CONTRACEPTION

1. I want to go on the pill but I don't want my Mum to find out. Can I get the pill without anyone knowing?

There are a few reasons women choose to go on the pill. Common reasons include regulating their period and offering some protection from unplanned pregnancy.

The law in New Zealand says that anybody of any age can have confidential access to contraception, so yes, you can go on the pill without your parents knowing.

Your doctor may encourage you to talk to your parents about this for lots of reasons, including the fact that you families' medical history might affect the pill that most suits your body. Talking to parents about this can bring understanding and support.

2. I have just started the injection (Depo Provera) and I am still getting my period. It has been two months now. What is wrong?

It can sometimes take a while for your period to stop completely when you first have Depo Provera. Remember that your period stopping is a side effect of the injection, not the main aim of it. If it has not stopped by the time you return for a second dose 12 weeks after the first, discuss this with the person giving you the injection before receiving it.

3. I am on the injection (Depo Provera) and I am spot bleeding (breakthrough bleeding). Am I still protected?

Regardless of how you are affected by the range of possible side effects of Depo Provera, you should still have the same level of protection as anyone else.

4. Since getting the injection (Depo Provera) two months ago I have been putting on weight. Why?

The injection is a large dose of hormone. Generally people don't put on weight on the injection. However, it can increase your appetite and if you eat more, you may put on weight.

5. My girlfriend doesn't take all of her pills. She says that the last seven are only sugar pills. Are we still protected?

The combined contraceptive pill (the more common pill) usually has 28 pills in total. 21 hormone pills and 7 inactive pills. The inactive pills are there to keep you in the habit of taking it every day and it is true that it is not actually necessary to take them.

However, progestogen-only "mini pills" are all hormonal pills so check which one she is taking before considering missing them out.

6. I missed the pill yesterday and last night I had sex without a condom. I really don't want to get pregnant, what should I do?

If it was the combined pill, then there is a good chance that you are protected anyway. Just take the pill you forgot as well as today's one and you should be fine. Check the instructions you were given when you started this pill.

If you are on the Progestegon only Pill (mini-pill) then you will need to take the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP). This used to be called the morning after pill, but you actually have up to 72 hours to take it, though the sooner the better.

You can get the ECP from lots of places including FPA Clinics, your doctor, Sexual Health Service or over the counter at most pharmacies.

Also remember that because you didn't use a condom, you may be at risk of STIs so you might what to consider an STI check up as well.

7. My friends say that it's OK to miss the inactive pills and go straight onto the next packet so that I can miss my period. Is it true that this is safe?

Many people want to skip their period for lots of reasons, like sports events or holidays. Research has failed to prove any complications from doing this, so it should be fine to miss the inactive pills.

If you want to skip periods for a longer time, you should consult your GP first.

8. My daughter is only 14 and I discovered that she is on the pill. Should I be worried that she is having sex?

There are a few reasons a woman may choose to go on the pill. The most common are to regulate menstrual cycle or to offer some protection from unplanned pregnancy. Others may include peer pressure or wanting to support a friend.

The only way for you to find out for sure is to ask her. At this age your daughter receives a lot of her information from her friends and through the media and it is not always accurate. As her parent you can make decisions about what she needs to know, and from where she should learn it. You could pick you time and generate an open discussion with your daughter remembering that if she feels she is being judged, she is likely to either close-up, or just tell you what and you want to hear.

Another useful idea may be to choose another trusted adult to provide your daughter with some guidance. It is common practice for young adults to latch onto another adult such as an aunt or grand-parent, family friend or teacher whom they feel safe with and trust.

9. I have just had a baby and I want to go on the pill but my friends tell me that I can't because I am breast-feeding. What can I do?

Instead of the Combined pill, which is not suitable for breast-feeding mothers, you could go on the Progestegon-only pill (mini-pill). There are also other contraception options that you can discuss with either one of our FPA clinics, your midwife, doctor, plunket nurse or Sexual Health Service.

10. My boyfriend and I have been having sex for some time now but we are not ready to become parents so I went on the pill, but it really didn't agree with me. I started feeling sick and I put on weight, so I stopped taking it. We have been lucky so far, but what else can I do?

There are a wide range of Contraceptive Pills available and it could just be a matter of switching to a different type.

You could investigate other contraceptive options at your FPA Clinic, your doctor or Sexual Health Service. In the meantime, to protect yourself from pregnancy, it's important to use a reliable method of contraception if you are going to have sexual intercourse. Condoms, when used correctedly with a water-based lubricant, are very effective.

11. I stopped taking the pill because my friends told me that they are really dangerous. I was taking a 3rd generation pill. What is the danger really?

Contraceptive pills can occasionally cause serious problems but also have advantages. Check with your doctor about any particular risks for you such as your family history, whether you are a smoker, are overweight or have migraine headaches.

12. I have small breasts and I have heard that my going on the pill will make my breasts grow bigger. Is this true? If so, why?

Some womens breasts do increase in size when they start the pill. It is a possible side effect of the pill, but it will not affect everybody.

13. I would like to get my tubes tied. How is this done?

Tubal ligation is only suitable for people who don't ever want to get pregnant again.

Your first step is to visit your doctor and discuss this. Then you will be referred to the appropriate surgeon.

The operation is undertaken in hospital  - you are there for one day usually.

14. I have been on the injection now for over a year, but now my partner and I want to have a child. How long before I can get pregnant?

It is possible that you can get pregnant as soon as the Depo Provera has expired (12 weeks since you had it). However, it could take 6 months or more before your body returns to its natural cycle. It is different for everybody and the only way to find out for you is to get pregnant.