Contraception, or birth control is a way by which people having sex prevent pregnancy.
There is no best method of contraception; only what is best for you and your partner. Ideally this should be discussed between you and sorted out before you start to have sex. Often those starting to have sex for the first time or with a new partner use condoms as their method of contraception. Condoms are the only form of contraception that also helps prevent against sexually transmitted infections. Don't forget you can access FREE condoms by joining the C Card scheme.
To find out what form of contraception is best for you why not go along to one of our friendly young people clinics where trained health professionals will be able to discuss the full range of contraceptive choices available to you. Often when you visit the clinic they will be able to give you your contraception to take away there and then. Find your local clinic.
The age of consent in the UK is 16 whether you are straight, gay or bi-sexual. This means you are breaking the law if you have sex with someone under the age of 16. The person under the age of 16 is not breaking the law. Parliament regularly considers the age of consent and has consistently set it at 16. This is the age at which it is believed that a young person is mature enough to cope with a sexual relationship. Although 16 is the age of consent it doesn’t mean you HAVE to have sex once you reach this age – it is always your choice.
Although you should be 16 before you have sex, contraception is available to people under 16. It is not illegal to discuss and obtain contraception under the age of 16.
Click on the links below to find out about the different types of contraception available:
The pill is a hormonal method of contraception there are 2 types: the Combined Pill and the Progestogen-only Pill.
The Combined Pill : called the Combined Pill because it’s a combination of two chemical versions of hormones found in the female body: estrogen and progestogen. These hormones “trick” a woman’s body into responding as if there is already a pregnancy. When you are pregnant, these hormones send signals to a gland in the brain to stop your body releasing any other eggs (ovulating). Very simply this is also what happens when you take the Combined Pill. If there is no egg released, it can’t be fertilised by sperm and become a pregnancy. This only works if the combined pill is taken correctly. Generally it is taken for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 pill free days. As a result of this pill-free time you will then have a ‘withdrawal bleed’, which is usually lighter than a normal period. After those 7 days you must start taking the pill again or it may fail to work properly.
Because the Combined Pill works by mimicking hormone release, some women have side effects, including tender breasts, feeling sick and mood swings. These usually disappear after a couple of months, but if you are worried, go back to see the practitioner who issued the pill, as there are loads of types available and you may just need to find one which suits you best.
Bear in mind…
Not all women can use the Combined Pill for medical reasons – you must always tell the practitioner you see if you have any family history of certain diseases – such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, thrombosis, heart disease or abnormality, liver problems or diabetes. It is advised that the Combined Pill should be given primarily to non smokers or those who are not seriously overweight. However, prescribing the Combined Pill is a decision reached between you and your practitioner. So, just because you smoke, it does not mean you can’t have the Combined Pill.
You have to remember to take it every day (set a reminder on your mobile).
It is important to listen to the instructions given to you by the person issuing the combined pill so you know what to do if you forget to take it. Remember you can always use condoms as well until you have checked with your practitioner if you are unsure.
Some antibiotics can stop this pill working. You should remind or advise any practitioner prescribing antibiotics that you are on the Combined Pill. If you are taking antibiotics or are sick you should use a condom during this time and for 7 pill-taking days after, as well as taking your usual pill.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (over 99% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
At present this method is not commonly used and availability is restricted. The patches are square and plaster like. They contain estrogen and progestogen, which pass through the skin into the body and work in the same way as the Combined Pill; you change them each week for 3 weeks then have one patch free week. The patch is very sticky and will stay on in the shower etc. If for any reason it falls off, as long as you replace it within 24 hours it will still work. However, if you had sex without realising the patch had fallen off you may need emergency contraception. If you are unsure, use condoms until you have discussed it with your practitioner. A patch must be replaced every seven days and preferably applied to a new patch of skin to avoid causing itchiness. Ideal places for the patch would be thigh or buttock. The manufacturers recommend that patches should never be put on breasts.
Because the hormones are released into the bloodstream without needing to pass through the stomach, the patch will work even if you are sick. The patch can be made less effective by some forms of medication so always advise any practitioner prescribing anti-biotics that you are using the contraceptive patch.
Bear in mind
At present they are only available through your general practitioners.
The patch works less well for women weighing over 14 stone (90 kg).
