Contraception

Method: Male Condom

% Effective: 98%

For: Men

How it works: Sperm are prevented from entering the vagina.

Advantages: Free from family planning clinics.

• Widely available in chemists, supermarkets, clubs, etc.
• Protects both partners from STI's. (including AIDS)

Disadvantages: It may split, be damaged or slip off.

• It MUST be put correctly onto an erect penis.
• Putting it on can interupt sexual intercourse.
• The man must withdraw quickly after intercourse.

Method: Female Condom or Femidom

% Effective: 95%

For: Women

How it works: Sperm are prevented from entering the vagina.

Advantages:

• Protects both partners from STI's. (including AIDS)

Disadvantages:

• It is expensive to buy.
• The penis MUST be placed to enter the condom andNOT positioned between the condom and the vagina.

Method: Diaphragm with Spermicide

% Effective: 92-96%

For: Women

How it works: Prevents sperm meeting an egg by providing a barrier. Sperm are made inactive by the spermacide.

Advantages:

• No health risks from side affects.
• A wide variety to choose from.

Disadvantages:

• MUST stay in place 6hrs after intercourse.
• MUST be fitted by a GP and checked every 12 months for size.
• Bladder infections may be a side affect.

Method: I.U.D (Intrauterine Device)

% Effective: 98-99%

For: Women

How it works: Prevents implantation of a fertilised egg.

Advantages:

• Works immediately once fitted.
• Can remain in place for a long time (3-10yrs)
  

Disadvantages:

• May cause heavier, longer or more painful periods.
• Not suitable for all women.
• MUST be inserted by a doctor.
• Sometimes comes out.

Method: I.U.S (Intrauterine System)

% Effective: 99%+

For: Women

How it works: Progestrogen is slowly released preventing sperm from meeting an egg.

Advantages:

• Works immediately once inserted.
• Prevents pregnancy for 5yrs.
• Periods are lighter and shorter.
  

Disadvantages:

• Irregular and light bleeding is possible in the first three months.
• MUST be inserted by a doctor.
• Acne and tender breasts are possible side affects.

Method: Combined Pill (contains progestrogen and oestrogen)

% Effective: 100%

For: Women

How it works: Prevents ovaries from producing eggs.

Advantages:

• Easily taken orally.
  

Disadvantages:

• Vomiting, diarrhoea and antibiotics make it unreliable.
• If taken 12 hours late it becomes unreliable.
• MUST be prescribed by a doctor.
• Best avoided by women who smoke.

Method: Mini-Pill (contains progestrogen only)

% Effective: 99%

For: Women

How it works: Makes it difficult for sperm to enter the unterus and/or implantation of fertilised ovum..

Advantages:

• Easily taken orally.
• Can relieve PMT and painful periods.

Disadvantages:

• If taken more than 3hrs late it becomes unreliable.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea makes it become unreliable.
• Must be prescribed by a doctor.

Method: Contraceptive Implant (slow release progestrogen)

% Effective: 99%

For: Women

How it works: Prevents egg and sperm meeting and/or implantation.

Advantages:

• Effective for up to 3yrs.
• Fertility returns immediately when implant is removed.
  

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to remove.
• Side effects include excessive or irregular bleeding.

Method: Contraceptive Injection

% Effective: 99%

For: Women

How it works: Makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and for fertilised egg to implant.

Advantages:

• Effective for 2-3 months.
  

Disadvantages:

• Possible side effects include irregular bleeding.
• There is no antidote if the woman changes her mind.
• MUST be given by a doctor.