Contraception - been there, read it, so why read this? Well, because the chances are you don't know everything there is to know about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

A quick guide to types of contraception

Male condom
This is a thin latex rubber which when placed over an erect penis traps sperm at the point of ejaculation. Apart from protecting you from an unwanted pregnancy, a condom will also help protect you from STIs. Only ever use a condom with the British kitemark on the packet as this tells you it's tested and approved.

Female condom
These are condoms made from polyurethane. Unlike the male condom, the female condom fits inside the vagina and overlaps the outer area, to form a barrier contraceptive (i.e. stopping sperm from entering the vagina). Apart from protecting you from an unwanted pregnancy, a female condom will also help protect you from STI's. However, make sure the penis goes inside the female condom and not down the side of it. Female condoms are not as readily available as male ones.

Pill
The Pill is the most foolproof method of contraception (though it won't protect you from HIV or STIs). It basically tricks your body into thinking you are pregnant so you don't ovulate (release an egg) and/or the cervical mucous (the natural substance that exists in a girl's vagina) thickens which stops sperm from reaching an egg.

Injections
If you think you will forget to take the Pill, then injections are a good alternative. A shot in the arm with the hormone projestogen will give you 12 weeks of contraceptive cover. The injection works by thickening the mucous in your cervix to make a barrier, stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs and making the womb-lining thin and unfriendly. Injections are available from your doctor or family planning clinic. Remember to get your next shot!

Other methods
These are all also available from your GP or a clinic. Many are not so suitable for girls or young women and you'll probably choose them later in life. None offer protection against STIs and HIV and so are better used when you have a long term partner. Other types of contraception are:   

IUD (Intrauterine device): This is a small plastic/copper device, usually shaped like a 'T' or '7', that is placed inside a woman by a doctor to stop fertilisation. It can stay in place for up to five years.

IUS (Intrauterine system): This is a small plastic device which contains the hormone progestogen. It is inserted into the woman by a doctor and can stay in place for up to three years.

Gynefix: This is a new type of IUS but instead of being 'T' shaped, it is a short row of copper beads which bend to fit the inside of the uterus. It's inserted by a doctor in the same way as the IUD and lasts for five years.

Implant: An implant is a small soft tube the size of a matchstick, which is placed by a doctor under the skin of the upper arm. It then releases a steady flow of hormones which thicken the lining of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to meet the egg.

Diaphragm/cap: This is a round dome made of rubber that is used with spermicidal cream, it's placed over the cervix and stops sperm entering the womb area. It's inserted shortly before sex and must stay in for six hours after sex.

Contraception and the law
Worried the doctor will tell your parents you're having sex? Well, don't be. Under the law, a doctor can provide contraception under the age of 16 without parental agreement, if they think you are mature enough. Even if they refuse (and many don't) they still have to keep your visit confidential and can't tell your parents. If you can't face seeing your GP, try going to a clinic (see help & advice) or buying condoms (from your local chemist, supermarket or newsagent, via the internet or in certain record shops). Condoms are free at Brook Advisory Centres (see help & advice).

Using what is right for you!
When it comes to contraception, it's important to use what's right for you. This will change as you go through life. However, right now the Pill and condom are probably your best bet. 'like it is' says go Double Dutch (using the Pill and the condom for added protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections). Double Dutch is often a good idea because when you're not used to using condoms they can tear or slip off easily.  If you are using the Pill when this happens, you will be protected from an unwanted pregnancy.

Get your condoms !!!...
Free condoms at Brook Advisory Centres - see help & advice.

Make sure you got yourself sorted out before having sex!!!!

Myths
You can tell by looking by looking if someone has STI.

Washing after sex prevents STIs.

Withdrawing before ejaculation is a method of contraception.

A girl on her period cannot get pregnant.

Having sex before a girl has started her period is safe.

Sperm can only reach the vagina through intercourse.

If a girl goes to the loo after sex, she won't get pregnant.

Condoms are great...because they prevent pregnancy and protect you from HIV & STIs!!!!

Don't forget sharp jewellery & nails can easily tear condoms!!!

How do you put on a condom??!!? Follow the seven steps below.

Open
Step 1: Be careful how you take it out of the packet. Ripping it open with your teeth is a recipe for disaster.

Erect
Step 2: Wait until the penis is erect before you do anything.

Squeeze
Step3: Leave the condom rolled up but squeeze the tip to get rid of any air.

Hold
Step 4: Hold the condom over the tip of the penis, and unroll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, flattening out air bubbles as you go.

Go
Step 5: Go for it!!

Withdraw
Step 6: After ejaculation, and before withdrawal, hold the condom firmly at the base of the penis to stop it slipping off.

Discard
Step 7: Discard...only ever us a condom once.

Condoms can be used for...
A sleeping bag for a mouse!!!

A water bomb!!!

A pencil case!!!

A mobile phone cover!!!

A coin bag!!!

Where can i get 'em from?
Chemist

Supermarket

Family planning clinic

Vending machine

Newsagent

Petrol station

Jelly

Lubrication.
How we rate the different 'lubes'.

KY Jelly: A good option.

Spit: Yuk, never!

Raspberry jelly: Interesting but ineffective.

Vaseline: Likely to make the condom split and her sore.

KY Jelly gets our vote!

The Pill is the most fool proof method of contraception (though it won't protect you from HIV or STIs). It basically tricks your body into thinking you are pregnant so you don't ovulate (release an egg) and/or the cervical mucous (the natural substance that exists in a girl's vagina) thickens which stops sperm from reaching an egg.

Health bonuses

The Pill:
Stops you from getting pregnant

Gives you regular periods

You bleed less

You get less or no cramping

If you have acne your skin can become clearer

Reduces the chances of you getting ovarian/endometrial cancer

The downside
Sometimes, the Pill can have side effects, for example:

Headaches

Weight gain

Spots

Tearfulness

Some girls/women can't go on the Pill for specific medical reasons but a doctor will go through these before prescribing it.

Getting help
If you find yourself suffering from unwanted side effects go back to your doctor/clinic. They may tell you to wait for a couple of months until your body gets used to the Pill or you might have to change to a different type - there are loads of different kinds of Pills and you should be able to find one that suits you so don't suffer in silence.

Remember ...if you go on the pill remember to take one at the same time everyday!!!

Don't forget...the pill is great for preventing pregnancy but won't protect you against HIV or STIs.

There's always a 1st time...it takes a while for the Pill to start working so use a condom too just in case.

What is taken by an estimated 3.5 million females in the U.K.?
Paracetemol? No. Antibiotics? No. Vitamin C? No. The Pill? Yes.

Where can I get it from?
Your GP. Family planning clinic. Marie Stopes Centres. Chemist.