STIs








Safe sex isn't just about avoiding STIs. It's also about making sure you don't end up pregnant by accident.

The time to think about contraception is before you have sex for the first time. So let's start now.

Contraception isn't just condoms.

Because they're so good for preventing many STIs, condoms get most of the attention when safe sex is being talked about.

While it's true that condoms are also an effective contraceptive, they're not the only one. There's also:

  • The pill
  • IUDs
  • Spermicides
  • Diaphragms
  • Depo-provera
  • Emergency contraception
    (the 'morning after' pill)
Each method has different strengths and weaknesses. Remember, too, that these methods are only effective in preventing pregnancy. They do not protect you against STIs.

The pill stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. No egg means nothing for your man's sperm to fertilise. Women who take the pill take one tablet every day for around 21 days a month.

  • An IUD is a small plastic or copper device that a doctor puts inside the womb. It's very effective but best suited to women who've had a baby and have one sex partner. It's usually replaced every five years or so.

  • Spermicides are gels, creams or tablets that kill sperm. They shouldn't be used on their own, but can make condoms and diaphragms even more effective for contraception.

  • A diaphragm is a rubber cap that goes high inside the vagina until it covers the cervix, or opening of the womb. It should always be used with a spermicide and left in place for at least six hours after sex. Women need to be taught by a doctor or nurse how to fit it.

  • Depo-provera is progesterone, a hormone that stops your ovaries releasing eggs each month. It is given as an injection every three months. While you're taking it, it also often stops
    you having periods.

If your contraception fails (a condom bursts, say) or you forget to use it, you might want to get emergency contraception. The most common method is to take two high doses of hormones 12 hours apart. Commonly called the Morning After Pill, this used to be available only with a prescription from a doctor. But now you can get it from any pharmacy without a prescription. You must take the morning after pill within 72 hours of having sex for it to be effective.

This is just the top line on contraception. For real in-depth information try this link to the Family Planning Association -
http://www.theword.org.nz.

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