Different methods of contraception suit different people, but withdrawal (taking the penis out of the vagina before “ejaculation” – sperm comes out) is NOT a method of contraception. As soon as the penis gets stiff (an erection) there will be some sperm at the top of the penis which means this could cause pregnancy.

A girl / woman can get pregnant;

• If it is the first time she has had sex
• If she does not have an orgasm
• A bloke pulls out of her before he ‘comes’
• If she has had sex while having a period
• If she douches (squirts water / any liquid into her vagina – this is not safe or advisable)

At some time in your life you are likely to meet a woman who say’s “It’s ok, we don’t need to use a condom because I am on the pill” or a man who say’s “I don’t like condoms – they ruin the moment so I don’t use them”.

Even if you totally trust the person you are thinking about sleeping with – make sure you take responsibility for your own actions because you can never be 100% sure that you’re safe.

Basically, if you’re a girl it might be a good idea to look at the best contraceptive methods for you, for example the pill. If you’re a bloke – make sure you use a condom and then you know that you’re helping to protect yourself and your partner from having an unwanted pregnancy … something you might not be ready for.

What’s the best contraception to use?

There are lots of different methods of contraception to choose from and it’s important to find the best one for you. However, most people will probably find that it boils down to two things;

1. The only method of contraception that helps protect you from unwanted pregnancy, catching STI’s and HIV / AIDS is using condoms.
2. Ladies, if you want to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and STI’s why don’t you ‘double Dutch’ and make sure your bloke uses a condom every time you have sex as well as using a back-up method like the Pill which you can get from your doctor.

• The most common type of pill is almost 100% effective as long as it’s taken correctly. Your doctor will tell you how it should be taken.
• There may be some side effects but the chances are that they will go away after a short while. See a professional for advice.
• Remember! If you are taking medication or if you are ill it may affect your contraception so always speak to a health professional or read the instructions on how to make sure you are always protected.

There are lots of different pills and you really need to talk to an expert who will help you decide which one is right for you. They are free and an option for anyone who has started their periods. Even if you are under 16 you have the right to free, confidential advice on sex and contraception. Try your GP, nearest Community Sexual Health Clinic or Young People’s Clinic for more advice.

Please speak to your GP or local Community Sexual Health Clinic for advice on which contraceptive method is best for you – everyone is different and therefore what is right for one person may not be right for you.

To find your nearest Community Sexual Health Clinic: 0845 155 0156 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Contraceptive Injection

• If you remember to have your injection every 12 weeks – it’s over 99% effective.
• This is good if you think you will forget to take the pill.
• One injection with the hormone progestogen from a professional (e.g. a doctor or a sexual health clinic) will last for 12 weeks of contraceptive cover. This means you will have to go back every 12 weeks for another injection.
• It prevents unwanted pregnancy.
• It does not protect against STI’s so you need to use condoms as well.
• Your periods will probably change. They may even stop altogether.
• Some research suggests that women under 19 should try other methods of contraception because the injection may affect the way your bones grow. Always discuss your options and possible side effects with the health professional first.

Implant

• A doctor or family planning clinic will place a small, soft tube the size of a matchstick, under the skin of the upper arm. It works in the same way as the Pill, releasing hormones which prevent unwanted pregnancy.
• It works for up to 3 years so it can be left in your arm.
• It’s over 99% effective.
• There can be some side effects so speak to a health professional first.
• It does not prevent against STI’s.

IUS = intrauterine system

• It’s a small plastic device that contains the hormone progestogen. It is inserted inside a woman’s uterus by a doctor / nurse.
• It can stay in place for up to 5 years but you can take it out before if you want.
• It protects from unwanted pregnancy and it does not interfere with sex.
• It’s over 99% effective.
• This is not a hormonal contraceptive so there should be no side effects – discuss this with the health professional.
• It does not protect from STI’s.
• Your periods usually become much lighter and shorter, and some times less painful.

IUD = intrauterine device or The Coil

• It’s a small plastic / copper device usually in the shape of a ‘T’ that is inserted inside a woman’s uterus by a doctor.
• It can stay in place for 5 – 10 years depending on the type of IUD inserted, but you can take it out before if you want.
• It protects you from unwanted pregnancy and it does not interfere with sex.
• It’s over 99% effective.
• This is not a hormonal contraceptive so there should be no hormonal side effects – discuss this with the health professional.
• It can make your periods heavier and more painful.
• It does not protect against STI’s.

Diaphragm = The Cap

• It’s a round ‘dome’ made of rubber. You use it with ‘spermicidal cream’ and then place it over the cervix of a woman just before sex to stop sperm from going too far inside and causing pregnancy.
• It must be kept in for 6 hours after sex.
• It prevents unwanted pregnancy.
• It does not protect against all STI’s.
• There may be some side effects so speak to your doctor first.

Contraceptive Patch

• The patch works in same way as the pill and has some side effects.
• If used correctly it is over 99% effective.
• It does not protect against STI’s.
• It prevents unwanted pregnancy.
• It is a patch that you stick on a clean, dry and non-hairy part of your body.
• It is changed every 7 days and after 3 weeks you have a ‘patch free’ week so that you have a period.
• Speak to your doctor or a professional if you think you would benefit from using the patch.

Free contraception and signposting service for 13-19 year olds

• It’s Confidential
• Minimal information is collected about you (we only ask for your Date Of Birth, Gender, Postcode, and Ethnicity) – so you don’t have to give us your name and address.

C-Card allows young people to access free condoms from a variety of places across the borough. We hope to provide condoms and supporting material in a simple, safe and confidential way so that young people can build a relationship with our trained staff and therefore won’t feel embarrassed to seek condoms and advice when needed.

What Happens when a Young Person asks for a C Card?

A member of staff will:

• Introduce the C- Card Scheme and tells you how it works.
• Discuss Confidentiality.
• Provide basic information on safer sex, including other types of contraception available, basic information on Sexually Transmitted Infections and how to find out more.
• Condom demonstration (how to put a condom on properly)
• What happens if anything goes wrong – Emergency contraception.

Once the consultation is successfully completed (it takes around 15 minutes), the young person will be given a C- Card. Each C-Card has a unique ID code that is used for monitoring purposes.

Repeat visits for condoms are recorded by the member of staff, and after six visits the young person will renew their card and have another 15 minute consultation with a worker. This means that the young person will continue to receive support for the decisions they are making around their sexual health and request additional information if required.

The aim of the C Card Scheme is to help young people to increase awareness about safer sex, unplanned pregnancies, HIV and other STIs. During this contact with young people, discussions on a range of sexual health and other issues may also be triggered and links can then be made with other young peoples’ services, such as the Youth Service, Community Sexual Health Clinics and GUM.

Young people can register on the C-Card Scheme whether they are sexually active or not. The Scheme can help prepare young people for safer sex and/or help them in exploring their sexuality.

The Scheme is not about promoting sex to young people, but is about acknowledging the fact that young people, some under the age of 16, do have sex and therefore have a real need for accurate sexual health information and services such as condoms in a safe and confidential environment.

For more C Card information please call Halton Youth Service 01928 583322.