Marie Stopes International (MSI) welcomed the government’s decision this week to advocate, long-acting contraceptive methods, including the injection and implant as a strategy to reduce unplanned pregnancy figures.
The new policy reflects a significant move from more conventional methods such as the contraceptive pill. From now on doctors will be advising women not to automatically choose the pill but to consider alternative methods such as the injection and implant which can last up to three months and three to five years respectively. A national campaign geared towards young women and teenagers will fully inform them about the broad range of contraception now available.
“British women have traditionally relied upon the contraceptive pill. At present, one in three women using prescribed contraception choose the pill whilst only 14% use long-acting methods.” said Dr Kate Worsley, Head of the Medical Development Team at Marie Stopes International.
“Worryingly four out of five women forget to take their pill for two or more days every month making if far less effective. If they opt for longer acting methods, which don’t rely on their remembering to take a pill every day, their contraceptive method will be 99% reliable". added Dr Worsley.
In fact, the Department of Health estimates that if more women choose alternatives such as the injection and implant, the number of unplanned pregnancies could be reduced by as many as 73,000.
MSI wholeheartedly supports the promotion of increased information about the full range of contraception available together with improved access.
"This will allow women to carefully consider longer acting contraceptive methods such as the coil, the injection and the implant and opt for them if they suit their lifestyles." Said Dr Worsley. However, it is crucial to remember that condoms are still the only contraceptive method which offer protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV / AIDS."
For further information or to arrange an interview with Dr Worsely, please contact the MSI Press Team:
Tel: 020 7034 2307