Contraception & STIs

If you have any questions about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, STI testing, pregnancy or abortion, the best thing you can do is speak with a doctor. If you don’t have a doctor then talk to the DSC Clinic or visit a local clinic.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of contraception depends on whether or not it is used PROPERLY.

There are two different measures of contraception effectiveness:

• “Perfect use” measures the effectiveness when a contraceptive is used exactly according to clinical guidelines.
• “Typical use” measures how effective a method is for the average person who does not always use the method correctly or consistently.

For example, a woman who never forgets to take her pill will experience almost complete protection against pregnancy. But often a person may miss a day for one reason or another, in which case the risk of pregnancy increases.

Typically, effectiveness is closer to 92% meaning on average 8 in 100 women taking oral contraceptives will become pregnant in the first year of use.

Types of Contraception

There are many types of contraception. Please refer to these links for details:

• Choosing the right Birth Control Method – Health Promotion Board
• Types of Contraception – Young Women’s Health
• Preventing Pregnancy with Contraception – Health Promotion Board
• Sex Etc – Sex Education for Teens
• Contraceptive Methods (PDF) – Health Promotion Board

The Morning After Pill

See information on Emergency Contraception here.

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually-transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD), are infections that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoa can cause these infections.

Infections can range

More

HPV: Genital Human Papillomavirus

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.

Although the body’s immune system will fight off most types of HPV, some can go on to cause cervical cancer. Cervical cancer usually does not have symptoms until it is quite advanced. For this reason, it is important for women to get regular screening (Pap smear). Screening tests can find early signs of disease so that problems can be treated early, before they ever turn into cancer.

Pap Smears
Pap smears are inexpensive (just $11.50 at the DSC or Free at some centers!) and an important investment in your health as a woman. Any woman who is sexually active should have a pap smear every 1-2 years or as advised by your doctor.

More info on HPV and Vaccination
More on Pap Smears

Testing for HIV and other STIs

• Anyone of any age can go to GP or any clinic to get tested.
• Get more information on Sexually Transmitted Infections from The DSC Clinic
• Unless a clinic specifically provides anonymous testing, positives results must be reported to the health authorities.
• Anonymous HIV testing is available at AFA as per the info below:

More Info

• Sex Smart Films