Range Of Free Contraception Available Across NI

Marking World Contraception Day, 26 September, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder for people on how and where to find out about contraception that works for you.

Contraception is available for free across Northern Ireland, and following a successful pilot scheme last year, there is also a service that allows women and girls aged 16 and over to order contraceptive pills online and have it delivered discreetly to their door. The service is operated by SH:24 and funded by Health and Social Care.

There are also Sexual and Reproductive health clinics across Northern Ireland which provide the full range of contraception, including the most effective types of contraception - contraceptive implants and contraceptive coils. Details on local sexual and reproductive health clinics can be found at www.sexualhealthni.info/contraception

Contraception is also available from general practices and, for people aged under 25, from Common Youth at www.commonyouth.com

Emergency Hormonal Contraception, often known as 'the morning after pill' is also available free of charge through most community pharmacies in Northern Ireland.

Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: "There are lots of different types of contraception from condoms, to pills that you take every day, to things like the contraceptive implant or contraceptive coil that can last for several years. Using contraception allows women and young people to have control over their fertility, their body."

Dr Coyle continued: "Different types of contraception work for different people at different times of their lives. The most effective reversible contraceptives we have are the contraceptive implant and contraceptive coil.

"These can be accessed in sexual and reproductive health clinics across Northern Ireland with short waiting times for appointments as well as through many GP practices.

"It's also important to remember that although contraceptive pills, implants and coils prevent unplanned pregnancies, they don't protect against STIs, so condoms are still important especially with new sexual partners."

Earlier this year, the PHA launched the C-Card scheme, aimed at people aged 16-25, which provides them with free condoms and lubricants, as well as one-to-one advice about their sexual health.

Barbara Porter, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: "When used correctly during sexual interactions, condoms are the only type of protection that help prevent both STIs and pregnancy.

"As STIs continue to rise in Northern Ireland, we hope that this service will reduce the number of young people contracting unwanted infections or having unplanned pregnancy."

For more information or to order your free discreet contraception or STI test visit www.sh24.org.uk