Contraception & Condoms

Contraception can stop someone from getting pregnant and, condoms can protect you from STIs. There are lots of contraception options available, and each one works in a different way.

You may have to try a few methods before finding the one that is right for you but that's ok.  Everyone’s different, so what works well for some people, may not be right for you and vice versa.

Whichever contraceptive option you chose, it’s important to remember that they are only effective if used properly, as instructed by your nurse or doctor.

Here's our contraception basics:

• The most effective methods of contraception are the LARC methods. LARC stands for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception and the implant, the injection, the IUD and the IUS are all LARC methods.
• But there’s more to contraception than just preventing pregnancy. Some types have other benefits, such as helping with skin problems or managing heavy periods. Just because someone is using contraception doesn’t mean they’re having sex.
• Remember, only condoms and internal condoms help protect you against STIs as well as pregnancy. This means we always recommend using a condom or internal condom even if you are using another method of contraception.

You can find out more information on condoms and lube for gay, bisexual and all men who have sex with men through our SX website.

You can find out more information on contraception for young people through our Wave website.

Condoms (or johnnies) are probably the best known contraceptive method and they can also protect you against a range of STIs.

They are worn on an erect penis and act as a barrier that prevents sperm and STIs from passing from person to person.

Condoms can be used for vaginal, anal and oral sex:

• They come in many shapes, sizes and flavours - you may need to try different types to find the one that’s right for you
• Most condoms are made of latex, but latex-free options are available if you are allergic.

Condoms are an effective contraception method if they are used properly. You can reduce the risk of condom failure (bursts or splits) by following some simple tips:

• Before using, check that condoms are in date and that the package hasn’t been ripped or damaged – never use an out of date condom or one with signs of damage
• Only use condoms that have the kite mark on the packaging – this shows that the product is of high quality and safe to use
• Never open the pack using your teeth or with scissors as this can damage the condom and beware of sharp nails and jewellery
• Only put a condom on once the penis is erect
• Use a water-based lube with a condom – no baby oil or Vaseline!
• After use, dispose of condoms in a bin (not a toilet) and never reuse
• Watch this video to see how to use a condom correctly.

Condoms and lube are available for free from GPs, sexual health clinics and most pharmacies.

If you are under 16 and want free condoms, you may be asked a few questions to make sure that you are not at risk of harm, and that you understand how to use condoms correctly, but the service is confidential.

Internal condoms, sometimes referred to as 'Femidoms' or 'Female Condoms', are less well known than their external equivalent, but are available for everyone and can protect you from a range of STIs. 

They are inserted in the vagina and act as a barrier that prevents sperm and STIs passing from person to person.

Internal condoms can be used for vaginal or anal sex and:

• Come in many shapes, sizes and flavours - you may need to try different types to find the one that’s right for you
• Most internal condoms are made of latex, but latex-free options are available if you are allergic

Internal condoms are an effective contraception method if they are used properly. Here are our top tips:

• Before using, check that internal condoms are in date and that the package hasn’t been ripped or damaged – never use an out of date internal condom or one with signs of damage
• Only use internal condoms that have the kite mark on the packaging – this shows that the product is of a high quality and safe to use
• Never open the pack using your teeth or with scissors as this can damage the internal condom and beware of sharp nails and jewellery
• Use a water-based lube with a condom – no baby oil or Vaseline!
• After use, dispose of internal condoms in a bin (not a toilet) and never reuse

Internal condoms are available for free from GPs, sexual health clinics and some pharmacies.

If you are under 16 and want free internal condoms, you may be asked a few questions to make sure that you are not at risk of harm, and that you understand how to use them correctly, but the service is confidential.

For more information about internal condoms, click here.

Dental dams (or dams) are flat sheets of latex that are placed over the vagina or anus to act as a barrier to prevent sperm and STIs passing from person to person.

