Fund research into improving the safety of contraceptive options

The side effects of the contraceptive pill & other methods like the coil can be extremely damaging & range from anxiety, depression, strokes & heart attacks. Current forms of contraception can affect hormone balance which can cause a range of different issues, yet we have little to no options.

Contraceptive options are extremely limited and all come with different side-effects that can have a negative impact on the body. Male contraceptive options haven’t been made available because of unwanted side-effects, so why is it ok for women to experience side-effects?

Action is needed to make contraception safer for everyone who uses it, as well as increase options for people without having to compromise other aspects of their health.

A range of contraceptive options are available to women including some that contain hormones (hormonal contraceptives). Hormonal contraceptives can contain combinations of oestrogens and progestogens e.g. combined contraceptive pill, skin patch or vaginal ring. Other hormonal contraceptives contain progestogen alone e.g. progestogen only pill (or mini-pill), contraceptive injections, implant and intra-uterine hormone releasing devices (hormone coils). Contraceptives that don’t contain hormones include intra-uterine copper coils and barrier methods that physically prevent sperm and egg from meeting, e.g. diaphragms (caps), spermicides and condoms. In addition to these options, surgical sterilisation by means of an operation, may be appropriate and acceptable for some women.

Contraceptive options for men currently consist only of condoms. Male sterilisation, through a surgical procedure known as vasectomy, may be appropriate and acceptable for some men. Any new contraceptive options developed for men, need to meet the same standards of quality, effectiveness and safety as for female contraceptives.

The suitability of all contraceptive options for individual women needs to be considered in the context of medical history, lifestyle and personal circumstances. The contraceptive method offered aims to ensure the woman realises the benefits of effective contraception without being exposed to unacceptable or excessive risk of harm.

Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective medicines for preventing unintended pregnancy and are associated with many important health benefits (e.g. reduced menstrual disorders; reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers; avoidance of risks associated with unplanned pregnancy). These benefits far outweigh the risks in most women.