The patch can cause some skin itchiness in some women and it can be seen.
The usual side effects associated with hormonal methods of contraception apply to the patch so you may experience tender breasts, an outbreak of spots, weight gain, feeling sick and moodiness.
Not all women can use the patch. You must tell your medical practitioner whether you have had or have a family history of certain diseases such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, thrombosis, heart disease or abnormality, liver problems, diabetes or bad migraines. If you are using the patch smoking can add medical risk.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (over 99% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
This type of pill is taken every day with no breaks. It only contains one hormone and works differently to the Combined Pill. It works in several ways. The first, by producing a thick plug of mucus in the cervix (entrance to the uterus) that stops the sperm reaching the egg, but also by making the lining of the uterus very thin which means a fertilized egg cannot settle and develop into a pregnancy. The common ones are: Micronor, Femulen, Norgeston, Noriday and Cerazette (Cerazette is new on the market and also stops ovulation in most cycles as well as working in the same way as the other pills mentioned above).
The Progestogen-only Pill is sometimes prescribed if the woman gets side effects from the Combined Pill, or there is some other medical reason why the Combined Pill could be harmful such as being overweight or smoking heavily. The Progestogen-only Pill can also be used by women who are breast-feeding their babies. Breast feeding alone is NOT a good method of contraception.
Bear in mind…
It must be taken the same time every day or it will not work.
It may cause you to have irregular bleeding.
Progestogen-only methods of contraception are not affected by anti-biotics, but can be affected by some other medications.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (99% effective if taken correctly) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
The injection contains the hormone Progestogen and is given by injection into the buttocks every 12 weeks. It must be given by a trained medical practitioner. It works by preventing an egg being released (ovulation) and making the cervical mucus thick which should prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. Many young women really like this method of contraception as in most cases it stops periods after about 3 months and there is less chance of forgetting it.
As with all hormonal methods of contraception there are side effects which could be irregular periods or no periods, some weight gain, breast tenderness and mood swings.
There is some concern and ongoing study about the link between prolonged use of the injection and a drop in bone density. You need to discuss this with your medical practitioner who will take into account your family history and lifestyle.
Not everyone is suitable to have the hormone injection. You must discuss with your medical practitioner if you had diseases such as breast cancer, or cancer of the uterus, liver problems or severe depression in the past.
The injection only works if it is given regularly and in time. Make a note of your next appointment on your mobile or in your diary.
Progestogen-only methods of contraception are not affected by anti-biotics but can be affected by some other medications.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (over 99% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
This method is becoming increasingly popular with young women. The implant is a small plastic tube (about 40mm in length), which is inserted by a trained medical practitioner under the skin of the upper arm under local anaesthetic. The implant contains progestogen, which is slowly released over time. The implant lasts for three years, at which time it must be removed and replaced (if required) by a trained practitioner.
It works by preventing an egg being released (ovulation) and making the cervical mucus thick, which should prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. As with all hormonal methods of contraception there are side effects which could be irregular periods/bleeds (often for the first six months) or no periods, some weight gain, breast tenderness and moodiness.
Bear in mind…
Progestogen-only methods of contraception are not affected by anti-biotics but can be affected by some other medications. Some medicines can have an effect on how well the contraceptive implant works - if you take medication for epilepsy for example. Always tell the practitioner prescribing your contraception if you are on any other forms of medication.
Not all women can have the implant. You must discuss with your medical practitioner whether you have any family history of certain diseases – such as breast cancer, heart disease or abnormality, liver problems or if you have experienced an ectopic pregnancy.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (over 99% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
The IUD (Interauterine Device) used to be referred to as the coil. It is usually a T shaped plastic device, which incorporates a coil of copper within it. It is fitted into the uterus by a trained medical practitioner. Copper is used as it is a natural sperm repellent, which means the egg and the sperm should never meet. If however the egg is fertilized it cannot implant in the uterus because the IUD is in place. The IUD is a long term method of contraception lasting from between 3 and 10 years depending on the type inserted.
Fitting is done by a trained medical practitioner and they will need to see you again after 6 weeks to check the IUD is in place correctly. One or two soft threads hang down from the device through the cervix into your vagina (but still well inside the body) and you will be able to feel for them to check the device is in place. Fitting can sometimes be uncomfortable, particularly for young women who have not had children. You will be tested for STIs before an IUD is fitted as these will require treatment. An IUD does not cause infection but if you become infected with an STI the infection could be made worse.
