Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Sexual Health Information for Women 35-55

33 55The best method of contraception for you will change as your life changes.

Are you in a monogamous relationship, single, or dating again after the end of a relationship?

Are you trying to become pregnant, breast-feeding, having a break between children, or is your family complete?

Do you ever have unprotected/unplanned sex? Do you have sex regularly? Can you remember to take a pill every day/ carry condoms at all times or do you need a longer lasting method? Do you need protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

More information on your contraception choices

Remember – only condoms offer protection from most STIs.

YOUR HEALTH
Do you have symptoms such as irregular/heavy periods or vaginal dryness? Some contraceptive methods can help these symptoms, others may make them more severe.

Do you have any health issues such as being overweight, smoking, having high blood pressure/diabetes that may make some methods unsuitable? Are you taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Oestrogen-based contraceptives can relieve hot flushes, vaginal dryness and irregular periods; progestogen-based methods can help reduce heavy periods.

COST
Some methods have higher up-front costs than others but are better value for money in the long term. Many of the methods with high upfront costs are subsidized by the Drugs Payment Scheme. Talk to your GP about all of the contraceptive options available. Talk to your pharmacist about enrolling on the Drugs Payment Scheme.

More information on your contraception choices.