If you are having sex, you should be very careful not to fall pregnant before you are ready. Using contraception can prevent an unwanted pregnancy, but there is always a risk. The only way to absolutely prevent pregnancy is to not have sex.
If you are choosing to have sex, you will need to decide what type of contraception is right for you.
For young women, doctors often recommend the oral contraceptive pill or condoms. However, other options such as hormonal implants or injections are available. If you have unprotected sex and are worried about pregnancy, you can also access the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP).
The Oral Contraceptive Pill
What is it?
The oral contraceptive pill (or ‘the pill’) is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way your body works to prevent pregnancy.
How does it work?
A combination of the hormones oestrogen and progestogen prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous to stop the sperm from entering the uterus.
Most pills come in a 28-day pack. One hormone pill is taken for 21 days. You will then take a non- hormone pill for seven days. When you start taking the pills that don’t contain the hormones, you will get your menses.
Important!
You must remember to take the pill at the same time every day – regardless of whether you are having sex that day. If you forget a day, or if you are late taking the pill, you could be at risk of getting pregnant. You will need to use a backup form of contraception such as condoms, or stop having sex until the pill starts working again. It takes seven days of taking the hormone pills correctly for the pill to start working again. If you are unsure, it is best to talk to your doctor or the team at Medical Services Pacific.
Condoms
What is it?
Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. There are male and female condoms. The male condom is a thin rubber sheath that is worn on the penis. The female condom is a sheath with a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed, and this end is inserted into the vagina; the other end is open and this ring sits outside the opening of the vagina.
How does it work?
Condoms work by keeping semen (the fluid that contains the sperm) from entering the vagina. To use a male condom, the penis must be erect. The condom is placed on the tip of the penis and then rolled down all the way to the base of the penis. Condoms are the best form of contraception for people with multiple partners or with partners of unknown sexual history. This is because condoms are the only contraceptive that can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Important!
If a condom breaks during sexual intercourse, you should visit your doctor or call Medical Services Pacific immediately. If deemed to be at risk of becoming pregnant, you will be prescribed an Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP). This must be taken within 72 hours to be most effective.
NOTE: Before using a condom, check the expiry date. Don’t use a condom if it is already expired.
Implant (Jadelle)
What is it?
The implant contraceptive is a matchstick-sized rod that is inserted into your upper arm, providing three to five years of pregnancy prevention.
How does it work?
The rod releases hormones into the body that stops ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. The insertion/removal of the rod may be slightly uncomfortable, and must be done by a trained healthcare professional.
Important!
Some people can experience side effects from the hormones, such as nausea, tender breasts, dizziness, headaches and mood changes. If you wish to use this method of contraception, it is recommended that you try taking the oral contraceptive pill first for several months to see if you are susceptible to the hormonal side effects. If you feel fine taking the contraceptive pill, the insertion method might be a good fit for you. Note: the insertion method does NOT prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Insertion (IUD, Copper T, Loop)
What is it?
The insertion contraceptive – otherwise known as an IUD (intrauterine device), Copper T or the Loop – is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus.
How does it work?
The device primarily works by causing a chemical change that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Once inserted, the device can stay inside you for up to ten years. The IUD can be removed at any time by a Doctor. Then pregnancy is possible immediately thereafter.
Important!
The device must be inserted or removed by a trained healthcare professional. It is important that the device be removed after the recommended amount of time.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
What is it?
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is also known as ‘the morning after pill’. It is another contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy. You can be prescribed this from your doctor at your nearest health centre or for free from Medical Services Pacific. You can also get these over the counter at pharmacies; however, you may need an adult with you to negotiate its purchase.
How does it work?
ECPs contain hormones that delay ovulation to prevent fertilisation. If the egg has already been fertilised, it will not prevent the pregnancy; therefore it is important to take the ECP before fertilisation can occur – that is, within 72 hours of the instance of unprotected sex.
Important!
ECP should not be used as a regular form of contraception because the extra hormones in the pills can make you feel sick.
Your doctor or the team at Medical Services Pacific can also answer any questions you might have on contraception. Call 1325.
Although all methods of contraception work to prevent pregnancy, only condoms can prevent STIs and HIV! If you are unsure of your partner’s sexual history. Always use a condom
