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There are still lots of myths and lies about getting pregnant. You've probably come across some of them:
"You can't get pregnant the first time... or when you're having your period... or if you're standing up... or if he pulls out..."
These are Myths and none of them is true. Lots of girls get pregnant every year
because they believe these stories.
There are various choices of contraception all of which are FREE from your GP, Youth Clinic or Family Planning Clinic. Aside from the female condom, these methods will not protect you against STI's.
Apart from condoms, other forms of contraception for women include:
- The Female Condom
- The Pill
- The Cap
- The Coil
- Hormonal Implant
- Condoms
What Type?
If you're thinking about starting to have sex, it's a good idea to go along to your local Youth Clinic or Family Planning Clinic - or to see your School Nurse, a Youth Worker or the Practice Nurse at your GPs surgery - to talk it over first. You have the right to confidential advice and services even if you are under 16 and may want just to check with whoever you see that your discussion with them will stay confidential (so they won't tell your parents or carers or Head Teacher, for example). This will give you the chance to talk over what kind of contraception you want to use and to make a clear decision. If you have a boyfriend, it's good if he goes with you for this so that you can make a decision together - after all it is half his responsibility.
If you are having penetrative sex, using contraception or condoms every time is the only way not to get pregnant. And even then, if you use oral contraception (are "on the pill") you need to make sure you take it at roughly the same time every day. If you forget and miss a pill, donŐt rely on it, but stop having sex or use condoms as well till your next period.
Whatever kind you end up choosing - it's important that it's right for you. Think about your life and whether you're organised or forgetful. This will help you find a method of contraception that's best for you. So if you find you don't like the first one you try, go back and talk to the doctor or nurse about changing till you've found one that suits you. Don't just give up till you've replaced it with another method.
Descriptions of contraception
- Femidoms - a female condom inserted in the vagina before sex
- Oral contraception or "the pill" which is very reliable providing that you take it every day (with a seven-day break between packs)
- The Progestogen only pill (POP or 'mini pill') is also available for young women who cannot take the combined pill
- A "coil" or IUD that is fitted into the womb and lasts from 3 - 5 years IUD or 'Coil'
- Implants - a little rod implanted in your arm that lasts for 3 years
- Injections - such as Depo-Provera, these last for 12 weeks
- Condoms
Diaphragms and caps: Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and cover your cervix. Vaginal diaphragms are circular domes made of thin, soft rubber with a flexible rim. Cervical caps are smaller. To be effective, diaphragms and caps need to be used with a spermicide (a chemical which destroys sperm).
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