CONTRACEPTION...GET IT SORTED!

The subject of contraception can be a bit confusing, but the most important thing to remember is not to be pushed into doing anything you don’t want to. Choosing to have sex is nobody else’s choice but  YOURS. If you do decide to have sex, get all the right info first.

Getting contraception sorted before starting to have sex is really important. If used properly, contraceptives can protect against unplanned pregnancies but only male and female condoms will also protect against sexually transmitted infections. There are 14 different types of contraception to choose from and different methods suit different people, so they need to spend some time to find a type that suits them best. Here are just a few: Male Condom Female Condom (Femidom) Combined Pill (The Pill) Progesterone Only Pill (Mini Pill) Contraceptive Injection Intrauterine Device (The Coil) Intrauterine System Implant

Can you match the contraceptive names to the correct pictures on this page? If someone has had sex and hasn’t used any contraception at all or if the contraceptive method fails (for example the condom splits or the woman has forgotten to take a pill on time), emergency contraception can be used. There are two forms of emergency contraception - the emergency contraceptive pill (also known as the ‘morning-after pill’) and the Intrauterine Device ( IUD) . The emergency contraception pill is made up of a special dose of the hormone progestogen. This pill can be used up to 72 hours (three days) after sex to prevent a pregnancy. However, the sooner it's used – preferably within 24 hours - the more effective it is. An IUD can be fitted as an emergency contraceptive up to five days after sex. It has to be fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse.

You can get advice about all types of contraception from: Your GP Family Planning Clinics GUM Departments Pharmacists School Nurses Please remember that withdrawal (taking the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation) is not a method of contraception. There is semen containing sperm at the tip of the penis as soon as it is erect, so this method should never be used! Contraception is free on the NHS and advice will be confidential – even if the patient is under 16. This means that no information about the individual or their visit will be disclosed to anyone without their consent – this includes parents, teachers, partners and friends. The only exception to this is if the person's safety or well being is at risk.

To find out more about contraception, your options if you think you might be pregnant and where your nearest family planning clinic is, go to: www.under-cover.org.uk www.dontcrossyourfingers.co.uk