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Contraception - from 'no' to the morning after

By The Healthy Women Team

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Have you thought about...?

Long term reversible contraception is gaining in popularity, probably because women don't really want to have to think about contraception every day, and want to be able to just get on with their lives without remembering a pill or condoms. This type of contraception is almost as popular as the male condom, as it's being used by around 23% of us³.

The contraceptive injection, like most long term contraception is hormonal. It's around 99% effective, like the combined pill, and suits most women although it can have some side effects. In some women it can completely stop periods, you normally only need to have the jab every three months or so, and your GP will send you a reminder before you're due.

If you prefer term hormonal contraception, have you considered contraceptive patches? These work in the same way as the contraceptive pill and deliver a dose of hormones through your skin to stop you getting pregnant. All you have to remember is to change your patch every week. It's also around 99% effective although possibly having a sticking plaster on your bottom isn't very glamorous...

Natural methods are also becoming more mainstream, and can work if you're in a committed relationship and want to come off the pill for something a bit more holistic. If you follow the rules and are meticulous about taking temperatures and recording every detail of your cycle, you could practice natural contraception. It works by predicting the times in your cycle when you're most likely to be fertile – and you just have to avoid sex, or use another method, on those days. Fertility monitoring kits are available from pharmacies.

Where can I get contraceptive advice?

If you feel like a change, or are simply confused about which option is the best for you, there are dedicated 'family planning' clinics in most areas that you can ask for help with any aspect of sexual health. To find your nearest sexual health clinic, just visit the NHS Direct website and type in your postcode. You could also visit the 'Advice for Life' website at www.contraception.co.uk which contains details of all of your contraceptive choices.

Alternatively, most GP practices now have their own sexual health/contraception advice services. Most nurses are only too happy to sit down and discuss your contraceptive options with you, and help you find the right way to avoid becoming an unplanned pregnancy statistic, whatever your age or relationship status.