There are loads of different contraception methods for women. Some may be easier for you than others. That's why we take time to discuss the individual needs of everyone we see at Caledonia Youth.
Establishing the woman’s health, lifestyle and relationships, help us determine the best form of contraception for their current situation. We discuss how to use specific contraceptives and provide ongoing support when it is needed. It’s important to remember that no contraceptive protects against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), that’s why we always recommend you also use a condom or female condom - femedom.
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Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception, also known as the “morning after pill”, contains the hormone progesterone. It can be taken within 72 hours – three days - of unprotected sex or contraception failure, to help protect against an unwanted pregnancy. It works by stopping or delaying a woman’s body releasing an egg – ovulation - or by stopping a fertilised egg implanting in your womb.
How effective is it?
The emergency contraceptive pill is up to 95% effective, it is not as efficient as other methods of contraception. The sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is, working best within 24 hours. It’s not possible to prescribe it any later than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception – consider this:
- It can be very useful when contraception has failed or been forgotten
- It can be taken as often as required but should never be viewed as a first line of contraceptive – hence emergency contraception
- It doesn’t protect against STIs
- Most women will have no side effects although rarely it may cause sickness or vomiting
- Your next period may be on time, earlier or later than normal
- You may have some light bleeding five to seven days after taking the pills
- If you do not have a normal period within three weeks of taking emergency contraception, you should have a pregnancy test
Our team at Caledonia Youth always talk to our clients about the possible side affects of emergency contraceptives. We may also discuss longer term contraceptive options during the consultation.
Contraceptive pill
There are two main types of the pill. One contains a combination of hormones called estrogen and progestogen and the other progestogen only. One pill is taken daily at around the same time.
It works by thickening secretions around the cervix - opening to the womb - making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg. It also makes the lining of the womb thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg. In some women, it may completely stop the egg from releasing from the ovary.
How effective is it?
If it is taken properly, as explained by someone at Caledonia Youth or another health professional, it is more than 99% effective. But it is important to remember that the pill does not protect against STIs. Only barrier contraceptives such as condoms or femedoms do!
Contraceptive pill – consider this:
- The pill doesn’t protect against STIs, so we always advise you also use a condom
- The pill can help with period problems including painful and heavy periods or PMT
- Vomiting and diarrhoea may stop the pill from working
- Some medication such as antibiotics may also reduce the pill's effectiveness - always ask if you are given other medication
Our team at Caledonia Youth will always talk you through the benefits and possible side affects of taking the pill.
Contraceptive injection - Depo-Provera
The contraceptive injection Depo-Provera contains the hormone progestogen and is given every 11 to 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman’s body producing an egg every month, also thickening secretions around the cervix - opening to the womb – and making it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. It also makes the lining of the womb thinner, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to settle.
How effective is it?
It’s over 99% effective at stopping pregnancy but it does not protect against STIs. Only barrier contraceptives such as condoms or femedoms do!
Contraceptive injection – consider this:
- As it’s a long lasting form of contraception, women do not have to worry about taking something daily for it to be effective
- It may change the pattern of your periods - they may stop altogether or become irregular, heavier, more frequent or lighter
- As the injection cannot be removed from the body once it is given, some women may have to tolerate side effects during the 12 weeks the Depo-Provera lasts in their systems and for sometime afterwards
- After women stop the injection, it may take a few months - occasionally more than a year - for periods and fertility to return to normal
- As it does not protect against STIs, we always advise you also use a condom
Our team at Caledonia Youth will always talk you through the benefits and possible side affects of using Depo-Provera.
Contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod that’s inserted just under your skin on the inside of the upper arm. It works by stopping a woman’s body from releasing an egg each month. It thickens the mucus from the cervix - opening to the womb - making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and makes the lining of a woman’s womb thinner and less likely for a fertilised egg to settle.
How effective is it?
It’s 99% affective at preventing pregnancy, although it is important to remember that it does not protect against the spread of STIs. Only barrier contraceptives such as condoms or femedoms do!
Contraceptive implant – consider this:
- It’s effective for up to three years making it a long term form of contraceptive and not something you have to remember to take daily
- It needs to be fitted and removed by a doctor or nurse
- Fertility will return as soon as the implant is removed
- It might change the normal cycle of your periods - it might stop completely or cause heavy, painful periods
- As it doesn’t protect against STIs, we always advise you also use a condom
Our team at Caledonia Youth will always talk you through the benefits and possible side affects of using the contraceptive implant.
IUS - Intrauterine System
The IUS is a small plastic device that’s placed into the womb and releases the hormone progestogen. It can only be fitted and removed by a trained doctor or nurse. Depending on the type of IUS used, this can last as an active form of contraception for between three to ten years.
It works by releasing the hormone progestogen, which thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching the woman’s egg. It may also stop ovulation completely.
How effective is it?
It’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but does not help in preventing STIs. Only barrier contraceptives such as condoms or femedoms do!
IUS – consider this:
- It’s a long lasting form of contraception meaning you don’t have to remember to take it everyday
- It needs to be fitted and removed by a doctor or nurse
- Fertility returns to normal once the IUS is removed
- As it does not protect against STIs, we always advise you also use a condom
At Caledonia Youth, we do not fit the IUS but can refer you to the appropriate service if this form of contraceptive is of interest. Alternatively, a local GUM clinic, GP or family planning clinic may be able to help.
IUD - Intrauterine Device
The IUD is a small plastic or copper device that’s placed into the womb and can only be fitted and taken out by a trained doctor or nurse. Depending on the type of IUD used, this can last as an active form of contraception for between three to ten years. It works by stopping sperm from reaching the woman’s egg, by preventing them from surviving in the womb or fallopian tubes.
How effective is it?
It’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but does not help in preventing STIs. Only barrier contraceptives such as condoms or femedoms do!
IUD – consider this:
- It is a long lasting form of contraception meaning women don’t have to remember to take it everyday
- It needs to be fitted and removed by a doctor or nurse
- Fertility returns to normal once the IUD is removed
- As it does not protect against STIs, we always advise you also use a condom
At Caledonia Youth, we do not fit the IUD but can refer you to the appropriate service if this form of contraceptive is of interest. Alternatively, the local GUM clinic, GP or family planning clinic may be able to help.
Diaphragm and Cap
The diaphragm and cap are flexible rubber or silicone devices that are put into the woman’s vagina to cover the cervix before sex. This stops sperm from entering the womb and reaching the woman’s egg. If used properly, they are between 92-96% effective at preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against most common types of STIs. That’s why we always recommend you also use a condom.
Natural Family Planning
Natural Family Planning means having sex at times of the month when the woman is less fertile. This method takes a lot of planning and learning about your body and its menstrual cycle. In younger women, this can be a difficult and risky form of contraceptive to rely on, as it can take years for a woman’s cycle to settle down and become regular enough. It also provides no protection against the spread of STIs. That’s why we always recommend you also use a condom.
If considering this method, it is important to consult a natural family planning specialist who will be able to talk about how to use this method in relation to each individual.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation works by cutting the fallopian tubes in a female to stop the egg from being released and, in a male, the cutting of the tubes that carry sperm - vas deferens. As sterilisation is permanent, it is a contraceptive option often used once someone has had children and chooses not to have any more. It’s a very effective way of preventing pregnancy, but does not protect against the spread of STIs. That’s why we always recommend you also use a condom.