designed to suit your needs.
To help discover what contraceptive method is best you, you should see what options are available for you.
The Combined Pill
This form of oral contraceptive is also known as ‘the pill’, it contains artificial versions of the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, this is usually produced in the woman’s ovaries. It is important that you take this pill correctly, you will need to take it every day for 21 days and then stop for a 7 day break, this is when you will have your period. It is essential that you take the pill at the same time each day, otherwise there is a risk you could become pregnant.
This pill does not protect you from STIs.
The Progestogen Pill
The progestogen pill is similar to the combined pill; however it does not contain the artificial hormone oestrogen. You do not take any breaks when you take this pill and you will constantly be taking a pill each day. It is essential that you take the pill at the same time each day, if you take it more than three hours later, it may not be effective.
The progestogen pill should only be used by women who cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen, or if they have high blood pressure, a past of previous blood clots, or if they are overweight.
This pill does not protect you from STIs.
Condoms
Condoms are more commonly used by men, and they are thought to be more than 98% effective when used correctly. Condoms are the most popular form of contraception; this is because it acts as a barrier and stops the sperm reaching the egg.
Another reason why condoms are most common is because it does protect both partners from STIs.
Implant
If you believe you will not remember to take a pill each day at the same time, you may want to consider the contraceptive implant. The implant is a small flexible tube that is inserted under the skin on the upper arm.
The implant stops the release of eggs from the ovary. The implant will last for around three years.
The Implant does not protect you from STIs.
Injection
You have two different choices of injections; there is the Noristerat which lasts for 8 weeks and Depo-Provera which lasts for 12 weeks, this second injection in the more popular choice.
The injection is more than 99% effective; however you may notice that your periods can become irregular once you have the injection
If you want a baby in the near future, the injection should be the option you go for as it can take around 12 months for you to become fertile again.
The injection does not protect you from STIs.
