Landed

Contraceptives or “birth control” are used to stop you getting pregnant. There are lots of different kinds of contraceptives, and which one you choose to use will depend on lots of things like your lifestyle, culture and your plans for the future. Your doctor, family planning or sexual health clinic can give you advice on which method of contraceptive would suit you best. Although most contraceptives are taken by women it is as much a man’s responsibility as a woman’s to practice safer sex.

WARNING most contraceptives will only protect against an unwanted pregnancy – not against STI’s. To keep you safe – don’t have sex or use a condom.

Contraceptive Implant

• Used by females

• Over 99% effective

• Works for 3 years

• Placed underneath the skin by a doctor or nurse (usually in the arm)

• Can mess up your periods for at least the first year

• Other side effects might include acne, mood changes and breast tenderness

• DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STI’S

Contraceptive Injection – The jag

• Used by females

• Over 99% effective

• Lasts between 8-12 weeks dependant on which type you get

• Periods become irregular and can stop

• Other side effects might include weight gain and mood changes

• DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STI’S

Combined Pill (contains oestrogen and progestogen)

• Used by females

• Over 99% effective if taken properly

• Can also be used to control heavy periods

• Side effects can include headaches, sickness and weight gain

• DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STI’S

Progestogen Only Pill (mini pill)

• Used by females

• 99% effective if taken properly

• Good for people who can’t take the combined pill.

• Can mess up your periods

• DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STI’S

Contraceptive Patch

• Used by females

• Over 99% effective if used properly

• Can be stuck anywhere on the body as long as it’s clean, dry and hair free

• Patch is replaced once a week

• Temporary side effects can include feeling sick and headaches, other more serious side effects can include blood clots and breast/ cervical cancer but are very rare

• DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STI’S

Femidom (female condom)

• Used by females

• 95% effective if used properly

• Need to be careful as they can slip out

• You can get them free on the “Free Condoms No Fuss” Scheme and from sexual health clinics

• Protects against pregnancy and most STI’s

Condoms

• Used by males

• 98% effective if used properly

• You can get them free on the “Free Condoms No Fuss” Scheme and from sexual health clinics

• The No 1 method to protect against pregnancy and most STI’s