Share this:
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. 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.”
Research shows that 1 in 10 Australian women either rarely or never felt comfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.²
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 said, “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.”
For more information on contraceptive options, their additional benefits and possible risks, speak to a healthcare professional, visit your local sexual health clinic or visit www.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.