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Why do we choose to use contraception?

Most people use some form of birth control, also known as family planning or contraception, at some time during their lives. This is because most people think that pregnancy should happen only if and when you want it to.

Some people have sex just to have children. Others have sex sometimes to have children but also have sex when they don't want to have children. Many people have a good and enjoyable sex life without ever having children.

 

 

 

 

What is contraception or birth control?

Obviously a completely effective form of birth control is not to have sexual intercourse. You can decide not to have sexual intercourse but still have a full sex life by doing some of the other things couples enjoy during sex. Most people, however, do want to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives and many choose to use contraception until they decide to start a family.

 

 

 

 

Is contraception the same as safe sex ?

 

 

Contraception is about NOT getting pregnant. You would use it only if one of you is a fertile girl or woman and the other a fertile boy or man. Safe sex is about not getting infections.

 

 

 

Will contraception stop me getting infections?

Not all contraceptive methods can stop infections. Barrier methods can stop both pregnancy and infections, if they are used perfectly and every time. These are the male and female condoms which are made of either latex, a type of rubber, or polyurethane, a type of plastic. Unfortunately, the methods that help to stop you getting infections are not the most effective at preventing pregnancy. Therefore, it is often a good idea to use one method to prevent pregnancy and another to prevent infections.

 

 

 

Which partner should use contraception?

The person who is most concerned about preventing pregnancy is most likely to use contraception. There are some methods of contraception that the boy or man can use, and other methods that the girl or woman can use. Who actually uses which methods and when depends a lot on the type of relationship and the circumstances. It also depends on the level of trust within the relationship. If you are in a long-term relationship and neither you nor your partner are having sex with other people you might be less likely to use a barrier method of contraception. Most people have heard about pregnancies that were the result of one partner assuming, or being told, that their partner was using contraception. If you are really sure you don't want to get pregnant, or be responsible for getting your partner pregnant, make sure YOU are using contraception, which means knowing how to use it perfectly. There is no reason why you can't use more than one method at the same time, a family planning clinic, or a genitourinary medicine clinic, can give you advice about this.

 

 

 

How can I persuade my partner that we should use a condom?

 

It can be difficult to talk about using condoms. But you shouldn't let embarrassment become a health risk. The person you are thinking about having sex with may not agree at first when you say that you want to use a condom when you have sex. These are some comments that might be made and some answers that you could try...

 

EXCUSE	ANSWER
Don't you trust me?	Trust isn't the point, people can have infections without realising it
It does not feel as good with a condom	I'll feel more relaxed, If I am more relaxed, I can make it feel better for you.
I don't stay hard when I put on a condom	I'll help you put it on, that will help you keep it hard.
I am afraid to ask him to use a condom. He'll think I don't trust him.	If you can't ask him, you probably don't trust him.
I can't feel a thing when I wear a condom	Maybe that way you'll last even longer and that will make up for it
I don't have a condom with me	I do
It's up to him... it's his decision	It's your health. It should be your decision too!
I'm on the pill, you don't need a condom	I'd like to use it anyway. It will help to protect us from infections we may not realise we have.
It just isn't as sensitive and I can't feel a thing	Maybe that way you will last even longer and that will make up for it
Putting it on interrupts everything	Not if I help put it on
I guess you don't really love me	I do, but I am not risking my future to prove it
I will pull out in time	Women can get pregnant and get STDs from pre-ejaculate
But I love you	Then you'll help us to protect ourselves.
Just this once	Once is all it takes

 

There are many reasons to use condoms when having sex. You could go through these reasons with your partner and see what she/he thinks.

 

 

 

What types of contraception are available?

 

> Male condoms

> Female condoms

> Spermicides

> Contraceptive pills

> Injectable and implantable hormonal contraception

> Intrauterine devices

 

 

 

Which types of contraception are most commonly used by young people?

 

Male condoms

Boys and men can use male condoms, anyone can buy them without embarrassment 'over the counter' at pharmacies or other shops. Some people can get them free from many family planning clinics if they are their only method of contraception. Some condoms already have spermicides (which kill sperm) on them, others can have spermicides put on them.

 

Female condoms

Girls and women can use female condoms, anyone can buy them without embarrassment 'over the counter' at pharmacies or other shops. Some people can get them free from a family planning clinic. These condoms can be used with spermicides, which kill sperm.

 

Hormonal methods
Depending on their age and medical history girls, or women, can also use hormones either in the pill, or an injection, or implant just under the skin. Both contraceptive pills and the hormone injection are very popular with girls and younger women. Hormonal methods are very good at preventing pregnancy but won't prevent you getting infections, so think seriously about using a condom too.

 

 

 

What methods of contraception are used by other women?

As women get older they often change their methods of contraception. This might be because they have different needs, we also know some types of contraception are better for younger women and others are better for older women or those who have already had a family.

 

 

 

New types of contraception are being developed all the time, and it is a good idea to go to a family planning clinic or your GP, or come to SHAC for advice about what is the best type for you.

For further advice about contraception you can visit the Contraception & Sexual Health Service.

 

 

 

> AVERT - using condoms

 

 

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