Select one of the following CY Services Condoms Contraception Pregnancy Testing Emergency Contraception Infection Advice Education & Training Someone to talk to More information for Professionals Youth Care Workers Parents Contraception provided at CY We take a full medical history and look at your needs so that you are given the most appropriate method of contraception. We will teach you how to use it and provide support when you need it. Depending on your own and your family's health we may not be able to give you the contraception that you thought would be right for you but, we will advise you on alternatives. Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (the pill) What is it? A pill containing a combination of hormones called oestrogen and progestogen, which are very similar to hormones produced by the body naturally. It is normally taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. How does it work? It works by stopping the body producing an egg (ovulating) every month. It also thickens the secretions around the opening of the womb (cervix) making it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. It makes the lining of the womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilized egg. How effective is it? If it is taken properly it is over 99% effective. This means that out of 100 women taking it over a year less than one woman will get pregnant. Some medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting may stop the pill from working. Remember - it is very important to take the pill properly or there may be a high risk of pregnancy. Advantages If you remember to take it properly you don't have to worry about contraception while you have sex. It can help sort out period problems including painful and heavy periods and PMT. It may protect you from cancer of the ovary and cancer of the womb and some pelvic infections. It may also reduce your risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and breast disease that is not caused by cancer. Disadvantages Initially women taking the pill may notice side effects such as headaches, feeling sick, sore breasts, gaining or losing weight, bleeding between periods or mood changes. These side effects usually settle down quite quickly. If these side effects last for more than 3 months then trying another type of pill might help. The pill may increase your blood pressure. Taking other types of medication at the same time e.g. antibiotics may reduce the pill's effectiveness, so always ask whether any other medication you are given will affect the pill. Diarrhoea and vomiting can also stop the pill from working. The pill does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections so we would always advise you to use condoms as well. (see section on infection advice). Risks The pill can have some rare but serious side-effects which include - An increased risk of developing a blood clot which can block a vein or artery. An increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. An increased risk of developing cervical cancer. An increased risk of developing a very rare liver cancer. However, risks of health complications due to pregnancy are much greater. Is the pill suitable for all women? The pill is not suitable for all women. At Caledonia Youth we will take a detailed medical history to find out if the combined oral contraceptive pill is safe and suitable for you. Back to Top Progestogen Only Pill (Mini Pill) What is it? A pill containing the hormone progestogen that is very similar to a hormone which the body produces naturally. Unlike the combined pill, this pill does not contain oestrogen. One pill is taken every day. How does it work? It works by making the secretions produced around your cervix thicker so that it is difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. In some women it may stop ovulation (the ovaries releasing an egg). It makes the lining of the womb thinner so that it's less likely to accept a fertilised egg. How effective is it? If taken properly the progestogen only pill is 99% effective This means that out of 100 women taking it over a year one woman will get pregnant. The progestogen only pill may be less effective in younger women and women who are heavier than 11 stone (70kg). The progestogen only pill has to be taken more strictly than the combined pill. Remember - it is very important to take the pill properly or there may be a high risk of pregnancy . Advantages If you remember to take it properly you don't have to worry about contraception while you have sex. It may help sort out period problems including painful and PMT. You can use it if you cannot take the combined pill (due to oestrogen) for any reason and also if you are breast feeding or if you are a smoker aged over 35. Disadvantages The pattern of your periods may change while you are taking the progestogen only pill - they may stop altogether or may become irregular, more frequent or lighter. This is not dangerous in any way but you may find it annoying. It may settle down. Trying a different type of progestogen only pill might help. For a short time you might get acne and / or tender breasts. Occasionally women may develop cysts on their ovaries that usually do not require treatment. Most women are not aware of these although some women may have pelvic pain. Very occassionally the progestogen only pill may increase your risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy if you become pregnant while taking it. It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections so we would always advise you to use condoms as well. (see section on infection advice). Is the progestogen only pill suitable for all women? This pill is not suitable for all women. At Caledonia Youth we will take a detailed medical history to find out if this method is safe and suitable for you. Back to Top Contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) What is it? It is an injection of a hormone called progestogen given every 11-12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. How does it work? Depo-Provera works by stopping the body producing an egg (ovulating) every month. It also thickens the secretions around the opening of the womb (cervix) making it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. It makes the lining of the womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilized egg. How effective is it? If taken on time Depo-Provera is over 99% effective. This means that out of 100 women using the injection in a year less than 1 woman will get pregnant. Some prescribed medication may reduce its effectiveness and it must be given on time. Advantages If you remember to have Depo-Provera on time you don't have to worry about contraception until it runs out. You don't have to remember to take a pill every day. It may give you some protection from cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease. You can use it if you cannot take the combined pill (due to oestrogen) for any reason. Disadvantages The pattern of your periods may change while you are on Depo-Provera injection and for sometime after you stop. Your periods may stop altogether or may become irregular, heavier, more frequent or lighter. This is not dangerous in any way but you may find it annoying. Some women find that their weight increases while on Depo-Provera. Some women might get sore breasts, acne, mood changes and bloating. The injection cannot be removed from the body once it is given so you may have to put up with annoying side effects during the 12 weeks the Depo-Provera lasts and for sometime afterwards. It may take a few months (occasionally over a year) for your periods and fertility to return to normal after you stop the injection. Using Depo-Provera may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bones) in later life. Research is ongoing and conflicting at this point. It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections so we would always advise you to use condoms as well. (see section on infection advice). Is Depo-Provera suitable for all women? Depo-Provera is not suitable for all women. At Caledonia Youth we will take a detailed medical history to find out if this method is safe and suitable for you. Back to Top