Safe Sex & Contraception Guide
There are many different contraceptive methods available, and
different methods suit different people at different times in
ther lives.
This section will help you and your partner to decide on the
method of contraception is most suited to you both. It shows
most of the available methods, explains how each method works,
how effective each method of contraception is and the main
advantages and disadvantages of each contraceptive method.
You can ask your GP, practise nurse or family planning clinic
for more information on any method you are interested in.
Using Contraception?
How effective any contraceptive is depends on how carefully and
consistently you use the method. If 100 sexually active women
dont use any form of contraception 80 to 90 of them will become
pregnant in the year. The methods shown in this section are
divided into two types:
# NO user failure: do not depend on you remembering to take or
use contraception.
These are long acting methods and include: Contraceptive
injection :: Implant :: Intrauterine system :: Intrauterine
device :: Male and female sterilisation
# User failure: Methods you have to use and think about
regularly or every time you have sex. For these methods to be
effective you must use them according to the instructions given.
These methods include: Contraceptive patch :: Combined pill ::
Progestogen-only pill :: Male condom :: Female condom ::
Diaphragm :: Natural Family Planning
Some facts about avoiding pregnancy
There are a lot of myths about how to avoid pregnancy. These are
the facts. A women can still get pregnant:
# If it is the first time she has had sex. # If she does not
have an orgasm. # If a man pulls out her vagina before he comes.
# If she has sex when she has a period. # If she is not fully
breastfeeding. # If she douches (squirts fluids from the
vagina). This can be harmful to women. # Whatever posistion the
couple has sex in.
Emergency contraception
If you have had sex without using contraception or think your
method of contraception might have failed there are two
emergency methods you can use.
# Emergency hormonal pills Must be taken up to three days (72
hours) after sex. They are more effective, the earlier after sex
they are taken.
# An IUD Must be fitted up to five days after sex, or up to five
days after the earliest you could of released an egg (ovulation).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Most methods of contraception do not protect you from sexually
transmitted infections. Male and female condoms, when used
correctly and consistently, can help protect against sexually
transmitted infections. Diaphragms and caps may also protect
against some sexually transmitted infections. If you can, avoid
using condoms containing Nonoxynol 9 (spermicidally lubricated),
as this does not protect against HIV and may even increase the
risk of infection.
Contraception questions & Answers
Q. How do i find out about contraception services? A.
Contraception is free for men and women through the National
Health Service (NHS). Young people can call Brook on 0800 0185
023 or Sexwise on 0800 282 930
Q. What if i become pregnant? A. No method of contraception is
perfect. If you think you could be pregnant you should see your
doctor or practise nurse as soon as possible to find out. They
can talk to you about good pregnancy care, such as taking folic
acid and stopping smoking if you want to be pregnant, or talk to
you about what to do if you do not want to be pregnant
(Abortion).