Sexual Health Week 2014: Emergency Contraception

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.