Birth Control

AN INTRODUCTION TO CONTRACEPTIVES

The mission of the National Family Planning Board is: “To provide guidance, leadership and advocacy and implementation of quality equitable sexual health education and services to enable all Jamaicans to achieve optimal sexual health outcomes throughout their life course.” A major part of this mission is the provision of accurate information regarding contraceptives and the contraceptives themselves. Below, we introduce you to the main forms of contraceptive available to the public.

For more information on contraceptive procurement and distribution, please click HERE.

📷The Male Condom

The male condom is a thin rubber or latex sheath that is placed over the erect penis before having sex. It has two (2) distinct areas: a nipple into which the semen collects and a stiff rim that enables the condom to stay in place during intercourse. Read More.

📷Barrier Methods for Women

A method of contraception is to cover the opening of the uterus with a synthetic cup filled with spermicide. The diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge and spermicides are the methods currently in use. Read More.

📷Implants

Implants are small plastic rods or capsules, each about the size of a matchstick, that release a progestin like the natural hormone progesterone in a woman’s body. They are placed just under the skin on the inside of a woman’s upper arm by a doctor. Read More.

📷The Intra-Uterine Device

The IUD is a small, flexible plastic device that is inserted into the uterus by a trained health provider to prevent pregnancy. It is inserted into a woman’s uterus through her vagina. The IUD has two (2) strings that come down into the vagina that help you and your health provider know it is in place. Read More.

📷Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is a form of contraception that can be used after unprotected sexual intercourse. It includes the Emergency Contraceptive Pill or ECP (see below) or the insertion of an intrauterine device. Read More.

📷Female Sterilization

Tubal Ligation (commonly known as “having your tubes tied”) is an operation which blocks the Fallopian Tubes thus preventing eggs from uniting with sperms and being fertilised. The effects of sterilisation are permanent. Clients should be carefully counselled before they choose it as their contraceptive method so as to minimise future regret. Read More.