Gallery
The Contraceptive pill.
Carl Djerassi from Mexico developed the contraceptive pill about 1953.
It was first introduced into Great Britain in 1961 only for married women.
Single women had to wait until 1967.
Fewer women used the pill during the 1980’s from lots of media and press information about blood clots and possible risk of strokes.
The pill is still the most popular form of contraception; the condom is the second most used type to avoid pregnancy. It is only currently available from your doctor.
A scheme is being planned for 2008 to be made available via a chemist after a private consultation to establish any health risks. Four million women in the UK which is about 24% of all women aged between 16-49 uses the contraceptive pill. Teenage birth rates. The UK has the highest teenage birth rates in Western Europe.
Twice as many as Germany,
Three times more than France,
Six times higher than the Netherlands.
The office for national statistics declared that in 2005 there were 7,462 girls under 16 who became pregnant in 2005.
Other form of contraception briefly explained include:-
Diaphragm/Cap – This is a round dome made of rubber with spermicidal cream and placed over the cervix to prevent sperm form entering the womb. Has to be inserted before sex and must remain for at least six hours afterwards. Female condom that fits inside the vagina forming a barrier for sperm entering the vagina.
IUS (Intrauterine system) a small plastic device is placed inside a women by a doctor that contains progesterone hormone and is effective for up to 5 years.
IUD (Intauterine device) A small plastic/copper usually ‘T’ shaped that is placed inside a by a doctor to stop fertilization.
Implant – A matchstick size soft tube placed under the skin by the doctor that releases hormones making it difficult for sperm to meet the egg and last for about 3 years.
There are other methods less used but not as successful to avoid becoming pregnant
1. Withdrawal.
2. The Rhythm system works on the theory that if women has a regular 28 day menstrual cycle and the fact that the egg usually ovulates 14 days before the next period. Taking into consideration that sperm can survive up to 7 days after intercourse in the womb.
So there can be times each month when in theory it is safe to have intercourse and not become pregnant if you knew exactly which day the egg was being released having sex 14-8 days before this time has been considered the safest time.
The sperm only has about 24 hours to fertilize the egg in the fallopian tube once ovulation has occurred. Both of the above methods are much less reliable form of preventing pregnancy.
The above is only very brief information and is not supplied to allow you to make a decision on which form of contraception it use. Always seek expert medical advice.
*********Always seek expert medical advice to fully establish which form of contraception is best for you. *******None will protect you from HIV and STIs