How effective are male condoms? Expand Condom effectiveness depends on the motivation, skill level, and experience of the user. A new condom must be placed on the penis before any genital contact; it must remain intact until the penis is withdrawn, and a new one should be used each time you have sex. In typical use, it is estimated that 18 women in 100 will become pregnant in a year.
What are the advantages of male condoms? Expand Help protect women and men against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Regular condom use reduces the risk of STIs. Readily available from supermarkets, pharmacies and vending machines at low cost No significant medical risks or side effects
What are the disadvantages of male condoms? Expand The interruption to sexual activity can be a concern for some people Breakages can occur or it could slip off A small number of people are sensitive to latex, spermicide or lubricant Some people complain of reduced sensitivity during sexual intercourse
Are condoms right for everyone? Expand The majority of men can use male condoms. A few men may have a latex allergy. Men who experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection will find it difficult to use a condom.
How does Implanon NXT® work? Expand Implanon NXT® works for three years by: Preventing ovulation (egg release from the ovary) Thickening of the mucus of the cervix so that sperm cannot enter the uterus (womb) Changing the lining of the uterus, making it unsuitable for pregnancy
What are the advantages of Implanon NXT®? Expand Highly effective (99.9%). This means that fewer than one woman in every hundred using this method of contraception for a year would become pregnant Long-acting (lasts three years) Reversible and rapid return to usual fertility (most women ovulate within the first month after removal of the implant) Inexpensive – cost effective A small percentage of women have no vaginal bleeding Less period pain for some women No pills – no injections
What are the disadvantages of Implanon NXT®? Expand A change to the pattern of vaginal bleeding is the most noticeable result of using the implant. The changes are due to the effect of the hormone on the lining of the uterus. It is not possible to predict what the pattern will be for any one woman. Changes can include: changes in bleeding frequency (about one in every five women have no bleeding at all) irregular light bleeding prolonged and/or frequent light bleeding prolonged and/or frequent heavy bleeding The type of bleeding pattern experienced in the first 3-6 months of use may predict the ongoing pattern. For women experiencing continued bleeding problems, a change of contraceptive method may need to be considered. Women who are unhappy with their bleeding pattern should talk to their doctor.
Other disadvantages or possible risks of Implanon NXT®? Expand It does not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) It requires a minor procedure for insertion and removal Some women experience skin bruising when it is first put in the arm and a small scar Difficulty in removing the implant (which may result in additional scarring) Allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic or implant material (rare)
Possible side effects of Implanon NXT® include: Expand Headaches Mood changes Breast tenderness New onset acne
Does Implanon NXT® suit all women? Expand Most women can safely use Implanon®. Your doctor will review the suitability of the method with you prior to insertion.
Who cannot use Implanon NXT®? Expand This method is not suitable for women with: a history of breast cancer unexplained vaginal bleeding (your doctor will need to investigate this prior to the insertion of the implant) certain medications which may prevent the contraceptive implant from working effectively
How is the contraceptive implant inserted and removed? Expand A local anaesthetic is given into the skin and, when the area is numb, the implant is inserted. The implant is usually placed on the inside of the upper arm. The implant is normally inserted during the first five days of the menstrual period but it can be inserted at other times if there is no chance that the woman could already be pregnant. If it is inserted in the first five days of the menstrual period it may be immediately effective. If it is inserted at other times it will not be effective for seven days. The implant can be left in the arm for three years (or removed earlier if desired). Removal is a simple procedure using a small amount of local anaesthetic. You should expect intermittent spotting or bleeding for up to 6 months while the implant settles in. A follow up visit will be made to check on the placement and the bleeding pattern.
Fertility after an implant? Expand When the implant is removed fertility returns quickly with most women returning to their previous menstrual cycle within a month. If you do not wish to fall pregnant, you must consider alternate methods of contraception straight away. The implant is not effective after three years so it should be removed and the same or another contraceptive method used. A single procedure can be used to remove an old implant and put in a new one. The implant should be removed after 3 years even if you no longer require contraception. If a pregnancy occurs with an expired Implanon NXT® in place, then there is a small increased risk of the pregnancy implanting in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy). This can be a serious condition.
How do condoms work? Expand Condoms prevent the sperm and egg meeting by providing a physical barrier between them. They also stop body fluids from passing between sexual partners.
How effective are female condoms? Expand When used correctly, the female condom can be up to 95% effective as a contraceptive method. If not used correctly and consistently, the failure rate will be much higher.
What are the advantages of female condoms? Expand Help protect women and men against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) Regular condom use reduces the risk of STIs. They can be used with any kind of lubricant, including oil-based lubricants. The polyurethane condom allows for heat transmission, which may make sex more enjoyable. They can be inserted prior to sexual activity. The size and shape allow for protection of more area around the vagina. The penis does not have to be withdrawn immediately after intercourse.
What are the disadvantages of female condoms? Expand Takes some practice to use correctly Suitable for vaginal sex only, not anal sex More expensive than a male condom Not as widely available as the male condom
What if a condom breaks or slips? Expand Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy and it is a good idea to have a sexual health check-up for STIs.
Are condoms right for everyone? Expand The female condom is suitable for most people. It can be used if either partner is sensitive or allergic to the latex in male condoms.
How does DMPA work? Expand DMPA works by: Preventing ovulation (egg release from the ovary) Thickening of the mucus of the cervix so that sperm cannot enter the uterus (womb)
How effective is DMPA? Expand DMPA is between 99% (only if the injection is not late and there are no other reasons why the medication would be less effective) and 94% effective. This means that of 100 women using DMPA consistently over a year, it is possible that 1 to 6 woman may become pregnant. The 99% is only true if you are not late with the injection.
What are the advantages of DMPA as a method of contraception? Expand Long acting, effective method of contraception Inexpensive Undetectable by other people Suitable for women who can’t take contraceptives that contain oestrogen
Who can use DMPA? Expand Most women are suitable, though it is best used by women between 18 and 50 years of age. It can be used while breast feeding – a small amount of hormone gets into the milk but does not alter the quality of the milk.
Who should not use DMPA injection? Expand Women with unusual bleeding that has not been investigated Women who may be pregnant Women with a current or past breast cancer or severe liver disease Women with a previous history of stroke or significant coronary heart disease