Contraception
You don't have to be having sex to ask for advice on contraception or any other sexual health issue.
It is important to sort out contraception before having sex. If you have decided that you are ready for sex it is important to use contraception to protect you and your partner from STIs and/or unplanned pregnancy.
There are many different methods of contraception you can choose and different types suit different people. Condoms are the safest form of protection from STIs, will help to prevent pregnancy and can also be used with another method of contraception.
There are lots of ways to talk about condom use with your partner and negotiate safer sex. You can try using these phrases or think of what you might say...
- "We're going to use a condom so which brand of condom do you use?"
- "Shall we use your condom or mine because we'll need at least one?"
- "I like babies but I don't want one yet, so we're going to use a condom."
- "Have we got enough condoms because we'll both need one?"
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is the most reliable way a woman can protect herself from unplanned pregnancy. You don’t have to think about contraception every day because LARC methods of contraception last a long time. Remember, LARC doesn’t protect against STIs, so always use a condom.
Always think ‘Double Dutch!’ This is where a condom is used with another form of contraception, such as LARC, to provide protection against both STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
If you have unprotected sex or your method of contraception has failed you may be able to use emergency contraception to try and prevent pregnancy.
For more advice and help finding out which method of contraception would be best for you, follow the links or visit your local Just4You/CASH Clinic or your GP. Find your nearest clinic here.
Forms of Contraception
Please click on an item below, or use the Contraception menu on the left, to find out more...
