Contraception & Sexual Health

Contraception & Sexual Health

Sexual health refers to the ability of both women and men to enjoy and express their sexuality while being free from the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, coercion, violence, and discrimination.

The provision of sexual and reproductive health services includes support for individuals regarding their sexuality and healthy sexual relationships. This encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and management of sexually transmitted infections, as well as HIV care. Public health efforts also involve partner notification, promoting safer sex practices, and providing access to condoms.

Contraception

There are many different types of contraception, and not all methods are suitable for every situation. The most appropriate form of birth control depends on an individual’s overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, desire for future children, and family history of certain diseases.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, some birth control methods offer additional benefits. For example, some can lead to more predictable and lighter menstrual cycles, while others may reduce the risk of certain cancers. It’s important to consider all the reasons for choosing a birth control method.

Selecting a method of birth control can be challenging. It’s essential to understand your options and determine which type is the best fit for you. To help with this decision, think about the following questions:

What birth control choices do I have?

Birth control types include:

• Barrier methods – These include male and female condoms, the diaphragm, a cervical cap, and the contraceptive sponge.
• Short-acting hormonal methods – These methods include birth control pills, vaginal rings (such as NuvaRing and Annovera), skin patches (like Xulane and Twirla), and the contraceptive shot (Depo-Provera). Depending on the type, you must use these short-acting methods daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Long-acting reversible methods – Types of long-acting birth control include the copper IUD (ParaGard), hormonal IUDs (like Mirena and Skyla), and the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon). They can last between 3 to 10 years or until removal, depending on the device.
• Sterilization – This is a permanent method of birth control. Tubal ligation and vasectomy are two types of sterilization.
• Spermicide or vaginal gel – These are birth control methods that don’t have hormones. Spermicide kills sperm or impedes their movement toward an egg. Phexxi, a prescription gel, prevents sperm from moving, thereby reducing the chance of fertilization. Both products are used inside the vagina just before sex.
• Fertility awareness method – To effectively use this method, identify your fertile days by tracking your basal body temperature and cervical mucus. This is known as the rhythm or calendar method. To avoid pregnancy, refrain from sex on or around these fertile days, or use a barrier method of birth control during that time.

How do the birth control types work?

Depending on the type, birth control methods may:

• Keep sperm from reaching an egg.
• Damage sperm.
• Keep the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
• Change the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg doesn’t attach to it.
• Thicken cervical mucus so that sperm can’t pass through it easily.

How well do the methods work?

For any birth control method to be effective, it must be used correctly and consistently during every sexual encounter. Birth control methods that require little to no ongoing effort after being put in place, such as IUDs, contraceptive implants, and sterilization, tend to have lower pregnancy rates. In contrast, methods that require monitoring your fertility or avoiding sex at certain times are associated with higher pregnancy rates.

Will I be able to get pregnant when I want to?

If you’re considering getting pregnant in the near future, you might want to choose a birth control method that you can stop quickly. Options like short-acting hormonal methods or barrier methods are suitable for this purpose. On the other hand, if you want to avoid pregnancy for a longer period, you may opt for a long-acting method, such as an IUD.

It’s also important to recognize that your needs for birth control may change throughout your life. If you’re certain that you never want to become pregnant, you might prefer a permanent method, such as sterilization.

Do these methods work with my religious beliefs or cultural practices?

Certain religions and cultures reject specific types of birth control. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of a birth control method in relation to your personal beliefs.

Is birth control easy to get and easy to afford?

When selecting a type of birth control, consider what best fits your lifestyle. Some individuals prefer methods that are easy to use, don’t have bothersome side effects, or don’t require interrupting sexual activity. Others may wish to avoid needing a prescription. As you choose a method, think about your willingness to plan ahead or adhere to a medication schedule.

Additionally, be aware that the costs of contraceptive methods can vary widely. Some are quite affordable, while others may be more expensive. Check with your insurance provider to see what they will cover, and consider these costs as you make your decision.

Should I worry about side effects?

Learn about the potential side effects of different birth control methods. Consider whether you would be comfortable with any that may occur. Discuss your medical history with your healthcare professional and how it may influence your choice of birth control.

Do the methods protect against sexually transmitted infections?

