There is a time, somewhere in your mid-teens, when contraception talk is fairly frequent. Trading stories with friends, blushing through sex education classes at school, assuring your mother that, yes, you are being sensible.

But later the topic hardly ever crops up and a recent survey reveals that 30 per cent of women haven’t had a conversation with their healthcare professional about contraception in the past year.

The results also suggest women feel they aren’t being fully informed of their options.

But there’s no need to stay in the dark. If you don’t want to visit your GP, The Oxfordshire Contraception and Sexual Health (C&SH) service is provided from eight clinics across the county. The main clinic, the Alec Turnbull Centre (ATC), is located in Cowley, Oxford, with seven satellite clinics located in Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Didcot, Kidlington, Wantage and Witney.

The service sees around 15,000 patients at its main clinic and offers contraceptive advice and supplies, along with information and help with sensitive issues such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Consultations are strictly confidential, it is not necessary to be referred by a doctor or nurse and people are seen on a drop-in basis or advice can be given over the telephone.

In the survey of 3,000 women – commissioned by Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd (MSD) – more than two-thirds of women (70 per cent) said they felt they were not receiving enough information on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) – and 65 per cent said they’d never heard the term before.

“The results made disappointing reading,” said GP Dr Dawn Harper. “I think sometimes when a woman asks for ‘the pill’, she may really mean that she wants a form of contraception other than condoms. That may well be the pill, but it could be that a different form would be more suitable.

“There are 14 different types of contraception, and it’s important healthcare professionals make sure women know their options, and that women feel they can talk openly about the issue.

“I think of contraception like the little black dress – what suits one woman just isn't right on another, and what looks a million dollars at 20 isn't necessarily the right choice at 40,” she said. “Contraception needs to fit you and your lifestyle.”

Sometimes it can mean trying a few different options before finding the right method for you – "but the more your doctor or nurse knows about you, your routine, your medical history, then the better chance we have of getting it right", Harper added.

Side-effects from hormonal methods vary from irritating, right through to life-blighting and medically risky, like high blood pressure and blood clots.

Though life-threatening risks like this are extremely rare, it’s important that they’re monitored, and sometimes certain types of contraception may not be suitable for some women. Where this is the case, though, there is almost certainly another type that will be suitable.

At the same time, for some, contraception can have additional health and life-enhancing results, such as minimising painful and heavy periods, regulating erratic cycles, and even reducing some cancer risks.

Preventing unwanted pregnancy may be the key purpose, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all issue, especially as lifestyles and routines vary. Barrier methods, like condoms, also offer protection against many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which LARCS don’t. However, LARCS offer a simple long-lasting solution, which don’t rely on having to remember to take a pill at the same time every day, and don’t become less effective if you suffer a bout of sickness.

While most women go to their GP or practice nurse for contraception, you can also make appointments at family planning or sexual health clinics.

Services provided by Oxfordshire C&SH include contraceptive advice including coils and implants, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, advice on sexual problems, cervical smear tests and psychosexual counselling.

The Oxford clinic is at The Alec Turnbull Centre, First Floor, Raglan House, Between Towns Road, Cowley, Oxford OX4 3LX; telephone 01865 456666; Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 7pm, Friday 9.30am to 4pm and Saturday 10.30am to 1.30pm.

For details of the other Oxfordshire clinics go to oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/? service_description=contraception-and-sexual-health-service-oxfordshire

 

THE OPTIONS

Combined pill

Pills containing oestrogen and progestogen are taken for 21 days followed by a seven-day break. More than 99 per cent effective if used correctly. Not suitable for over-35s who smoke.

Progestogen-only pill

This contains no oestrogen and you don’t have a seven-day break. Often a better option for women with high blood pressure and blood clot risks linked to oestrogen.

Contraceptive implant

A small 40mm flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Steadily releases progestogen to stop eggs being released, thicken cervix mucus and thin womb lining. More than 99 per cent effective, implants last three years.

Contraceptive injection

Works in a similar way to the implant by administering progestogen. Two options are available – lasting eight or 12 weeks.

IUD (intrauterine device)

The IUD coil is a small plastic and copper device inserted into the womb by a medic. Releases copper, which prevents sperm from surviving in the womb, and different sizes/copper levels are available. More than 99 per cent effective, lasting five to 10 years.

IUS (intrauterine system)

Similar to the IUD but contains no copper and instead releases progestogen. Effective for five years .

Patch

A sticky 5x5cm patch delivers combined hormones – oestrogen and progestogen – through the skin into your body. Patches last for a week, are waterproof and more than 99 per cent effective.

Vaginal ring

A small, soft plastic ring which you place into your vagina for 21 days, before having a seven-day break then inserting a new one. More than 99 per cent effective.

Male condoms

Traditional condoms are 98 per cent effective if used correctly and carry no risk of serious side effects or hormone-related side effects. They also protect against STIs.

Female condoms

Less well known, female condoms are made of thin polyurethane and you insert them yourself inside the vagina.

Diaphragm (cap)

A round silicone cap which is placed into the vagina, covering the cervix to prevent sperm entering, along with spermicide which kills sperm. Has to be kept in for six hours after sex before removing and washing to be reused.

Natural family planning

Women can study their cycle and use urine test sticks and other factors, such as body temperature, to monitor fertility levels, indicating when they are less or more likely to fall pregnant.

Female sterilisation

Surgery to block or seal the fallopian tubes. It’s permanent and around 99 per cent effective, offering a lasting solution for couples who know they won’t want more children.

Male sterilisation (vasectomy)

Involves a minor op to block or seal the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. More than 99 per cent effective.