Being Girl : Sex & Relationships : Contraception

Becoming pregnant?
Unlikely

Catching a STI?
Unlikely

Becoming pregnant?
Extremely unlikely - the pill is 99% effective if taken reliably.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use condoms.

Becoming pregnant?
Unlikely - condoms are fairly reliable if used correctly.

Catching a STI?
Very unlikely - condoms give superb protection against STIs.

Becoming pregnant?
Pretty unlikely - it's even more reliable than the male condom.

Catching a STI?
Very unlikely - the safest method after abstinence.

Becoming pregnant?
Very unlikely - the IUD is 98-99% effective.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use a condom.

Becoming pregnant?
Unlikely - the diaphragm is 90% effective.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use a condom.

Becoming pregnant?
Unlikely - the cap is 90% effective.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use a condom.

Becoming pregnant?
Very unlikely - Norplant is 99% effective.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use a condom.

Becoming pregnant?
Very unlikely - Depo-Provera is 99% effective.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use condoms.

Becoming pregnant?
Very likely - the rhythm method is not recommended.

Catching a STI?
Possible - you should also use condoms.

Abstinence means saying 'no' to sexual intercourse altogether and is the safest way to avoid pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. However, STIs can be picked up through forms of sexual contact other than intercourse so don't assume it's entirely risk-free.

The pill is taken by girls to prevent pregnancy but critically it doesn't offer any protection from STIs. There are two types of pill available but both basically trick the body into believing it's already pregnant. The 'combined pill' contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone and prevents ovaries releasing eggs. The 'mini-pill' contains only progesterone which thickens vaginal fluids so the sperm can't reach eggs and also makes the womb too slippery for eggs to stay put.

The combined pill is taken for 21 days straight a month with a week off whilst you have your period. The Mini-Pill is taken every day without gaps. Both are free and can be prescribed by either a doctor or a family planning clinic. They will advise you which is most suitable and how to take it properly. But be warned - missing pills or taking them irregularly will reduce how effective they are at preventing pregnancy.

The pill will make your periods lighter, less painful and more regular. It may also clear up spots. However in some girls the pill causes weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and a reduced sex-drive. It has also been linked to breast cancer although doctors are still in dispute over this.

Condoms are latex rubber sheaths that fit over a man's erect penis and prevent his sperm entering the woman's vagina during sex. In this way, they provide good protection against both infections and pregnancy.

You put the condom on when the penis is erect but before it touches your vagina. First, always squeeze the end of the condom between finger and thumb to get rid of trapped air and then unroll it down the length of the penis. When the man has ejaculated (or 'come') he should withdraw his penis while it's still erect, holding the condom in place until fully outside your body. If you're using a lubricant during sex with condoms make sure it's water-based (for example KY Jelly) since oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline) will rot away the condom's rubber. If your condom does split consult your doctor or family planning clinic immediately.

The female condom fits inside the vagina and is made of a resilient rubber with a plastic ring at each end - one to hold it in place and one hanging outside the body.

You must guide the penis into the condom when you start having sex. It may be a little awkward until you get the hang of it but the advantage of the female condom is that is can be inserted before sex so it doesn't 'ruin the mood'.

An IUD is a wire and rubber device that sits inside the womb and must be inserted and removed by a doctor. It affects the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg cannot settle and also chemically attacks sperm and eggs. It must be examined yearly to check for infection but otherwise is a fairly low-maintenance form of contraception.

Some girls report heavier, more painful periods after having the coil fitted.

The diaphragm is a flexible cup-like container which must be used with spermicidal cream or gel. It fits over the cervix and is held in place by a spring around its rim that prevents sperm entering the vagina. It is prescribed and fitted by a health practitioner, so you should speak to your doctor about this.

You insert a diaphragm 1-2 hours before sex so it requires forward-planning. It must be left in for 6-8 hours after sex for it to be effective.

The cervical cap is a smaller, snugger version of the diaphragm (again, fitted by a health practitioner) that covers the cervix and is held in place by suction. Like the diaphragm, if should always be used with spermicide.

The cap is a little more time-flexible than the diaphragm; you can insert it just before having sex or up to 1 day prior and can leave it in for up to 2 days in total.

Norplant is an implant that inhibits egg-production and the movement of sperm by releasing the hormone progesterone at certain intervals.

Norplant is a set of 6 match-sized 'sticks' surgically implanted in your upper arm. It can be left in place for up to 5 years so is great for girls who regularly forget to take their pills or don't intend to get pregnant anytime soon. Your doctor will advise if it's suitable for you.

Some girls find that implants can cause weight gain, headaches, dizziness and breast tenderness. It can also decrease your bone density.

Depo-Provera is a progesterone-only injection that disrupts egg-production and your menstrual cycle to stop you getting pregnant.

You get a Depo-Provera injection every 3 month so it's great if you find taking a daily pill a hassle.

Some girls find it causes acne, weight gain, breast tenderness or depression. It may also lower your sex drive.

The rhythm method involves having sex only during your most infertile times of the month - that's not before, during or after ovulation.

You must keep careful track of your cycle by taking your temperature every morning as it will rise around the time of ovulation. You must also check your vaginal mucus at night as it becomes more abundant and slippery before and during ovulation. As a form of contraception, the rhythm method is tricky since natural fluctuations in your cycle can be confusing and you also need self-control to abstain from sex on your fertile days.