Christmas, Contraception and Condoms…
Party, Party, Party…Presents … Party…Pregnancy?
Lots to think about at Christmas and New Year…
Did you know…?
The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently worked out that the most popular day to be born in England and Wales is 26 September! Around this time there is a seasonal peak in the number of births which shows that Christmas is definitely the time to be thinking about condoms and contraception…
There are 15 different types of contraception available to help young women avoid pregnancy and condoms of course protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
Find out moreThe most effective contraceptive methods are called Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). There are different kinds of LARC, you may have heard them called different things: The coil (also known as the IUD or IUS) and The implant.
Both are widely available in South West London, and great if you don’t want to rely on a method you have to remember to take or replace regularly.
Talk to a sexual health profession about the contraception that is right for you…
Get in touch
The truth about LARC:
- Coils are now perfectly suitable for many young women who have not had children.
- Once a LARC method is fitted, it doesn’t need to be replaced for three years (implant) or for five to ten years (coils) and means you don’t have to think about taking it everyday and it will still work even if you are ill or sick. It can also be removed easily if you decide you want to have children.
- It may feel uncomfortable during your coil/implant fitting and for a few hours after (a bit like period pain), but this will settle down quickly.
- The coil is actually the most effective method of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, you may be advised to take the emergency contraceptive pill (used to be known as morning after pill) if it can’t be fitted immediately. If you have a coil fitted for emergency contraception, it can be kept in afterwards as your main form of contraception.
- LARC may change your bleeding pattern - some women experience a reduction in bleeding, which is common with the implant, though others may experience irregular or heavier bleeding, but this usually improves after the first few months. You can always ask for another appointment with your coil fitter to discuss any problems with changes in your bleeding pattern.
- Getting a coil or implant is easy, but may involve a couple of appointments; one to discuss your choice and suitability, the second usually needs a booked appointment for the fitting.
- Like most other forms of contraception, coils and implants won't protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted infections. Double up your contraception with condoms to protect you from STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
- More information on condoms here
Find a LARC service near you
Services are FREE and confidential, and you don’t have to be registered at most LARC fitting services to obtain it.
More about LARC this Christmas:
Here are some helpful links for further information on contraception:
NHS – Which method of contraception suits me? Sexwise – Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)For under 25s
Brook – Contraception