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.

Links

Health Agencies

Crisis Pregnancy Help

  • For a list Positive Options Crisis Pregnancy Counselling services freetext the word list to 50444 or visit positiveoptions.ie

Sexual and Reproductive Health

National Links

  • Crisis Pregnancy Agency is a planning and co-ordinating body established to formulate and implement a strategy to address the issue of crisis pregnancy in Ireland
  • Samaritans 1850 609 090 or jo@samaritans.org - provides confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those which may lead to suicide
  • Irish Health is a health website that provides news and general educational information on health related issues
  • HIV Ireland an on-line directory that gives information and acts as a referral tool for professionals working in the field of HIV and Sexual Health and for HIV positive individuals, supplying clear and accurate information on services available

  • Drugs/HIV Helpline 1800 459 459 - a free, confidential helpline on issues relating to sexual health, drug misuse and HIV

  • drinkaware.ie is a consumer focused initiative aimed at reducing the culture of excessive drinking and promoting the responsible use of alcohol, while at the same time challenging anti-social drinking behaviours.

     

International links

Reference links