Condoms are the only form of birth control that provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is advisable to use condoms unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner are engaging in sexual activity with anyone else and that you have both been tested for STIs. Always use a new condom each time you have sex. You can combine condoms with any other method of birth control you may be using.

Types Of Contraception

Methods of contraception that are available include:

• Combined pill. Contains hormones progestogen and oestrogen.
• Progestogen-only pill.
• IUD (intrauterine device, or copper coil)
• IUS (intrauterine system or hormonal coil)
• Contraceptive implant.
• Contraceptive injection.
• Contraceptive patch.
• Vaginal ring.
• Contraceptive Cap
• Diaphragm
• Condoms
• Natural Family Planning
• Sterilization

Please read further to find out more about each method of contraception mentioned above.

With all these methods of contraception for women and men, choosing the best method for you can be confusing. For more help please click on the button below to visit The Contraception Choices website which provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons.

STI’s

There are many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), each with its own set of symptoms. However, some STIs do not exhibit any symptoms but can still lead to serious long-term issues, such as infertility.

It’s essential to understand the different types of STIs, how they can be detected and treated, and, most importantly, how to prevent them.

How to avoid STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can often be prevented. The best way to avoid STIs is to not have any sexual contact. However, we know that this may not be an option for everyone. Fortunately, you can take steps to lower your risk while still having an active sex life.

Using a condom during sex is the most effective way to prevent many STIs. There are also other measures you can take to further reduce your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection. These include:

• Limiting the number of sexual partners, you have.
• It’s important to have open and honest conversations with potential partners about your sexual history.
• It’s important to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) along with your partner before engaging in sexual activity.
• Avoid having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Individuals who are intoxicated or using drugs often neglect safe sex practices.
• Where appropriate, get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV)

The only time unprotected sex is entirely safe from infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, or syphilis is when you and your partner are exclusive with each other and have both tested negative for these STIs at least three months after having sexual contact with any other partners. If this is not the case, it’s important to take precautions.

In women, the most commonly reported symptoms of STI are:

• an unusual vaginal discharge
• a burning sensation when passing urine
• lower abdominal pain
• pain during sex
• bleeding after sex or in between periods
• sores, ulcers, scratches, a rash or blisters in the genital area, or around the anus
• itching or soreness
• lumps in the pubic area, genital area or around the anus
• If you have any of these symptoms, please don’t worry, all STIs are manageable.

In men, the most commonly reported symptoms of STI are:

• a burning sensation when passing urine
• tingling, stinging, irritation, discomfort, a burning sensation, or soreness on the tip of the penis
• pus coming from the tip of the penis
• pain in the testicles
• swelling of the testicles
• lumps in the pubic area, genital area or around the anus
• sores, ulcers, scratches, rash or blisters on the penis, genital area, or around the anus

Over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Not all of the above infections are transmitted directly by having sex but it’s still important to know about them.

Testing for STI’s

The ‘window period’ refers to the duration between contracting an infection and when it can be detected by a test. The window periods for the most common STI tests are:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea – Up to 2 weeks
• HIV – 45 days or 90 days, depending on the type of test. Your test provider will be able to give you this information.
• Syphilis – 12 weeks

If you are uncertain about the timing of your STI tests, it is a good idea to take a test now and plan to take another one at a later date. This approach allows for better monitoring of your health. Your nurse or doctor will provide you with guidance and discuss the best testing schedule based on your personal circumstances.

Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is available at Sexual Health Clinics, where trained professionals can offer confidential services and support. Some GP surgeries also provide STI testing options. It is important to seek testing if you have concerns about potential exposure or if you are experiencing symptoms. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and help prevent the spread of infections.

Sexual Health Clinics

Sexual health clinics are free and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or sexuality. They may be referred to as genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics or sexual and reproductive health clinics, and they provide various sexual health services, including:

• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV testing.
• Contraception, including emergency contraception and related advice.
• Pregnancy testing
• Abortion advice
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine to protect against HIV
• Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations
• Help after rape or sexual assault

You can also get help and advice from:

• Some GP surgeries
• Some pharmacies, where you can speak to a member of staff in private
• Some young people’s services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)

To find your nearest sexual health clinic please follow the link below.

For More Information and support check out the links below.

• Sexual Health Clinics: Coventry and Warwickshire
• The Sexual Health Hub
• NHS UK: Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
• NHS UK: Sexual Health Services