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.
"Having some contraception doesn't mean you are 'easy' or even going to have sex - it just means you can choose whether or when to have sex."
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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.
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Is contraception the same as safe sex ?
"Contraception helps prevent pregnancies, safe sex prevents infections."
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.
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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.
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How can I persuade my partner that we should use a condom?
See www.avert.org/usecond.htm for information.
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What types of contraception are available?
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Which types of contraception are most commonly used by young people?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
"Match your contraceptive to your lifestyle and age."
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.
Useful information about condoms can be found at: www.avert.org/usecond.htm
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