Saving sex for sexual health

Imperfect prevention

At first glance, contraception and barrier protection seem perfect counters to all the problems of sexual ill health. But their difficulties are manifold. Firstly, it is necessary to have access to them, which is difficult in less poorer countries, where cost is a big factor. Where does the money come from to pay for and distribute the product and to educate the user? Secondly, it is necessary to ensure its successful use.

Success depends on two outcomes: the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The combined oral contraceptive pill has high success rates in preventing pregnancy—just 8 per 10,000 sexually active women will become pregnant in a year.1 But this is only if it is taken at the right time for 21 days each month in the absence of certain other drugs, and diarrhoea and vomiting can influence effectiveness. Of course …