Sexual Health Week 2014: Emergency Contraception

Published September 19 2014 inSexual Health
stopwatch1 minutes read

All this week has been Sexual Health Week, the focus this year is on emergency contraception.  You may have seen some of our tweets.  Sexual Health Week is organised by the FPA every year to raise issues surrounding sexual health.

 

A survey of 2,000 women has been published by the charity to help myth-bust the issues surrounding contraception and emergency contraception.  Here is what the survey found:

  • 35% of women aged 16 to 54 have had unprotected sex in the last two years when not planning a pregnancy, 83% of them did not use emergency contraception
  • The preferred method of emergency contraception is the pill (85%) then the coil (5%).  Most women go to a pharmacy (55%)
  • 36% still think you need to have a prescription for Emergency Contraception (not any more)
  • 39% of women felt that asking for Emergency Contraception was embarrassing and that there was a stigma around it, this rose to 52% of 16-24 year olds
  • 18% of women said they would like to be able to keep emergency contraception pills at home in case they needed them, but only 4% did

To see the full survey please click here.

Better2Know is an STI testing service and we do not offer Emergency Contraception.  Please go to your local pharmacist who will be able to help you.

If you need emergency contraception, then you are also at risk of STIs including HIV.  Please make sure you get tested to protect you and your future partner’s long term health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike has been delivering world class Sexually Transmitted Infections testing services to Better2Know patients around the world for over ten years. He has written extensively on the subject, including numerous blogs for Better2Know which are designed to demystify the complex intricacies of sexual health testing. Mike wants to help his readers understand the risks they take in their daily sexual lives and provide the information they need when choosing an STI or STD test in a clear, concise and understandable way. Mike is particularly interested in writing about viral STIs like HIV and Hepatitis, as these infections can have a devastating impact on people’s lives if they are not diagnosed quickly. Only through being well informed can you best care for your health, and Mike is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to help you and all his readers lead a happier, healthier life.