Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) 16% of 18 to 24 olds did not use contraception on the most recent sexual encounter because sex ‘had not been planned’. (ISSHR, 2006) Plan Ahead, and Think Contraception if there is a chance you may have sex. In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Injectable Contraception

Over 99% effective once the injection is given regularly

Description

The injection contains the female hormone progestogen. An injection is given by a health care professional approximately every 12 weeks.

How it Works

The hormone progestogen is released very slowly into the body to prevent ovulation (an egg being released).

Advantages

  • Does not interrupt sex
  • May protect against cancer of the womb
  • Useful for women who forget to take their pill daily
  • Can be used by women who cannot take oestrogen in the combined oral contraceptive pill, such as women over 35 who smoke

Drawbacks

  • May cause irregular bleeding
  • Injection must be given by a doctor or a nurse
  • Cannot be immediately reversed in the event of side effects
  • Can take time for regular periods and fertility to return to normal
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections