6 Safe sex: how do you do it? ALL ABOUT CONTRACEPTIVES What is it? The pill How does it work? A pill that releases hormones in your body. How do you use it? One pill a day. After taking all the pills in the pack, you don’t take any for a week. You then have your period but are still protected. Advantages • You know exactly when you’ll have your period. • You can delay your period. Disadvantages • You might forget to take the pill. Hormone coil (IUS) An IUS is a plastic device that is inserted in your uterus. It releases hormones so that you don’t get pregnant. It prevents pregnancy for five years. A doctor inserts the IUS. • You only have to think about it once every five years. • It gives you lighter and shorter periods. • Insertion might be painful. • You may have irregular bleeding. Copper coil (IUD) An IUD is a plastic and copper device that is inserted in your uterus. The copper prevents pregnancy. An IUD provides protection against pregnancy for five to ten years. Contraceptive injection A contraceptive injection contains a hormone which prevents pregnancy for 12 weeks. A doctor inserts the IUD. • You only have to think about it once every five to ten years. • It contains no hormones. • Insertion might be painful. • Your periods may be heavier and last longer. A doctor gives you the injection once in 12 weeks. • You only have to think about it once every 12 weeks. • Your periods will become irregular. • If you have side effects the injection can’t be immediately reversed. • If you stop, it takes a while before you’re fertile again. • You may have irregular bleeding. Contraceptive implant The implant is as big as a matchstick and is placed under the skin of your upper arm. It releases hormones so you don’t get pregnant. You’re protected against pregnancy for three years. Ring A flexible, plastic ring that you place in your vagina. The ring releases hormones so you don’t get pregnant. It prevents pregnancy for one month. Patch A thin patch that you stick on your skin. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. A doctor inserts the implant. • You only have to think about it once every three years. • It reduces menstrual pain. • You may have irregular bleeding. You place the ring in your vagina like a tampon. After three weeks, you remove it and have a ring-free week. You then have your period but are still protected. • Y ou only have to think about it twice a month. • You know exactly when you’ll have your period. • You can delay your period. You stick a new patch on your skin once a week for three weeks. This can be on any part of your body except your breasts or upper legs. The fourth week is patch-free. You then have your period but are still protected. 42 LONG LIVE LOVE • You only have to think about it once a week. • You know exactly when you’ll have your period. • You can delay your period. • You might forget to stick on a new patch. • It can be seen. • You may forget to insert a new ring.
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