Contraception implants boost (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Contraception implants boost

Unplanned pregnancies could be reduced by tens of thousands if more women took up the offer of using long-acting contraception, the NHS treatments watchdog said today.

Types of long-acting reversible contraception, including contraceptive injections and implants, were used by only eight per cent of British women aged 16 to 49 in 2003-04, compared with 25 per cent on the pill and 23 per cent using condoms.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has now issued guidance for England and Wales saying long acting methods should be offered to all women seeking advice on contraception.

But campaigners have warned encouraging increased use of these methods could help fuel promiscuity and the rise of sexually transmitted infections.

Norman Wells, the director of Family and Youth Concern, said NHS money would be best spent highlighting the benefits of faithful and long-term relationships rather than promoting contraception.