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.

Intrauterine System (IUS)

99% effective

Description

The IUS is a small plastic device that releases the hormone progesterone when it is put into the womb.

How it Works

It works in several different ways - by stopping the sperm from meeting the egg, by delaying the egg getting to the womb, or by preventing the egg from implanting in the womb.

Advantages

  • Does not interrupt sex
  • Works as soon as it is inserted
  • Can stay in for five years
  • Suitable for women who have completed their family

Drawbacks

  • Certain medication can interfere with its effectiveness. In this instance another method of contraception would have to be used.
  • May cause irregular bleeding for the first few months
  • Insertion and removal must be done by a specially trained doctor
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections