News

Approximately 85 out of 100 sexually active women of reproductive age who are not using any contraceptive method will get pregnant within the year.1 Without a doubt, pregnancy changes your life.

World Contraception Day is a worldwide campaign supported by a number of family planning Non Governmental Organisations aiming to raise awareness of contraception and the need to reduce the high levels of unplanned pregnancy. 2008 marks the second year of the campaign and World Contraception Day will take place around the globe on 26 September.

“Regardless of whether you’re in a committed relationship or not, an unplanned pregnancy can have a significant impact on your life,” said Jill Michelson of Marie Stopes International, a not-for-profit organisation offering a range of sexual and reproductive health care services to men and women throughout Australia.

“Yet we are seeing that many women simply do not feel comfortable discussing contraception with their partner.”

Research shows that 1 in 10 Australian women either rarely or never felt comfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.2

“The only way to protect yourself against unplanned pregnancy is to use contraception every time you have sex and this should be the responsibility of both women and men.”

This year, World Contraception Day focuses on educating young couples about their contraceptive options to enable them to make informed choices about parenthood at the right time for them, under the motto: Your life. Your Body. Your Choice.

When choosing contraception, Dr Kathy McNamee from Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia explains, “the only form of contraception that gives you protection against both STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and pregnancy is a condom. STIs such as Chlamydia are very common among young people, with many showing no symptoms. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to infertility, so if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor.”

It’s important that you are aware of your sexual health and discuss this regularly with a health professional. So, on World Contraception Day, make the choice to get informed, take control ….. and avoid any unplanned surprises.

For more information on contraceptive options, their additional benefits and possible risks, speak to a healthcare professional, visit your local sexual health clinic or visitwww.your-life.com.au.

World Contraception Day is supported by: Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia, Marie Stopes International, Asia Pacific Council on Contraception, and Bayer Australia Limited.

For media enquiries contact Jasmine Kaur on 02.9436.2088 or 0416.001.586 at Reed Weir Communications

Reference:

1. Trussell J. Contraception efficacy. In: Hatcher RA, Trussell J Stewart F, Nelson A, Cates W, Guest F, Kowal D. Contraceptive Technology: Nineteenth Revised Edition. New York, NY: Ardent Media, 2007.

2. Real Choices: Women, Contraception and Unplanned Pregnancy. Commissioned by Marie Stopes International.