posted by: Jane Bush
84 out of 100 couples having sex 2 to 3 times a week will become pregnant within one year if they do not use a method of contraception.
It can take time, many women will take several months to conceive.
However, you are much more likely to eventually become pregnant than not if you continue to have sex with out using any contraception.
And remember, most women of any age can become pregnant unless they have actually gone through the menopause.
The majority of women in the UK are potentially fertile until age 51-52, sometimes older.
It is true that termination of pregnancy is free, easily available and safe on the NHS.
However, termination of pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally traumatic experience for some women.
It is not completely risk free.
Why become a termination of pregnancy statistic?
Surely prevention of an unwanted pregnancy is better than “cure”?
Emergency contraception or the “morning after pill” is a useful way of preventing pregnancy after having had unprotected sex.
But emergency contraception only works at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
It is not as reliable as a proper preventative method of contraception.
So, although useful in an emergency, why take the risk?
It is said that the the withdrawal method or “pulling out” is probably better than doing nothing, and this is probably true.
However, the risk of it not working is about 22% which means that about 1 in every 5 women relying on withdrawal will become pregnant.
Also, sperm can live in pre-cum so any penis to vagina contact is risky.
Not all contraceptive methods can be used by all women and some methods do carry very small health risks.
Not all methods will suit all women either.
But, there are acceptable options for the majority of women and we can help you find a method that is likely to suit you.
Did you know that not all reliable methods contain hormones?
Are you aware that many contraceptive methods actually have other health benefits?
And nobody has to or should suffer with horrid periods these days either. Check this out…..
It takes two to become pregnant. Contraception should be the responsibility of both of you. In most of the world contraception has to be paid for and can sometimes be hard to get. It is free on the NHS. You are lucky. Use it.
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We have implemented a telephone triage system for all of our clinics. This system will be in place for the duration of the pandemic. Our central telephone number is 0300 303 3989.
We have updated information on the provision of routine contraception during this pandemic here.
Self-requested STI testing by post is available for those aged under 25- more info
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Despite any changes made to COVID risk measures outside of NHS premises our staff, patients and visitors will be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting our clinics, including wearing a face covering. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been requested to self-isolate please do not attend the clinic.
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