Contraception

There are only two ways of reliably avoiding unplanned pregnancy, either celibacy (i.e. no sex) or reliable contraception. However if you want to have or are already having a sexual relationship, there are now a number of ways to protect yourself and your partner through reliable contraception. It is up to both of you to take responsibility for contraception, and even if you are in a same sex relationship, you will need to consider protection from STIs There are fourteen forms of contraception, some more re liable than others. The type of contraception you use needs to suit you and the sort of relationships that you decide to have. Pick the kind that's best for you and you won't have sleepless nights worrying about what if... Help is available in making this decision and you can try different forms of contraception if needed. (It is important to realise that no method of contraception is 100% reliable - but some are very close).

Types of contraception most common for young people:

The condom is the only form of contraception that protects against pregnancy HIV & STIs. As long as they are used correctly Condoms offer good contraception when used correctly. Condoms are easy to get hold of and are sold in a wide range of places. They are also available free from Sexual Health clinics, GUM clinics, Grapevine Centres and some Youth Centres. They have to be used properly, but this is not too difficult with a bit of practice. There is a female condom as well as the more common male one. You will need to see a doctor for all other types of contraception either your GP, or at a Sexual Health Clinic.

The pill is a very reliable form of contraception for young women, but only when used properly. On its own the pill doesn't offer any protection against HIV or STI's. If you're under 16, a doctor can prescribe the pill for you without telling your parents - as long as the doctor thinks that you are mature enough to understand what is being proposed. Forgetting pills, vomiting within two hours of taking the pill, or taking some antibiotics can all make it less reliable, so if this happens to you ask your doctor for advice or go for emergency contraception.

The IUD (Intra - uterine device) is a small plastic and copper contraceptive that is placed into the uterus (womb) by a doctor. Once in place you can't feel it, and it can stay in for up to 8 years. It works by stopping sperm from meeting an egg, or may stop an egg from settling in the womb. It is easily removed by a doctor when you don't want it any longer, and fertility returns quickly, but used alone it offers no protection against HIV or STIs. The IUD is a form of emergency contraception, and can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and sometimes even longer, and then left in place for future contraception.

Injections and implants for young women offer the same kind of hormone based protection as the pill, but without you having to remember to take it every day. They are both over 99% effective. The injection lasts for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the brand, and stops the female body from ovulating (releasing eggs). The implant is a small plastic rod that releases hormone and lasts for 3 years. It needs to be inserted just under the skin by a doctor; you will be given a small local anaesthetic for this.

When things go wrong

Taking responsibility for our actions is one of the key things we learn while growing up. Sometimes even when we try hard to do this, things go wrong. Whatever the reason, if you have run the risk of becoming pregnant or catching an STI it is best to do something about it straight away. There are two ways to reduce your chances of getting pregnant after the event.

There is a tablet, sometimes known as the -?morning after' pill that can be used in emergencies, (it is not a regular form of contraception). It works better if you take it within 72 hours of sex (but it is much better if you use it within 24 hours). The emergency pill and pregnancy testing are now available free and confidentially to young women aged 14 and over from pharmacies as well as from your doctor or sexual health clinic.

Look for this logo:

If you are 16 or over you can buy it from a chemist, even if they do not have the logo, but it will cost about £24. The coil (IUD) can also be used for emergency contraception for 5 days or more after unprotected sex. You will need to see your doctor or a doctor at a sexual health clinic for this.

Neither the emergency pill or the coil will make a difference to your chances of catching an STI after unprotected sex. Do get yourself checked out for infections, as some of them have no symptoms, and can damage your health without you realising, and many of them can be treated very easily. You can be tested at any Sexual Health or GUM clinic as well as through your GP.