Ahead of World Contraception Day (26 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the many free contraception options available and where to find them.
Across Northern Ireland a range of methods of contraception are available, so that everyone can find the one that works best for them. They are accessible through GPs, sexual and reproductive health clinics and some community organisations, and even a discreet online delivery service SH:24.
Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA said: “Choosing to use contraception is important as it can help protect against unintended pregnancy. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
“When it comes to contraception, no one size fits all and finding the right one is a personal journey. What works well for one person, may not be the best fit for someone else. Our experiences, lifestyles and bodies are all different so it’s important to find a method that feels right for you.
“There are many different contraception options and accessing them has never been easier. The important thing is finding what works for you.”
Contraception is available for free across Northern Ireland from a range of sources:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics – these provide the full range of free contraception, a list of which can be found at www.sexualhealthni.info/contraception
- SH:24 – this is a service that allows women and girls aged 16 and over to order free contraceptives online and have them delivered discreetly to their door. Find out more at www.sh24.org.uk
- GPs – your local general practitioner can provide advice and a range of free contraception.
- Common Youth – an organisation that provides a range of free contraception and free sexual health and wellbeing services for people aged under 25. Find out more at www.commonyouth.com
- C-Card scheme – this initiative is aimed at people aged 16-25 and provides access to free condoms and lubricants, as well as one-to-one advice about sexual health. Find out more at www.pha.site/C-CardInfo
- Community pharmacies – Emergency Hormonal Contraception, often known as ‘the morning after pill’, is also available free of charge through most community pharmacies in Northern Ireland. Find a pharmacy near you at www.pha.site/PharmacyFirstMap
Frances continued: “If you are considering contraception for the first time or looking for an alternative option, it is important to remember that the choice you make today doesn’t have to be permanent and you can review or change your contraception at any time as your needs change. Different types of contraception work for different people at different times of their lives.
“It is also important to remember that while contraceptive pills, implants and coils can help prevent unplanned pregnancies, they don’t protect against STIs, so condoms are still important, especially with new sexual partners. Condoms, when used correctly, are the only form of contraception that can help protect against both unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”
The PHA’s website www.SexualHealthNI.info contains a host of reliable, factual information to help you choose the right method for you, to take control of your fertility and your body.
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