Dental dams can be used during oral sex and:

• Come in different flavours
• Most dams are made of latex, but latex-free options are available if you are allergic

Dental dams are an effective protection against STIs if they are used properly. Here are our top tips:

• Before using, check that dams are in date, and that the package hasn’t been ripped or damaged – never use an out of date dam or one with signs of damage
• Only use dams that have the kite mark on the packaging – this shows that the product is of a high quality and safe to use
• Never open the pack using your teeth or with scissors as this can damage the dental dam and beware of sharp nails and jewellery
• Use a water-based lube with a dam – no baby oil or Vaseline!
• After use, dispose of dams in a bin (not a toilet) and never reuse

If you are under 16 and want free dams, you may be asked a few questions to make sure that you are not at risk of harm, and that you understand how to use them correctly, but the service is confidential.

The IUD is a highly effective contraceptive method that can be inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

The IUD is the only method with no hormones other than condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams.

• Can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex to be used as emergency contraception
• Can be slightly uncomfortable to have fitted but once in place should not be felt by you or your partner
• Known as the copper coil as copper reacts with sperm to prevent pregnancy
• A Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) - can last up to 10 years, but can be removed before if you want to become pregnant
• Does not protect against STIs

A copper coil has to be fitted and removed by a medical professional so contact your GP or local Sexual Health clinic to book an appointment.

For more information about the IUD, click here.

The IUS (or coil) is a highly effective contraceptive method which can be inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Can be slightly uncomfortable to have fitted but once in place should not be felt by you or your partner

• A hormonal version of the IUD, the IUS releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy
• A Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) – can last for 5 years, but can be removed at any time if you wish to become pregnant
• Does not protect against STIs

A coil has to be fitted and removed by a medical professional so contact your GP or local Sexual Health clinic to book an appointment.

For more information about the IUS, click here.

The implant (or the rod) is a highly effective contraceptive method which is fitted under the skin of your upper arm.

The implant is fitted under the skin so it cannot be seen - your arm is numbed for insertion and removal so it is painless.

• Slowly releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.
• A Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) – can last for up to 3 years, but can be removed at any time if you wish to become pregnant.
• Does not protect against STIs

An implant has to be fitted and removed by a medical professional so contact your GP or local Sexual Health clinic to book an appointment.

For more information about the implant, click here.

The contraceptive injection is an injection, which is given into the top of the bum. It’s highly effective and is also known as the ‘Depo’ (after the drug Depo-Provera) or the jab.

The injection releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy

• Once it has been given, the injection cannot be reversed – it lasts for 12 weeks and it can take a little longer for fertility to return to normal
• It’s very discreet – once you’ve had an injection, there is no way for anyone to know you are using contraception
• Does not protect against STIs

The injection can be given by a medical professional so contact your GP or local Sexual Health to book an appointment.

For more information about the injection, click here.

The pill is the name given to a number of different contraceptive medications that can be prescribed for regular use.

They are usually taken once a day for three weeks, followed by a week’s break which is usually when you might have your period.

There are several different types of pill –talking to your GP is usually the best way to find out which option is right for you. The pill:

• Releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy
• Is only effective if taken properly - so may not be a good option if you are forgetful
• May not be the best option if you’re on other prescribed medications which can prevent the pill from working – your GP will be able to talk to you about this
• Certain pills can help with acne and other skin problems – speak to your GP if this is something you would like to know more about
• Does not prevent STIs

The pill can be given by a medical professional so contact your GP or local Sexual Health clinic to book an appointment.

For more information about the pill, click here.

The patch is a small, plaster-like patch that is stuck on the body. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy.

The patch is stuck anywhere on the body apart from the breasts, as the fatty tissue does not absorb the hormones well.

• A new patch is applied every week for three weeks, followed by a week’s break - during this break is when to expect your period
• They’re very sticky so they won’t come off even if exercising or in the shower
• They’re discreet - they look just like a plaster and can be hidden under clothes
• Does not prevent STIs

You can get patches through your GP or local Sexual Health clinic.

For more information about the patch, click here.

Cervical screening (sometimes known as a smear test) tests the health of the cells found on your cervix.

Cervical screening is important to find and remove abnormal cells which can lead to cervical cancer.

Cervical screening is offered to people who have cervixes, aged 25 and over. This is because it is very rare for anyone under the age of 25 to develop cervical cancer

Check out the NHS Choices website to find out more about cervical screening. 

You can also find out more information on HPV, cervical screening, cell changes or cervical cancer from Jo’s Trust here.