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.

The Pill and Mini Pill

Combined Oral Contraception - The Pill

Over 99% effective if properly used. Higher failure rate with less careful use

Description

The pill is a tablet contains two female hormones (oestrogen and progestogen). On the most recent occasion of sexual intercourse approximately 45% of women aged 18-24 who reported using contraception used the pill (ISSHR, 2006).

How it Works

Hormones stop a woman ovulating (releasing an egg each month). These are many different brands of pill with different combinations of hormones. Your GP will advise you on the correct hormone combination that suits you.

Advantages

  • Does not interrupt sex
  • Useful for women who can reliably take pills on a daily basis
  • Often reduces bleeding, period pain and PMT (Pre-Menstrual Tension)
  • Can protect against cancer of the ovaries and womb

Drawbacks

  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with its effectiveness. In all instances another method of contraception would have to be used.
  • Not suitable for women with conditions such as high blood pressure, smokers over 35 or women who are breastfeeding. Your GP will advise you on the correct contraceptive for you
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
  • Not available without a prescription
  • There are many myths about the pill, to read about these myths, visit the More Information section of this site

Progestogen Only Pill - The Mini Pill

96–99% effective with very careful use

Description

The mini pill is a tablet containing the female hormone progestogen.

How it Works

Works mainly by preventing sperm getting through the cervix, may also thin the lining of the womb preventing an egg from implanting and may prevent an egg from being released.

Advantages

  • Does not interrupt sex
  • Useful for women who can reliably take pills on a daily basis
  • Useful for women who cannot or do not want to take oestrogen such as women over 35 who smoke
  • Can be used when breastfeeding

Drawbacks

  • Must be taken at the same time everyday. Other contraception may be required if pills are taken more than 3 hours late
  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, and certain medication can interfere with its effectiveness. In any of these instances another method of contraception would have to be used.
  • May cause irregular bleeding
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
  • Not available without prescription