Random fact 152
Condom Excuses… ‘I dont like them’ Some people don’t like condoms because they’ve had a bad experience with them in the past. Other people are told that they shouldnt like condoms, so they never try them. There are plenty of brands that offer a variety of condoms to suit your needs. You can both get involved in putting the condom on, so it becomes part of having sex together. Try a coloured condom for some fun, a textured condom for extra sensation, or a flavoured condom for oral sex.
Contraception facts
The essentials on what to use and how to use it in bite size chunks.
Random fact 65
No contraception 100 per cent effective but used correctly, they are the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STIs (Sexual Transmitted Infections).
Random fact 66
The only guaranteed way of preventing conception is to not have sex!
Random fact 67
If you are taking the Pill, you shouldn’t miss taking a tablet.
Random fact 68
If you are using condoms, you should make sure you put them on before sex starts - not half way through!
Random fact 69
If you’re relying on the contraceptive injection, you need to turn up for your jab on time.
Random fact 70
Every method can fail if you don’t take care.
Random fact 71
There are 15 different types of contraception (so there really aren’t any good excuses not to find something that works for you).
Random fact 72
Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but most of them don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Random fact 73
Condoms help to protect against STIs and unwanted pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception youre using to prevent pregnancy, we recommend using condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.
Random fact 74
NHS contraceptive services are free and confidential, including to people under 16 as long as they are mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved.
Random fact 75
There are strict guidelines for care professionals who work with people under 16.
Random fact 76
You can get contraception free from loads of places in Northamptonshire. Find your nearest site here.
Random fact 77
There are lots of methods to choose from - some with names that can be enough to put you off and confuse you! Take a little time to consider your options and it will pay off.
Random fact 78
Contraception is an individual choice, if the first thing you use isnt quite right for you, try another!
Random fact 79
The cap is a circular dome made of thin, soft latex (rubber) or silicone. Its inserted into the vagina before sex. Its similar to a diaphragm but smaller.
Random fact 80
A cap is inserted into the vagina before sex, and it covers the cervix so that sperm cannot get into the womb. You need to use spermicide with it (spermicides kill sperm).
Random fact 81
The cap must be left in place for at least six hours after sex. After that time, you take out the cap and wash it. Theyre reusable.
Random fact 82
Caps come in different sizes and must be fitted for the correct size by a trained doctor or nurse.
Random fact 83
If used correctly with spermicide, caps are 92-96% effective.
Random fact 84
The combined pill is a tablet that contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen (synthetic versions of the hormones that are naturally released from the ovaries).
Random fact 85
You take the combined pill every day for 21 days, then stop for seven days. During that week, you have your period. After seven days, you start taking the pill again.
Random fact 86
The hormones in a combined pill prevent you from ovulating (releasing an egg) and make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb.
Random fact 87
If used correctly, the combined pill can be more than 99% effective.
Random fact 88
Women don’t ovulate when you take the combined pill, so you don’t have a real period every month. Instead, you get a withdrawal bleed, which can be much lighter and shorter than a period.
Random fact 89
If you have problems with heavy, painful periods, taking the combined pill can help.
Random fact 90
Female condoms are made from polyurethane.
Random fact 91
When used correctly during vaginal sex, a female condom helps to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Random fact 92
The female condom is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb.
Random fact 93
It needs to be placed in the vagina before theres any contact between the vagina and penis.
Random fact 94
If used correctly and consistently, female condoms are 95% effective.
Random fact 95
Male condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane.
Random fact 96
When used correctly during vaginal sex, a male condom helps protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Random fact 97
When used correctly during anal and oral sex, male condoms help to protect against STIs.
Random fact 98
The male condom is worn on the penis to stop sperm from entering the mans partners vagina, mouth or anus.
Random fact 99
The condom has to be put on when the penis is erect, and before the penis comes into contact with the vagina, mouth or anus.
Random fact 100
If used correctly and consistently, male condoms are 98% effective.
Random fact 101
Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that theyve been tested to the high European safety standards.
Random fact 102
Condoms that dont have the CE mark wont meet these standards, so dont use them.
Random fact 103
If the condom splits or comes off, you can use emergency contraception to help to prevent pregnancy. This is for emergencies only, and shouldnt be used as a regular form of contraception.
