The rough guide - Dorsetforyou.com

SEXUALITY & RELATIONSHIPS 64
CONTRACEPTION
• There are only two ways of
reliably avoiding pregnancy,
either celibacy (i.e. no sex) or
reliable contraception.
• There are many different
forms of contraception,
some more reliable
than others. The type of
contraception you decide
to use should suit you and
the sort of relationships
that you have. Pick the kind
that’s best for you, and you
won’t have sleepless nights
worrying about what if…
• Remember though, that
both partners should take
equal responsibility for
contraception. It is also
important to realise that no
method of contraception is
100% reliable.
Types of contraception
The Pill is the most reliable
form of contraception when
used properly, but used alone
it offers no protection against
HIV or STI’s. If you’re under
16, a doctor can prescribe
the contraceptive pill for you
without telling your parents –
as long as the doctor believes
that you’re mature enough
to understand what is being
proposed. Forgetting pills,
vomiting within two hours of
taking a pill, or taking some
antibiotics can all make it less
reliable, so if this happens to
you ask for advice from your
doctor or go for emergency
contraception.
The condom offers good
contraception when used
correctly, especially in conjunction
with a spermicide,
and also offers protection
from HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections.
Condoms are easy
to get hold of and
are sold almost
everywhere these
days. They are
free from Family
Planning Clinics. All
other forms of contraception
need to be obtained through
your G.P or Family Planning
Clinics because doctors have
the know-how and training.
The IUD (Intra-Uterine
Device) is a small plastic
and copper contraceptive
that is placed into the uterus
(womb) by a doctor. It works
by stopping sperm from
meeting an egg, or may
stop an egg from settling in
the womb. It is very reliable
and works for up to 5 years.
It is easily removed by a
doctor and fertility returns
quickly, but used alone it
offers no protection against
HIV or STI’s. The IUD is
usually not recommended
for women who have not
had a pregnancy unless it is
for emergency contraception,
then it would be inserted by
a doctor, left in until a period
occurs, and then removed.
This can be done up to five
days after unproected sex
and sometimes even longer.
The Diaphragm and the
Cap are barrier methods
of contraception that fit
inside the vagina and cover
the cervix. They work by