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Dr Daisy’s Contraception Quiz
Sometimes, there’s so much confusing information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe.
Plus with so many methods of contraception now available, the choice has never been better.
- So do you know your contraceptive options?
- Which method of contraception might suit you best?
Take a look at these questions. You might just find out some surprising facts!
Answer the following True or False – Keep reading to find the answers!
- There are now 15 different methods of contraception?
- The most effective method of contraception is for him to have a
vasectomy – ‘the snip’? - If you are fit, healthy, and don’t smoke, you can take the combined
pill until age 50? - The combined pill, can be used as a skin patch, or a vaginal ring?
- Does the combined pill cause cancer?
- If you are aged over 40, you will get a similar degree of
contraceptive protection on progesterone-only ‘mini’ pill, as on the
combined pill? - You don’t have a 7-day break (pill-free week) when you take the
mini-pill (Cerazette/Cerelle)? - Being sterilised is the best form of contraception for a woman after
she has finished having babies? - There’s no such thing as weight gain on the pill?
- Contraception is needed until you are aged 55?
I’m going to help you with the answers – read on and see if you were right!
- There are now 15 different methods of contraception?
Answer: True
It can be confusing as there is now a wide variety of contraceptive choice. All contraceptives are available, free of charge to women in the UK.
To make an appointment see your GP/practice nurse, or visit a Sexual Health Clinic
- The most effective method of contraception is a vasectomy?
Answer False
The failure rate of a vasectomy is 1 in 2000 procedures. The implant ‘Nexplanon’ has no user failure rate! It is the safest contraceptive method of all – if inserted and used correctly.
- Fit, healthy non-smoking women can take the pill until they are 50?
Answer True
The combined pill has been extensively studied. Using the pill carries small risks, but if you attend for pill check, do not smoke and maintain a healthy weight, the pill is more likely to confer a benefit and not harm. There are other methods for older women, and the relative risk and benefits
- The combined pill – can now be used in a skin patch or a vaginal ring?
Answer True
The pill contains two hormones estrogen and progesterone. However the pill has to be swallowed every day, on time, and the pill rules need to be followed.
The contraceptive patch is a skin patch which contains the same hormones as the pill. Once applied it releases the hormones through the skin into your bloodstream for 7 days.
The vaginal ring is a soft, silicone, ring inserted into the vagina which again releases these hormones. One vaginal ring lasts for 3 weeks.
In principle, the fact these hormones are given through the skin or through the vaginal wall, into the bloodstream, rather than being taken by mouth, may have benefits in terms of reducing side effects. They may/may not easier to use reliably depending on the user.
- Cancers are more common in women who use the combined pill?
Answer False
Contrary to popular belief, the combined pill has been shown to decrease your overall risk of developing cancer by 12%. This was the finding of a 2007 study from the GP database involving over a million women.
The combined pill seems to offer significant protection from cancer of the bowel, the body of the uterus (womb) and the ovary. There is a small increased risk of breast cancer. There is a very small increased risk of cervical cancer in women using the pill for over 8 years. (This does not mean women should not take the pill – but they should have regular smears!)
- Women over 40, get a similar degree of contraceptive protection on a progesterone-only ‘mini’ pill, as they would on the combined pill?
Answer TRUE
As women age, their natural fertility falls. This means that a less effective method of contraception become
s more effective.
The newer POP’s (Cerazette/Cerelle) have published failure rates in keeping with the combined pill.
- You do not have a 7-day break when you take the mini-pill (Cerazette/Cerelle)?
Answer TRUE
Any of the progesterone-only pills (POP’s) must be taken every day, with no 7-day break.
- Female sterilisation is the best form of contraception for a woman after she has finished having babies?
Answer FALSE
Female sterilisation usually involves a general anaesthetic, abdominal surgery and a scar. This is all subject to operative risk, and risk of infection, haemorrhage etc. Remember also that female sterilisation has to be considered irreversible. Plus the failure rate is high – at 1 in 200 procedures!
Modern methods of contraception do not require a general anaesthetic. They are safe, reliable and reversible. All combined methods, progesterone-only methods and Long-Acting Reversible methods have lower failure rates than female sterilisation.
- Weight gain is a side effect of taking the Combined pill?
Answer FALSE
Interesting that so many women still believe this is true. In fact in clinical studies, all women put on weight at a similar rate, even those not using hormonal contraception, or those using a copper coil. There is an obesity epidemic in the UK that is not caused by contraception. Women tend to gain weight as they age whether they use contraception or not!
- Contraception is needed until you are aged 55?
Answer TRUE
Fertility falls with age, and it is incredibly rare for a woman to get pregnant naturally aged over 55. However women are recommended to use contraception until they have had no periods under aged 50 for 2 years, or if aged over aged 50, for 1 year (not taking hormones).
Well done! – How did you do?
Any questions? Feel free to get in touch!
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