Random fact 104
A contraceptive implant is a small (40mm), flexible tube containing progestogen.
Random fact 105
The implant is inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained professional, and it lasts for three years.
Random fact 106
In the UK, the implant is called Implanon.
Random fact 107
You can have an implant removed at any time, and your natural fertility will return very quickly.
Random fact 108
The implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into your body which makes it harder for sperm to move through your cervix, and less likely for your womb to accept a fertilised egg.
Random fact 109
Once an implant is removed, you could get pregnant as easily as if youd never had the implant. thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining.
Random fact 110
This If implanted correctly, its more than 99.9% effective.
Random fact 111
The contraceptive injection protects you against pregnancy for eight weeks or 12 weeks, depending on the type you use.
Random fact 112
There are two versions of contraceptive injection: Depo-Provera, which lasts for 12 weeks, and Noristerat, which lasts for eight weeks.
Random fact 113
The most popular contraceptive injection is Depo-Provera.
Random fact 114
The contraceptive injection contains progestogen. Progestogen thickens the mucus in the cervix, which stops sperm reaching an egg. It also thins the lining of the womb so that an egg cant implant itself there. In some women, the injection stops ovulation (the release of an egg).
Random fact 115
If used correctly its more than 99% effective.
Random fact 116
The contraceptive patch is a sticky patch measuring 5cm x 5cm (rather like a nicotine patch) which delivers oestrogen and progestogen into your body through your skin.
Random fact 117
The contraceptive patch lasts for one week. You wear them for three weeks, then have a week off.
Random fact 118
In the UK the contraceptive patch’s brand name is Evra.
Random fact 119
The patch should be stuck to clean, dry skin where its unlikely to be rubbed off. It contains the same hormones as the combined pill, and it works in the same way.
Random fact 120
When used correctly, the patch is more than 99% effective.
Random fact 121
A diaphragm is a circular dome made of thin, soft latex (rubber) or silicone. Its inserted into the vagina before sex and it covers the cervix so that sperm cant get into the womb. You need to use spermicide with it (spermicides kill sperm).
Random fact 122
The diaphragm must be left in place for at least six hours after sex. After that time you take out the diaphragm and wash it. Theyre reusable.
Random fact 123
Diaphragms come in different sizes. You must be fitted for the correct size by a trained doctor or nurse.
Random fact 124
If used correctly with spermicide, diaphragms are 92-96% effective.
Random fact 125
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s inserted into your womb by a specially trained health professional. There are various types and sizes available.
Random fact 126
Depending on the type, an IUD can last from three to 10 years. It used to be called a coil. The IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. This means that once its in place, you dont have to think about contraception every day or each time you have sex.
Random fact 127
You can use an IUD whether or not youve had children. The IUD works by preventing sperm from surviving in the cervix, womb or fallopian tubes. It may also prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. IUDs are more than 99% effective.
Random fact 128
An intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that contains progestogen. It’s inserted into your womb by a specially trained health professional.
Random fact 129
The IUS is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. Once its in place, it works for five years, so you dont have to think about contraception every day or each time you have sex.
Random fact 130
The brand name of the IUS used in the UK is Mirena.
Random fact 131
You can use an IUS whether or not youve had children. When fitted properly, the IUS is more than 99% effective.
Random fact 132
The progestogen-only pill is sometimes called the mini-pill or POP. It contains the hormone progestogen but doesnt contain oestrogen.
Random fact 133
The progestogen-only pill has to be taken every day within a specific three-hour period.
Random fact 134
The POP thickens the mucus in the cervix, which stops sperm getting to an egg. It also thins the lining of the womb so that an egg cant implant itself there. In some women, it stops ovulation.
Random fact 135
If taken correctly the POP can be 99% effective.
Random fact 136
When you have sex, both of you are responsible for your sexual health, i.e. protecting yourselves against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Random fact 137
Some people think it’s OK to pressure their partner into having sex without a condom. We don’t.
Random fact 138
Have confidence and insist on using a condom when you have sex, whether it’s with someone you’ve just met or with your partner.
Random fact 139
You can use Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) when your usual method of contraception has failed, or after unprotected sex.
Random fact 140
EHC should be started as soon as possible, but can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex in order to have the greatest chance of preventing an unwanted pregnancy.
