What do you know about contraception and STI’s? Where can you go to find out more?
Are you Contraceptive Aware?
What do you know about contraception and STI’s? Where can you go to find out more?
Contraception
Contraception comes in many forms, females can choose from pills, injections, condoms, patches, implants, intrauterine systems and devices, diaphragms/caps and rings. Males at the present time can only use condoms. Both partners can choose natural family planning methods, if using this method you have to be aware of the facts and sure of what you are doing. All the above work in different ways, have different efficiencies, advantages and disadvantages. Condoms guard against pregnancy and most sexually transmitted diseases so if using the contraceptive pills still use a condom.
If you have had sex without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed, there are different types of emergency contraception you can use. If you act quickly, emergency contraception can usually prevent a pregnancy.
Method 1 - Emergency Pill
Levonelle: This can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse. Levonelle is available from Intergrated Sexual Health (ISH) Clinics and some Pharmacies free of charge. Please be aware that not all Pharmacists at the Pharmacies listed are able to provide this pill without a prescription.
ellaOne: This can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse and is available by prescription only from a GP or ISH Clinic.
Research has shown, the earlier either pill is taken the more effective it is.
Method 2 - The Copper IUD
This is fitted by a Doctor within 5 days of having unprotected intercourse. It is very effective in preventing pregnancy. It can also be used for long term contraception.
On Sundays and Bank Holidays, Emergency Contraception is available from some pharmacists or your out of hours GP Service.
Integrated Sexual Health list and opening times for contraception
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
There are numerous different STI’s, to avoid catching any of them, always use a condom or dental dam correctly during all types of sexual activity.
If you have been at risk then you need to go to the ISH Clinic at Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Appointments are made via a text service so please look at the link for more information
For the University Nurse availability check the website http://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/study/studentservices/health/ .
To contact the nurses for advice via email use healthservice@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Useful Links
FPA UK www.Fpa.org.uk Phone 0845 310 1334
NHS Direct Wales http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/e/article/emergencycontraceptivepill/
http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/LifestyleWellbeing/Sexualhealth/