TWICE as many women in Worcestershire are using short-term contraceptive methods like the condom during sex compared to more effective longer term options.

The latest figures, included in a report by Worcestershire’s Health and Wellbeing Board, show that over 68 per cent of women using contraception in the county use short-term methods such as condoms and the pill.

Just 30 per cent use longer-term methods such as the contraceptive injection and an implant.

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs the NHS sexual health services in the county, is promoting the benefits of long-acting reversible contraception to override the stigmas which are encouraging people to choose short-term methods as their choice of contraception.

Although different methods suit different people, long-term methods which include the implant, the injection, the intrauterine device (IUD) and the intrauterine system (IUS), are more effective and can last for much longer, ranging between eight weeks and 10 years.

For patients this means fewer appointments, less human error as there are no pills to take and less chance of an unplanned pregnancy.

Debra Newton, health promotion specialist for the trust, said: “All contraception including long-term methods are easy to access and free through any sexual health clinic or your GP.

"Women of any age can be fitted with an IUD or IUS and prior pregnancy/birth IS NOT required as many may think.

"We are happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all methods and answer any questions a patient may have prior to the fitting of long-acting reversible contraception.”

For more information on the different contraceptive methods and the benefits they have, go to www.playinitsafe.co.uk/