Contraception
Some useful info on contraception, take a look.......
Where can I get condoms?
- They're free on the NHS
- Male condoms are free and easily available from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics, genitourinary medicine clinics and some general practices. They can be bought from pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines and via mail order
- Female condoms are free from some contraception and sexual health clinics. They can be bought from some pharmacies and via mail order
What are they?
Condoms are barrier methods that prevent sperm meeting an egg. There are male and female condoms.
How reliable are they?
Effectiveness depends on how carefully they're used. Male condoms are 98 per cent effective when used according to instructions. This means that using this method, two women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. Female condoms are 95 per cent effective. This means five women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
Myth: Condoms are restrictive and uncomfortable
Fact: Not true - condoms come in different textures, shapes and types. Find a brand that suits you
Myth: Condoms may have holes in them
Fact: Not true - all condoms are tested and carry the CE quality mark. Many brands also have a kite mark to show they're reliable
To find out how to use Condoms and more information on Contraception.... Check out the BBC Relationships website
Advantages:
- Very effective
- Easily available (male condoms)
- Only need to use them when you have sex
- Help to protect against some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
- Male condoms come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes
- Female condoms can be put in at any time before sex
Disadvantages:
- Can interrupt sex
- Male condoms can slip off or split if used incorrectly
- When using the female condom care is needed to ensure the penis goes inside the condom and not down the side of the condom and the vagina
- Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in latex condoms, although this is not common
- Oil-based lubricants, such as body oils or lotions, should not be used with latex condoms
Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC)
If anyone has had sex without contraception or their contraception fails they can still get help. The emerging contraception pill (sometimes referred to as the "morning after pill") can be taken up to 72 hours after sex but the sooner it is taken the more effective it is. Alternatively an IUD might be advised as emergency contraception up to 5 days after having unprotected sex but the young person will be offered full advice on their options by the specialists below. Free emergency contraception is available from:
- Young person's GP
- The Garden Clinic at Upton Hospital, Slough
- The Walk-In Centre, Upton Hospital Slough
- St Mark's Hospital, Maidenhead - Thursday or Friday
- All pharmacies sell emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) but participating pharmacies in the area offer this service free of charge to those 18 years of age and under. Check locally by phoning the pharmacist or check the ruthinking online information or phone NHS Direct 0845 4647