Random fact 141
If it is longer than 72 hours since you had unprotected sex, you should make an appointment to see your doctor or sexual health clinic.
Random fact 142
Emergency contraception makes it less likely you will get pregnant. But its not as effective as contraception thats used before or during sex, like the pill, a long acting reversible contraceptive or condoms.
Random fact 143
You can get EHC free from any contraception and reproductive health clinic, GP or sexual health drop-in’s at schools and colleges.
Random fact 144
Some pharmacists across Northamptonshire offer FREE emergency contraception following a short consultation.
Random fact 145
You can also buy emergency contraception over the counter from pharmacies but is expensive.
Random fact 146
Pharmacies supplying FREE emergency contraception should display this symbol:
Random fact 147
Emergency contraceptive pills are very effective but are more effective the sooner they are taken after sex.
Random fact 148
There are no serious short or long-term effects from using emergency pills. Some women will feel sick and have headaches, dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness and abdominal pain. A very small number of women will vomit.
Random fact 149
Condom Excuses… ‘Im healthy’. It doesnt matter how healthy and fit you are: if you have unprotected sex, youre at risk of catching an STI and dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. Each year, 790,000 STIs are diagnosed across the UK. You can’t tell whether someones got an infection by looking at them.
Random fact 150
Condom Excuses… ‘I like it natural’ Sex with a condom can feel natural. With the new superfine condoms, you often cant tell that youre using one. Some men even find that using a condom can make their erections last longer.
Random fact 151
Condom Excuses… ‘I cant be bothered’ Your response to this should be: "If you cant be bothered to use a condom then I cant be bothered to have sex with you." Using a condom is easier than having to visit a clinic to treat an STI, which may have unpleasant symptoms.
Random fact 152
Condom Excuses… ‘I dont like them’ Some people don’t like condoms because they’ve had a bad experience with them in the past. Other people are told that they shouldnt like condoms, so they never try them. There are plenty of brands that offer a variety of condoms to suit your needs. You can both get involved in putting the condom on, so it becomes part of having sex together. Try a coloured condom for some fun, a textured condom for extra sensation, or a flavoured condom for oral sex.
Random fact 153
Condom Excuses… ‘I lose sensitivity’ Look for brands that sell light condoms. Some are very thin, and it barely feels as if youre wearing one. Alternatively, you may want a textured condom to boost sensitivity for you and your partner. Some people prefer condoms that reduce sensitivity, which can be great if youre worried about coming too quickly.
Random fact 154
Condom Excuses… ‘I forgot to use one’ Getting drunk is one of the most common reasons people give for forgetting to use a condom. Keep a pack of condoms by your bed, and carry some with you when you go out or go on holiday, put a condom in your bag or pocket at the beginning of the night, just in case.
Random fact 155
Condom Excuses… ‘It affects my performance’ Some people find it hard to keep an erection with a condom on. This is often because the first time you try to use a condom is when youre just about to have sex. Practise putting on a condom when youre not about to have sex with someone. Try masturbating with a condom on to help you learn to stay hard and to have an orgasm.
Random fact 156
Condom Excuses… ‘It ruins the moment’ Get used to putting on a condom and thinking about sex while youre doing it (your partner can put it on for you, or you could watch your partner undress or masturbate as youre putting the condom on). This way, youll stay aroused, and it will become part of sex, not an interruption.
Random fact 157
Condom Excuses… ‘They hurt’ or theyre too small Condoms come in a range of sizes, so you can easily find one that fits properly. A condom can hold 14 pints of beer, or around 24 cans of soft drink, so it should fit around your or your partners penis.
Random fact 158
Condom Excuses… ‘Weve been seeing each other for a while’ Even though you may have been with your partner for a while, you still may not be risk free. Discuss your sexual history with your partner and get checked at a clinic before you stop using condoms.
Random fact 159
Condom Excuses… ‘Im allergic to them’ Only a very small number of people are allergic to condoms, so dont always trust someone who tells you that they are. An allergy is not a good excuse to have unprotected sex, because there are condoms that don’t cause allergies. Try non-latex condoms made from polyurethane or polyisoprene, which don’t cause allergic reactions, or using condoms that have no added spermicide.
