What is the morning after pill?
The morning after pill can stop you from becoming pregnant, if contraception has either failed or was not used in the first place.
Although lots of people talk about the ‘morning after pill’, this term is actually does not reflect the truth and is therefore misleading. In reality, the most-commonly used pill works for up to 72 hours or three days after you have had sex.
However, the earlier you take it, the better the pill works. It is most effective when taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex.
The pill is not 100% failsafe, but the failure rate is quite low, probably less than 10%. Of course the earlier you take it, the smaller the chance of developing a pregnancy.
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Take an early pregnancy test
If youve decided to start a family, youre probably already busy making plans to convert a room into a nursery and are wondering about suitable names for your new arrival. There are so many things to do, so being organised from the start is vital if youre going to make the most of parenthood.
Taking an early pregnancy test is recommended because it allows you a little more time to get used to the idea. Having a baby is obviously one of the major events of anyones life, so youll want to be as prepared as you possibly can be.
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The morning after pill should not be used as regular contracepti
When it comes to warding off pregnancy, the morning after pill should be a last resort.
Although common side effects include vaginal bleeding (more irregular than your period), headaches and nausea, the biggest side effect is pregnancy!
Prevention contraception is better than post-sex contraception.
There are many different types of contraception out there which are more suitable for regular use than the morning after pill. These include the standard contraceptive pill as well as condoms and the coil.
Advice on contraception can be sought from your GP (your local doctor), a pharmacist or a member of staff at a family planning clinic. You can also get advice on the morning after pill from these sources.
If you find yourself in the position of needing the morning after pill, you should seek advice as soon as possible – the longer you leave between unprotected sex and taking the mornign after pill, the less effective it is deemed to be.
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What the Chlamydia test involves
If you have had unprotected sex, and suspect you may have an STI, it is important you are tested.
However, some people are put off going to their GP because they are scared about what a Chlamydia test involves.
For females, a the test involves taking a swab from the cervix, although in some circumstances only a urine sample is needed.
The male test may require a swab from the urethra, although again a urine sample may be all that is needed.
Either way, Chlamydia can lead to serious complications and it is important that you are tested and treated if you have the infection.
Categories: Contraception Tags: Chlamydia test, STI, Swab
STI testing at home
A DIY smear test is now on sale over the Internet, aimed at women who are either too busy or too embarrassed to go to their GP for a check up.
However, as the specially adapted tampon costs £115, it may not be the most cost effective way to carry out a test.
STI testing should, of course, cover a lot more than checking for HPV signs – which is what the DIY test does. It is important that you go to your GP for a full sexual health check if you have any symptoms.
Finally, some people simply are not comfortable buying things on the Internet, which may discourage them from shelling out for the tests.
Categories: Contraception Tags: Health, sexual health, STI testing
Morning after pill available to under 16s
The festive season may be over, but many will find the effects last much longer than a hangover.
The combination of numerous parties and lots of drink mean that the number of teenage pregnancies always rises in the new year. Demand for the morning after pill also goes up.
This Christmas, some health boards offered emergency contraception free, without a prescription. While offering the pill to under-16s is not without controversy, it is hoped it will reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
Britain has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Europe, and the festive period is one time of year when teenage pregnancies shoot up.
Easy access to emergency contraception could help cut this.
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