Get contraception sorted
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Before you consider having sex, you need to think about contraception to protect against unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Read up on the available options.
Are you thinking?
Contraception is used to prevent unintended pregnancy. However, remember that only condoms can also prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Methods such as 'withdrawal' and 'the rhythm method' aren’t reliable and do not prevent pregnancies or STIs.
Different types of contraception come with their individual pros and cons. You can visit NHS Choices for more information.
Condoms
Condoms are around 98 per cent effective in preventing unintended pregnancy and also help to prevent STIs too. What's good about them is that they are easily available.
Although the age of consent is 16 in England, Wales and Scotland (17 in Northern Ireland), condoms can be bought at any age from chemists and supermarkets. Family planning clinics and specialist centres such as Brook centres also give condoms away for free.
The pill
There are a few different types of contraceptive pill, taken at different times and at different frequencies. The pill is taken by the girl and the possible side effects include skin complaints, high blood pressure and a change in appetite which can lead to weight gain.
The main thing to consider is that although the pill protects against unintended pregnancy, it doesn't offer any protection against STIs. Contraceptive pills are available from GPs, a family planning clinic as well as at a Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic.
If all else fails: emergency contraception
Emergency contraception, which can be called the morning after pill is available if you need it. However, it should not be used as a regular form of contraception. It doesn't protect against STIs and it can lead to side effects if taken too often.
The pill should be taken as soon as possible after you have unprotected sex, but can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after sex. The longer a girl leaves it, the less effective the pill becomes.
Emergency contraception is free from family planning clinics, GPs, Brook centres, NHS walk-in centres and some GUM clinics. Some pharmacies may also provide you with emergency contraception for free, or you can buy emergency contraception from most pharmacies if you're over 16.
Find out where you can get emergency contraception.
Other forms of contraception
There are lots of other forms of contraception around. You may have heard of:
- contraceptive injections and implants
- contraceptive patches
- a cap or a diaphragm
- IUD or a coil
Your GP or a Family Planning Clinic will be able to help you decide which is the most suitable form of contraception for you. Remember that even if you're under 16, you're still entitled to free and confidential advice on sexual health and contraception.
Contraceptive Awareness Week
Between 9 and 15 February, the FPA is dedicating themselves to help people choose the right form of contraception.
This year, the theme is ‘Finding the Perfect Partner,’ aimed at matching women to the best form of contraception for her. However, there is still some information that can be helpful for boys too.
Visit Finding the Perfect Partner for more help.
