Contraception

Contraception works by preventing a man’s sperm from fertilising a woman’s egg, and this can be done in several different ways.

There are two main types of contraception:

Barrier Methods:

Physically prevents sperm from swimming into the uterus and fertilising the woman's egg

Hormonal Methods:

Alters a woman’s hormonal cycle to prevent fertilisation.

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If you do choose to have sex (and you should only have sex when you're sure that you're ready) you need to make sure that you use contraception if you don't want to fall pregnant. You shouldn't feel pressured into having sex just because others are. It’s important to feel that you’re ready before you start having sex.

There are lots of different methods of contraception, you should choose the right one to suit you and your relationship.  Click the tabs above to learn more about different methods of contraception or visit the links below:

For more information please visit:  Contraception Guide - NHS Choices

Diaphragms and Caps:  Diaphragm & Caps

Contraceptive Patch:  Contraceptive Patch

Natural Family Planning:  Natural Family Planning

Vaginal Ring:  Contraceptive Vaginal Ring

Implant

• Very effective
• Works for 3 years but can be taken out sooner
• Periods may stop, be irregular or last longer
• Small flexible rod put under the skin of the upper arm
• When the implant is removed your fertility will return to normal
• Less than one woman in 1,000 will get pregnant over three years

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For more detailed information, please visit:  Contraceptive Implant

Coil

Intrauterine System - IUS (Mirena)

• Works for 5 years but can be taken out sooner.
• Periods usually become lighter, shorter and sometimes less painful
• Can be useful for women with very heavy and/or painful periods
• When IUS (Mirena) is removed your fertility will return to normal
• Less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant over 5 years

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Intrauterine Device - IUD (Copper Coil)

• Can stay in for 5-10 years depending on type, but can be taken out at any time
• Periods may be heavier or longer and more painful
• When the IUD (copper coil) is removed your fertility will return to normal
• Less than two women in 100 will get pregnant over 5 years

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For more information please visit:  Before your coil fitting

For advice after a coil fitting click here

For more detailed information, please visit:

Intrauterine System - IUS (Mirena Coil)

Intrauterine Device - IUD (Copper Coil)

The Pill

Combined Pill (COCP)

• Suitable for healthy non-smokers up to the menopause
• Usually makes periods regular, lighter and less painful
• Low risk of serious side effects such as blood clots, breast and cervical cancer
• Missing pills, vomiting or severe, long-lasting diarrhoea can make it less effective

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Progesterone-only pill (POP or "mini pill")

• Can be used by women who smoke and are over 35
• Can be used if you are breast feeding
• Periods may stop, or be irregular, light or more frequent
• It needs to be taken at the same time every day
• Over 99% effective if taken according to instructions

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For more detailed information, please visit:

Combined Pill

Progesterone Only Pill

Contraceptive Injection

• Very effective
• Lasts for 12 weeks (3 months)
• Periods may stop, be irregular or last longer.
• Periods and fertility may take time to return after stopping the injection
• Some women gain weight
• The injection cannot be removed from the body so any side effects may continue for as long as it works and for some time afterwards
• Less than 4 women in 1000 will get pregnant over two years

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For more detailed information, please visit:  Contraceptive Injection

Condoms

Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against STIs like Chlamydia and HIV as well as unplanned pregnancy. For safe sex (anal or vaginal) always use a condom.

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You can get FREE condoms in Orkney from:

• Nordhaven Clinic - The Balfour, Kirkwall
• Condoms by Post (just put in your order and get it delivered to your door)
• GP Surgeries around Orkney
• Youth Cafe, Kirkwall
• Accident & Emergency Department, Balfour Hospital
• Online from Freedoms Shop delivered to your door!

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They are also available to buy widely from shops.

For more detailed information, please visit: Condoms - Male, Condoms - Female or Freedoms

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception was previously known as "The morning after pill", this term is no longer used because it's not accurate. Emergency contraception can be used up to 5 days after sex, but it's more effective the sooner you take it.

If you have had unprotected sex, that is, sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, you can use emergency contraception.

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There are different types of emergency contraception:

• the emergency contraceptive pill, Levonelle
• the emergency contraceptive pill, EllaOne
• the emergency intrauterine device (IUD)

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Emergency contraception can be very effective especially if you have an IUD fitted or if the emergency contraceptive pill is taken soon after sex.

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Emergency contraception is available from:

• GP practices (Mon - Fri)
• Boots the chemist, Kirkwall (9:00am - 5:30pm, Mon - Sat)
• WHB Sutherlands, Stromness and Kirkwall (9:00am - 5:30pm, Mon - Sat)
• Norsepharm Limited, Dounby (9am - 5 pm, Mon - Fri, 10am - 1pm, Sat)
• Outpatients Department, Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall (24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
• Nordhaven Clinic, The Balfour, Kirkwall (9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri)

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For more detailed information, please visit:  Emergency Contraception

Sterilisation

Female Sterilisation (tubal occlusion)

• This is a permanent method, suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want more children
• Should not be chosen if in any doubt
• All operations carry some risk
• It cannot be easily reversed
• The overall failure rate is about one in 200

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Male Sterilisation (Vasectomy)

• This is a permanent method, suitable for people who are sure they never want children or do not want more children
• Should not be chosen if in any doubt
• Contraception must be used until a semen test shows that no sperm are left. This can take at least 8 weeks
• It cannot be easily reversed
• About one in 2,000 male sterilisations fail.

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For more detailed information, please visit: 

Sterilisation (female)

Vasectomy (male sterilisation)

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