CONTRACEPTION

My partner and I don't have sex often — do we need contraception?

Yes. Even partners who don't have sex often need to use contraception. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm meets an egg and the fertilized egg successfully implants in the uterus (womb). A woman who only has sex one time can get pregnant, so it is important to use contraception every time you have sex. Because of the risk of STIs, it is also vital to use a condom every time you have anal, oral and vaginal sex.

How can I get contraception?

Contraception is supplied at Whittall Street Clinic by Family Planning staff on a Monday evening 330-6pm and also during the HYPe+ sessions (Mondays at whittall street and Wednesdays at streetwise@soho 330-515pm) (click here for futher information) Emergency contraception can be supplied at any time at Whittall Street or Streetwise@soho clinic.

There are family planning clinics located at health centres throughout Birmingham. The brash website has more information on how to find out where your local clinic is. You can also see your GP regarding contraception.

Which contraception method should I use?

There are several different types of contraception methods available; ‘the pill’, a pill with only one hormone; the injection, something called an implant; intrauterine devices commonly called ‘coils’ and barrier methods.

A health care provider can help you decide which contraceptive method is best for you. This will depend on many factors including circumstances and personal choice.

It is important to remember that condoms can prevent pregnancy AND the spread of STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

What are “LARCs” that we hear about now?

LARC stands for Long Acting Reversible Contraception. These are methods of contraception that don’t need remembering everyday like the pills but are very effective methods of contraception. The injection needs repeating every 12 weeks; the implants can stay in your arm for 3 years and the ‘coils’ could stay in from 3 – 10 years depending which one the Dr fits. You would still need to use condoms to protect you against the risk of an STI.

What are my chances of getting pregnant if my partner and I use the withdrawal method?

Of every 100 women whose partners use the withdrawal method, 19 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Additionally, the withdrawal method does not offer any protection against STIs.

How effective is the contraceptive pill?

The contraceptive pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly and consistently, which means it is taken every day around the same time of day. The pill does not offer any protection against STIs.

What are some common side effects of the contraceptive pill?

Some common side effects of the contraceptive pills include headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, and slight changes in mood. These side effects usually go away after two or three months of use.

If I'm using the contraceptive pill, do I need to use condoms too?

Because the contraceptive pill does not offer any protection against STIs, a male or female condom should be used to help protect against STIs if you or your partner do not know their sexual health.

My partner doesn't like the way condoms feel; why can't we use something else?

Condoms, male or female, are the only contraceptive method (other than continuous abstinence) that effectively protects against sexually transmitted diseases, so it is important to use them either alone or with another method every time you have sex.

Using condoms during sex may feel a little different from when they are not used, but there are ways condoms can be made to feel more "invisible." Putting a water-based lubricant on the outside of the male latex condom will increase lubrication. Putting a small amount of lubricant in the tip of the condom before the male puts it on can increase sensitivity for the condom wearer. It is important, however, not to use too much lubrication or the condom may slide off the penis.

A man and a woman can also choose to use the female condom instead of the male condom. The female condom is inserted in the woman's vagina with the loose-fitting pouch held in place by a ring that fits inside the vagina and one on the outside of the body to hold the condom in place. Since nothing restricts the man's penis, intercourse with a female condom may feel better to some men. Unlike the male condom, female condoms use oil-based lubricants.

Can you use the male and female condoms at the same time?

No. Male and female condoms should NOT be used at the same time. They are made of different materials (male condoms are made of latex; female condoms are made of polyurethane), so when used together, they are likely to tear from friction.

Also, only water-based lubricants can be used with the male condom, while either water-based or oil-based lubricants can be used with the female condom. If the wrong lubricant is used with the male condom, the material can decompose and cause holes in the condom.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is the use of contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy within a few days of unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception can be used if a woman believes that her contraceptive method has failed or if she has not used a method. Emergency contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy anywhere from 75% to 89%, depending on the method. There are two methods of emergency contraception available:

Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive (EHC) method - The EHC method or "morning after pill may protect you from a pregnancy by preventing an egg being fertilised or by preventing implantation of a fertilised egg. How it works will depend on where you are in your menstrual cycle. This method is effective if used within 72 hours after unprotected sex and is a very safe method. The EHC method is available FREE at Whittall Street clinic, family planning clinics, from your GP, at NHS Walk-In centres, pharmacies (there may be a charge) and Brook.

The Intrauterine Device (IUD) method - This method involves the insertion of an IUD – ‘coil’ into the uterus by your doctor/family planning staff. The IUD creates an unfriendly environment for egg and sperm. The IUD must be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. The IUD method is available from Family Planning clinics’ and your GP.