Too young for babies, too gorgeous for an STI? Get the lowdown on contraception, and USE IT!

Condoms

• How do they work?
  Quite simply, by providing a physical barrier that stops sperm from getting into the vagina. Condoms are the only contraception that'll protect you from itchy bits, nasty infections and worse. Use a condom EVERY time you have sex.
• How effective are they?
  Between 88 - 98% if used correctly. You need to watch out for genital contact before or after the condom is on the penis, leaking, breaking or forgetting to put one on!

The Pill

• How does it work?
  Combined Pill : The Combined pill contains a combination of two synthetic hormones, an estrogen and a progestogen. It prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries) and alters the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for the man's sperm to enter the womb.
  Mini Pill : This pill contains Estrogen only. Its main effect is altering the cervical mucus at the entrance to the womb, stopping the sperm getting through. It also alters the lining of the uterus. In approximately four out of 10 women, it prevents ovulation so there is no egg to be fertilised.
  There's a whole range of different brands, dosages and types of pill - ask your doctor or family planning specialist for advice.
• How effective is it?
  Used properly 99%. You must remember to take it.

Find it annoying having to remember to swallow a pill every day? Be grateful you didn't live in ancient China - women there were swallowing live tadpoles to prevent pregnancy. Don't try that one at home kids…

Other forms of contraception:

• Diaphragm or Cap - A soft, rubber dome forms a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. A spermicidal gel, which is always used with it, kills or immobilizes sperm. They can be inserted at any time before sex and must be left in for at least 6 hours.
  92-96% effective if used properly.
• Contraceptive injection - An injection of hormones that provides a longer-acting alternative to the pill. It works by slowly releasing the hormone progestogen into the body to stop ovulation. Each injection lasts for 8-12 weeks and is over 99% effective.
• Coil or IUD (intra-uterine device) - Small plastic or copper device with strings which is inserted into the womb. It prevents sperm from meeting the eggs and stops an egg settling in the womb. It can stay in place for five years with a success rate of 98%.
• Femidom - The femidom or 'female condom' is a polyurethane sheath which is inserted into the vagina. Like the traditional condom it protects against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. It's slightly less effective than the male condom (around 78-90%).

Emergency contraception

• The ‘morning after' pill: Emergency contraception pills available from your GP, family planning clinic and often over the counter at the chemist. These must be started within 72 hours from the time you had sex (not just the morning after).
• Emergency IUD: A small plastic or copper device that is fitted into the womb by a doctor or nurse within five days of unprotected intercourse.

Ancient contraception we don't recommend….
* The ancient Egyptians used vaginal peccaries made from a combination of honey and crocodile dung.
* Prostitutes in ancient Japan and China used pieces of oiled bamboo tissue placed over the cervix.

Information and advice

Student Health
www.studenthealth.co.uk
Weekly online magazine written by doctors for students

Fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association)
www.fpa.org.uk
Charity offering clinics and advice

Marie Stopes International
www.mariestopes.org.uk
Sexual and reproductive health information

Levonelle
www.levonelle.co.uk
Information on the over-the-counter morning after pill