Bear in mind…
If you have painful heavy periods the IUD may not be suitable. However, modern IUDs are much smaller and less likely to increase your period loss than in previous times.
Occasionally, your IUD may move from its position or be pushed out completely but this is unusual. If you have an IUD in place and it feels uncomfortable you should get this checked out with your practitioner.
Not all women can have the IUD. You must discuss with your medical practitioner any history of problems with your uterus or cervix.
If you get pregnant whilst using an IUD there is a very small risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (99% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
Similar to the IUD, it is a small ‘T’ shaped plastic device, but where the IUD has copper the IUS has the hormone progestogen (IUS). Again they are fitted into the uterus (womb) by a trained medical practitioner. It is a hormonal method of contraception, but the hormones are released locally into the reproductive system. This often means that women who aren’t able to use other hormonal methods of contraception can use this one. The IUS thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it difficult for the sperm to get through and so the sperm and the egg should never meet. The IUS can also stop some women from ovulating. It lasts for 5 years when it is removed and replaced if required. However, if an egg is fertilized it cannot implant in the uterus because the IUS is in place.
Fitting is done by a trained medical practitioner and they will need to see you again after 6 weeks to check the IUS is in place correctly. Two threads hang down from the device through the cervix into your vagina, which you can use to check the device is in place. Fitting can be uncomfortable, particularly for young women who have not had children. You will be tested for STIs before an IUS is fitted as these will require treatment. An IUS does not cause infection but if you become infected with an STI the infection could be made worse.
Bear in mind…
When the IUS is first fitted you may have some irregular bleeding. Usually periods become very light or stop altogether after six months.
Your IUS may move from its position or be pushed out completely.
Not all women can have the IUS. You must discuss with your medical practitioner any history of problems with your uterus or cervix including cancer or any problems of history of heart disease or abnormality or liver problems.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (99% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
They are rubber or silicon shields (used with spermicide cream), which you then insert into your vagina to cover the cervix (opening to the uterus) to stop the sperm entering the uterus. There are a range of different brands/sizes and you will be advised by your medical practitioner on the best size for you. If you gain weight or you have a baby you will have to be refitted.
It is unusual for this method of contraception to be recommended for a young woman as there a wide variety of other methods available, which are more effective. Occasionally a medical practitioner will recommend this method if a young woman is unable to use any other method through illness or allergy.
Diaphragms and caps are inserted before sex. There are no health issues directly associated with this method of contraception so most women can use them. You will be advised against using them if you get regular urinary infections, have an allergy to silicon or rubber, have had toxic shock syndrome, or have a condition whereby your vaginal muscles cannot keep the device in place.
You need to be comfortable with touching your vagina and you will need to practice inserting the device ahead of using it as a contraceptive method. The medical practitioner will show you how to insert the device after applying the spermicidal cream. Once you have inserted the device you will need to check that it is covering your cervix. After sex you must leave the device in place for six hours. Once removed you need to wash the device (as instructed) and store in the box provided.
Bear in mind
The device will not work as well if you do not use spermicidal cream according to the instructions.
If you have sex again you must use more spermicidal cream. This can be applied using pessaries.
This method of contraception will stop you from getting pregnant (92 – 96% effective) but it won’t stop you from getting an STI. Always use a condom as well as this method of contraception unless you are certain that neither you nor your partner have an STI.
Condom & Diaphragm Damage
Some everyday food and oil-based products can damage condoms and diaphragms. This means the likes of ice-cream, butter, massage oil, baby oil and even petroleum jelly can damage rubber, which could lead to an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection. Some ointments and vaginal or rectal treatments could also put you at risk. If you are unsure about what you are using and whether it could cause damage to your condom or diaphragm, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Condoms are the barrier method of contraception, which if used correctly provide a barrier between the penis and the vagina, the penis and the anus or the penis and the mouth.
Male and female condoms are available.
The Female Condom (Femidom)
Female condoms are made of polyurethane. The condom is inserted into the vagina to form a lining and the penis is inserted into the female condom.
