When it comes to sex, there’s nothing worse than being caught out without contraception. However, with so many types available on the market, it has become increasingly difficult to know which the right one for you is.
Some can be unsuitable because of health conditions. Others may prove to be too long term or short term a solution for the situation at hand. While, there may even be certain types that you just do not enjoy using, because they disrupt the experience or are just uncomfortable.
This website sets out to give you all the information you need about each method in order to make yours an informed choice.
With each type of contraceptive we give the facts on how it works inside the body. How you use the method, whether it is fitted by a doctor, requires surgery or just needs you to learn the correct procedure at home.
We also look at whether you are eligible to use it by outlining those groups who may not be allowed to use the method, for various medical reasons. Last but not least, we outline the positives and negatives attached to each type, in order for you to have a balanced view of each before deciding.
It is important to remind yourself that no form of contraception can offer a 100% level of effectiveness. While contraceptive pills and injections are very near to 100% effective and female sterilization and male vasectomy also offer near perfect results, there remains a risk in all sexual situations of pregnancy.
In addition to this, methods such as condoms, family planning or pill programmes also require careful planning, fitting and organization on the part of the user. If a scheduled reading or pill is missed there is an increased risk of pregnancy.
Furthermore, condoms, caps and other devices require careful fitting that takes practice to perfect. A contraceptive can only work at its maximum level of effectiveness, providing that the method is correctly fitted.
Some of the more long term methods also require careful consideration before use, due to the health risks users may incur and in some instances the irreversible nature of the procedures attached.
While the information provided on this site can help with any of the concerns or queries related to contraception, it should in no way replace the advice and guidance of a qualified GP, doctor or family planning adviser.
If you have any concerns or need advice regarding contraception, it is freely available from a variety of sources. The Family Planning Association has a number of clinics across the United Kingdom, there specifically to give advice on issues surrounding sex, contraception and pregnancy.
Alternatively, your GP or doctor should be approached to provide advice and guidance in dealing with any of these issues.
For many younger adults, local youth advice clinics should also be approached to help with any concerns or problems. In all these instances, advice and guidance is free of charge and with it being freely and readily available, there is little excuse not to use it.
Disregarding both the coitus interruptus and rhythm methods of contraception, each of the types featured on the website are fully endorsed by both doctor and the General Medical Council. Using contraceptives can be a hit and miss process.
It can often take time and practice e for you to discover the method most suitable for you. Before choosing a method, you may wish to consider a couple of factors.
Firstly, it is important to understand the level of effectiveness attached to your choice of contraception. Couples with a relaxed attitude may care less about this, but for many it is important to identify and use the most effective method of contraception on the market.
Outside of sterilization methods, for women the contraceptive pill or injection represents the most reliable method with a 99% level of effectiveness. The pill is the most popular choice, according to statistics, of women between the ages of 16 and 45 with roughly one in four currently using it.
For men, the most reliable short term option on the market is the condom, which offers a slightly lower 98% level of efficiency to users with around one in five men between the ages of 16 and 45 using it. In these instances, couples may wish to combine the use of both methods for best results.
Doctors will always check existing medical histories before placing any woman on a hormone based contraceptive. They check for any existing conditions or links to conditions that may create an adverse reaction to this method. The health implications must always be considered before opting for hormone based contraception.
Age can play a part in the choice of contraception. Old age may rule you out of certain methods while younger women, many of whom may have not experienced childbirth, can also be ruled out. In cases of permanent contraception, doctors often face a difficult assessment of a patient’s suitability based on their age and any potential future plans they could have.
Some may choose certain types of contraception due to the additional benefit of protection from sexually transmitted infections that certain barrier methods offer. The principal methods of protection from STIs are the femidom for women and the condom for men. The cervical cap can also offer some protection of infection to the cervix.
In some instances, the choice of contraceptive may simply boil down to timing. Diaphragms can be fitted three hours before sex, so with planning can prove suitable. In the heat of the moment, condoms can also prove fiddly, yet offer the best protection for a male.
While some emergency methods are available, they lack the reliability of other methods. Planning and consideration need to be taken into account when choosing your contraceptive. The most important thing to remember is not to get caught out. Using any method of contraception is better than using none.