World Contraception Day
56% of Irish people use no contraception when having sex for first time1- Young people continue to take risks with their sexual health1
- World Contraception Day is launched
Spin Team out and about at colleges promoting World Contraception Day
2009
Download 2009 Survey (PDF 200k)
Download 2007 Survey (PowerPoint 4 MB)
New research has shown that adolescents are more likely to have unplanned and irregular sexual activity than older individuals, and are generally less knowledgeable about how to use contraceptive methods effectively2. Dr Shirley McQuade, Medical Director, Dublin Well Woman Centre, says, “It may surprise many people that even in this age of mass media exposure, the embarrassment of talking about sex with friends or sexual partners, and the fear of appearing promiscuous are two of the biggest barriers to consistent contraceptive use, in addition to just pure lack of knowledge.”
The third World Contraception Day (WCD) takes place on Saturday 26th September 2009. Specifically targeting 18 - 25 year olds, WCD is the only worldwide campaign aiming to raise awareness of contraception among men and women and to improve the level of education regarding reproductive and sexual health. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Your Life, Your Voice: Talk Contraception’. Its objective is to encourage teenagers in particular to talk to people that they trust, so they have all the information they need to prevent an unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI). They are also encouraged to visit www.MyContraception.ie In Ireland WCD is supported by the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), Dublin Well Woman Centre and Bayer Healthcare.
Dr. McQuade says that with over 220,000 unplanned pregnancies occurring worldwide everyday3 “...it is vital that young people are educated on the contraceptive options available to them. Earlier research found that, worryingly, 56% of Irish people used no contraception method whatsoever when having sex for the first time in their life1”
Speaking about the importance of WCD and the education of young Irish people, IFPA Chief Executive, Niall Behan stated, ““Sex is a normal part of everybody’s life and it is about time we actively encouraged young people to talk openly about it. Education and awareness about contraceptive use empowers young people to make safer choices about safe sex. However, services also need to be much more responsive to the needs of young people.
This handy guide published on World Contraception Day illustrates the different forms of contraception available. There are so many different options out there for young people today including the pill, implants, condoms, diaphragms, the ring, the contraceptive patch and injectablecontraception. However, it is important for young people to know that condoms are the only method which reduces the risk of contracting STIs. We recommend that both condoms and an alternative method be used for optimal protection against infection and pregnancy.”
Dr. McQuade believes that Ireland’s youth are unaware of some of the impacts unplanned pregnancies can cause. “We are regularly seeing cases of young men and women who have either been misinformed or uneducated on the contraception options available to them. While women may be more inclined to discuss the topic with their sexual partner, it is evident that for many, no method is used at all. If you’re sexually active, modern contraception is the most effective method of preventing unintended pregnancy. However, the harsh reality is, not only is there substantial emotional and physical impact on the new parents, but a severe financial one and one which many cannot provide for. It is vital that our young people be given the education to make informed decisions about such a serious issue”.
According to an EU wide survey, Irish people typically look to their friends for sex education - 58% of people seek advice from friends while 37% of respondents turn to both magazines and their mother for sex education1. When questioned about reasons not to have sex, 29% of Irish men were afraid of sex for the first time for fear that they / their partner would become pregnant. This compares to 23% of Irish women giving the same reason. Approximately 79% of women personally chose the form of contraception used1.
www.mycontraception.ie provides useful tips and information on the various forms of contraception available to young men and women. The site advises that when choosing the best contraceptive, there are a few things that should be considered. Firstly, different methods suit different people in different stages of life, so before making a decision, the advantages and disadvantages of the various options should be looked at.
The site also recommends that personal circumstances are considered including:
- “How important is it for you to avoid pregnancy?
- Age and health - and medical conditions and circumstances in which the use of certain methods of contraception is not allowed or advisable. The prescribing doctor should have access to your medical history;
- Relationship status: for example, are you in a committed relationship, or is your relationship open? How often do you have intercourse? Is your family completed, or do you still want to have children?
- Do you want a contraceptive method that is independent of your sexual activity or could you integrate a barrier or behavioural method within your sexual activity?”
WCD organizers are urging all those looking for information to visit www.MyContraception.ie Alternatively
people should speak to their GP or Family Planning Clinic about a contraceptive
method that best suits and ensure full protection against unplanned
pregnancies and STI’s.
World Contraception Day is supported by Bayer Healthcare.
About IFPA
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) has been to the fore in
setting the agenda for sexual and reproductive rights in Ireland for the last
40 years. Since its foundation in 1969, the IFPA has been deeply committed
to promoting and protecting basic human rights in relation to reproductive
and sexual health, relationships and sexuality. Today the IFPA offers a comprehensive
range of services designed to promote sexual health and support reproductive
choice. The IFPA provides medical services from its clinics in Dublin city
centre and Tallaght as well as pregnancy and counselling services at 11 centres
nationwide. The IFPA delivers family planning courses for 150 doctors
and nurses every year and also provides training on reproductive health to
a variety of groups including service providers, young people, parents and
community groups. All of these services are offered on a not-for-profit basis. For
more information on any of their services please go to www.ifpa.ie or
call 1850 49505
Dublin Well Woman Centre
The Dublin Well Woman Centres were founded in 1978, with the aim
of helping Irish women access family planning information and services
- at a time when contraception was illegal. Throughout the 1980s,
Well Woman campaigned for the right to provide information to women
facing crisis pregnancy, and in the 1990s won a landmark case in Europe. Well
Woman now provides a full range of sexual health services, family
planning and other primary care services to both men and women, and
has three clinics in Dublin based in Liffey Street, Pembroke Road
and Coolock.
For more information visit the website of the Well Woman Centre:
www.wellwomancentre.ie
Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical
company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following
areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Oncology, Specialized Medicines and Women‘s
Healthcare. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a
contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality
of life. For more information visit the website: www.bayerscheringpharma.ie.
References
[1] Sex, Love and Life Survey, Bayer Schering Pharma, June 2007.
[2] Blanc A et al. Patterns and Trends in Adolescents’ Contraceptive
Use and Discontinuation in Developing Countries and Comparisons with
Adult Women. International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive
Health, 2009; 35(2):63–71
[3] Alan Guttmacher Institute. Sharing responsibilities: women, society and abortion worldwide. New York, USA: The Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1999