Bear in mind
Female condoms are not a popular method of contraception in this country. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of free safe contraception to choose from. In other countries, particularly in underdeveloped countries the female condom means that women have some choices about controlling whether or not they have children and some protection against STIs – particularly HIV. The female condom is 95% effective if used correctly.
You have to be comfortable about touching your vagina. You will also have to be comfortable about talking about using the condom with your partner as it is important that the penis is inserted into the female condom within the vagina rather than beside it.
As it is made of polyurethane the female condom is not affected by oil based products (see below) but can be torn or split so care needs to be taken.
A female condom is only effective if used during all vaginal penetrative sex. It will only protect you against STIs and pregnancy if you insert it before you start to have sex, not just before your partner ejaculates.
Each female condom should only be used once.
The Male Condom
Male condoms are made of latex or less commonly polyurethane and are widely available. You can get them free from family planning clinics, young people’s clinics, some youth centres, some Connexions centres, GUM clinics, some school nurses and from sexual health outreach workers.
Male condoms are 98% effective against pregnancy if used correctly.
There are no side effects associated with using them. Some people find they have an allergy to latex but non latex condoms are available.
They can be carried 'just in case' by men and women.
They are the only method of contraception to provide a barrier against STIs.
Flavoured condoms are available for protected oral sex.
You should use condoms with extra lubricant for protected anal sex.
Each condom should only be used once.
Bear in mind
A male condom will only prevent pregnancy and protect you against STIs if you put it on before you start penetrative sex, not just before you or your partner ejaculates.
You need to practice putting on a condom before you have sex. If a condom is not put on properly it can slip off or split. If you access the free condom service you will be shown how to put a condom on.
Condom & Diaphragm Damage
Some everyday food and oil-based products can damage condoms and diaphragms. This means the likes of ice-cream, butter, massage oil, baby oil and even petroleum jelly can damage rubber, which could lead to an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection. Some ointments and vaginal or rectal treatments could also put you at risk. If you are unsure about what you are using and whether it could cause damage to your condom or diaphragm, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Some tips.
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practice putting them on in private, in your bed room when you have an erection or masturbate. If you can develop this skill it will increase your confidence and you are more likely to use them properly.
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Girls BE assertive, never have sex with someone who does not use a condom. You can put them on your partner as part of foreplay.
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Talk together about using contraception and condoms before you have sex.
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You can get them in different shapes, colours, textures, and even flavours. You could ask the clinic for a mixture of what they have available, and then try them all and find out which you like best.
Emergency contraception is available if you have unprotected sex or when your method of contraception fails or is compromised (say a split condom or a forgotten pill). There are two types of Emergency Contraception, a pill which is discussed below, or an IUD inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Emergency Oral Contraception
This is commonly referred to as the 'Morning After' pill, but emergency oral contraception can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. However, it is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours. The treatment is in the form of 1 pill.
It works by either delaying ovulation or by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. You may feel a little sick or light headed after taking emergency contraception, but this is extremely rare. Very occasionally, people notice a small spot of blood a day or so after taking it. Your next period will arrive within a few days of its usual time.
There is no direct health need to see a medical practitioner after taking emergency contraception, but it is good practice to check you are not pregnant and also to discuss your contraception options in the future.
If the pill fails to prevent a pregnancy there is no evidence to suggest it will harm the foetus.
Bear in mind
Emergency oral contraception is not a reliable permanent method of contraception. Whilst there is no medical reason for not taking them more than once, long term they will not be as effective as other recognised methods.
Emergency oral contraception is available from:
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Any GP
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Any family planning clinic
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Any young person's clinic or Brook Advisory Clinic
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Most genito urinary medicine (GUM/Sexual health) clinics
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Some hospital accident and emergency departments
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Some minor injury units and walk-in centres
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Some pharmacies – if you pay and can prove you are over 16.
In Kent whenever you see the 4YP logo at a pharmacy you will be able to access emergency oral contraception free of charge if you are under 20 (under 25 with a learning difficulty) even if you are under 16. Click here to see local pharmacies in your area where you can get emergency contraception free of charge.
Just because you have 3 days in which to take emergency contraception doesn’t mean you should leave it that long. Emergency contraception is most effective within the first 24 hours. In any case, if you are running out of time or making a long journey, we advise you to phone first to make sure there is someone available to provide you with the treatment you need.
