Emergency Contraception Expand Emergency contraception can be used as a backup and is not intended as a primary contraceptive method. All people in a new relationship should use condoms to prevent STIs and also be advised about emergency contraception. Emergency contraception pills can be used up to 96 hours after unprotected sex and can be obtained without a prescription at pharmacies. The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception and can be used up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. An IUD needs to be inserted by a doctor. It is essential to have a follow-up check after 3 weeks to exclude a pregnancy and arrange ongoing contraception. This method is used when: no contraception was used during sex a women has forgotten to take her contraceptive pills a condom slipped off or broke during sex a female has been sexually assaulted
Around menopause Expand Any contraception containing oestrogen is not recommended as health risks outweigh the benefits. The levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (Mirena) can be used for contraception, to control heavy menstrual bleeding and to balance the low dose oestrogen used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
After a miscarriage or termination of pregnancy Expand Following a miscarriage or termination, your normal menstrual cycle can resume almost immediately, meaning that it is possible for you to become pregnant again within a few weeks. If you don’t want to get pregnant straight away you will need to think about your contraceptive options. When choosing contraception, some of the factors that you need to think about are your age, lifestyle, finances, previous contraception and what you think is suitable and acceptable for you. There are many contraceptive options available other than the pill or condoms, and some may be more appropriate to your individual needs than others.
After childbirth Expand After childbirth you will need to choose an effective contraceptive method if you don’t want to get pregnant straight away. The method of contraception you use depends on what you and your partner prefer, your medical history, any problems you had in your pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding. If a woman is breastfeeding contraceptive methods that contain oestrogen are not recommended. It is usually advised that you wait until the baby is six months old before you start using contraception that contains oestrogen. This is because oestrogen may reduce your milk flow. However, you can consider using them when your baby is at least six weeks old and at least half bottle fed. Breastfeeding is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, but only if: you haven't had a period since your baby was born your baby is less than six months old your baby is only breastfed and not having any other food or drink This protection reduces significantly after six months and once periods return or the baby starts to have any other food or drink, you will need to use contraception if you don't want to get pregnant. The following types of contraception are considered safe when breast feeding: the progestogen only pill, condoms, the diaphragm, injection, implant, intrauterine devices and emergency contraception. There are many myths about when and what contraceptives can and cannot be used after a pregnancy. Most contraceptive methods can be started immediately. If you choose an contraceptive implant, it can be inserted on the same day as the delivery or before you leave the hospital. An IUD can be inserted at the 6-wek check-up or any time after that provided a pregnancy is excluded.
Can I miss periods on the pill? Expand Some women choose to skip their period by not taking the break between the last hormone pill, and the first hormone pill of the new packet (skipping the sugar pills). It is safe to do this. Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider, or ring the True clinic.
Do I need to stop the pill at 35 years? Expand Most women can use the contraceptive pill up to the age of 50 years. However, there are increased risks for women over 35 years and smoking would be a contraindication to continue the pill after this time. A discussion with your doctor about contraception after 35 years age is advised.
How soon will my fertility return after an IUD? Expand An IUD may last for five to ten years (depending on the type) but can be removed at any time. After removal your fertility will return within a month.
Can I have an IUD as emergency contraception? Expand Yes, the copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception if inserted up to five days after unprotected sexual course. This is more effective than the emergency contraceptive pill (the “morning after pill”). It also provides ongoing contraception. The Mirena™ cannot be used as emergency contraception.
Can I use an IUD after I have had a baby? Expand Yes, you can use an IUD after having had a baby. This can be fitted from six weeks after the birth, regardless of whether you have had a vaginal or caesarean delivery. IUDs are safe for breastfeeding women to use. It will be important to check that you are not pregnant before the IUD is fitted.
Can I use an IUD for heavy periods? Expand The Mirena™ releases a low dose of the hormone progestin. The Mirena™ was originally developed to treat heavy periods in addition to providing contraception. The Mirena™ can be a good choice for women, as it can decrease heavy periods. Heavy bleeding can be due to hormones or other gynaecological problems. Before you have an IUD inserted it is important to be sure you have none of these gynaecological problems. Your doctor will arrange a check-up and may want to arrange other tests before you have a Mirena.
What is the best contraception to prevent a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? Expand The condom is the only method of contraception that helps prevent STIs. Using a condom before genital contact offers protection against many STIs.
What is the best contraception to prevent a pregnancy? Expand The contraceptive method that has the same efficacy for perfect use and typical use is long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). The best LARCs are the intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the progestogen implant (Implanon).