10 contraception questions and answers
We will now provide more detail on 10 contraception questions and answers.
1. What is contraception?
Contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy when having sex. Condoms can also protect against most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
2. Why do I need to use contraceptives?
Unless you want to get pregnant you should use contraception when having sex. Condoms can also prevent you from catching or passing on a STD.
What is unprotected sex?
Unprotected sex is when you have sex without using any contraception. Pregnancy is then very possible. Sex without a condom means you are not protected from catching a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
3. Is any method of contraception 100% effective?
No. No method of contraception is 100% effective. Methods that last a long time (e.g. intra-uterine devices, IUDs) are the most effective because they remove the need for the user to remember to do something on a regular basis, or every time they have sex.
4. How do I find the best method of contraceptive for me?
You should learn about the various types of contraception. You can also speak with your doctor or health care professional in a sexual health clinic, to determine which ones are appropriate for you to try. You may try a certain contraception and not like it. This is fine, and you can try a different kind, until you find one you are comfortable with.
Here is information on MyHSN on different methods of contraception (and their pros and cons).
5. Questions about the oral contraceptive pill (‘the pill’)
What is the oral contraceptive pill (OCP)? Oral contraceptives (birth control) pills) are hormone-containing tablets that are taken (usually daily; see below) by mouth to prevent pregnancy.
Do I take the pill every day? It depends on the type of pill. Most pills work across a 28 day cycle including the pill-free or placebo interval, which means you have one pack for each cycle. With most you have to take a hormonal pill every day.
With others you take a pill every day for 21 or 24 or even 26 days of the cycle, and then have a tablet (hormone) free break of seven or four or only two days. During this break, you will still be protected and you will have a menstruation-like bleed.
Will the pill make me put on weight? Yes, for some. Although some women on the pill put on weight, it is uncertain this is due to the pill. However, with some pills you can put on weight when you start taking them, due to water retention, which makes you feel bigger. But there are today modern contraceptive pills which can avoid water retention to an extent.
6. How soon after being pregnant should I start using contraceptives?
21 days after giving birth
7. What is an emergency contraceptive pill?
If you have unprotected sex or if there is an accident like a condom splitting, you can take an emergency contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. The earlier you do this the better (see below).
You can get this from a pharmacist, or sexual health clinic, or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC; usually in or near your local hospital).
UTCs are usually open 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. You dont need an appointment. If you think you need this, find your nearest one .. and just go!
They (confusingly) have other names: Urgent Care Centres (UCCs), Walk-in Centres or Minor Illness/Injury Units (MIUs). Either way, find one, and just go if you need this pill.
How long after having unprotected sex can the emergency pill be taken?
The emergency pill must be taken within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. It is most effective if it is taken within the first 12 hours after unprotected sex.
8. Will my parents or partner be told?
No. Your parents or partner will not be told unless the doctor or nurse thinks that there is a serious risk to your safety, and you are under 16 years. They may encourage you to be open and discuss things with your parents or partner however.
Can I receive contraception if I am under 16 years?
Yes, you can get advice and receive contraception if you are under 16 years. Find you nearest family planning or sexual health clinic.
10. Can I get free contraceptives?
Yes these are available for free. Find you nearest family planning or sexual health clinic.
Some other questions
How effective is the withdrawal method, aka ‘pulling out’?
Not very effective. Let’s just say if you’re not ready to be a Mum, this method should not be your first choice. Withdrawal, by which the guy pulls out before he ejaculates, is not an effective contraception method. Even when applied successfully, and the man pulls out in time, 80 percent – or 20 of every 100 women – using this as their contraception method will become pregnant over a year.
And you can bet .. it’s not always easy to pull out in time! It’s not just that the guy can get overexcited and lose control. Also, remember many men release sperm before ejaculation. And remember too .. it just takes one sperm to fertilise an egg
How often do condoms fail?
When used correctly and carefully every time, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. They are often not used correctly every time. So realistically they may be 90-95% effective (i.e. fail 1-2x out of 20 times you have sex). No, not great.
And compared to modern hormonal methods, condoms are less reliable and effective in protecting against pregnancy. But they are the only method that will protect against STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
Summary
We have described 10 contraception questions and answers. We hope you understand it better now.
Other resource
Different methods of contraception (and their pros and cons)
