Sex education at school is an excruciating lesson we all have had to endure. It is an unfathomable fact that when a ‘rude’ word is uttered in the presence of 30 school kids, sniggering becomes the natural response. Toe-curling episodes of hearing teachers talk about sex lives stay with us forever. The chances are you were being given some pretty critical advice, but the chances are also that you were too busy smirking to take it in. If you’re a young adult and confused about some of the more popular contraception options then we’ll outline them here for you for you to read in the privacy of your own home, away from the distraction of a class-full of gigglers.
Condoms
Condoms, also known as sheaths, rubbers, johnnies and all sorts of other names are the very best option for any young adult with an active sex life. As well as preventing pregnancy they offer a barrier against STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Of course they are not fool proof and you’ll need to learn to use them properly, but there’s nothing like an STI (or a baby!) to stop your sex life in its tracks.
The Pill
There are tonnes of different contraceptive pills available now and it’s best to talk with your doctor about which one is right for you. He or she will ask you a few questions (grit your teeth and be honest!) and then offer you one that they think might suit you. It might not be of course, and you’ll only really know a few months down the line, but if that’s the case you can always change to a different one. You still need a condom to protect you from any nasties though.
The Coil
Intra-Uterine Device also called IUD or coil is an internal devices fitted by a nurse or by a doctor. It can be a painful and unpleasant procedure, but the benefit is that once it’s fitted you can forget it’s there! It is one of the most reliable forms of contraception and can be taken out whenever you want (again by a doctor). Some contain hormones but others don’t and these are particularly popular with women who don’t want extra hormones buzzing round their body making them even more bonkers than usual! Again, you’ll still need a condom as protection against disease – are you noticing the running theme here?!
The Implant or Injection
This is either an implant that is embedded into your arm, or an injection every few months, which slowly releases the same sort of hormones found in the pill. If you’re slightly forgetful and don’t trust yourself to remember to take a pill every day then this might be the option for you. As with all other forms of non-barrier contraception you should always use a condom too. Oh there it is again!
Once you’ve got your contraception sorted feel free to start getting jiggy! Treat your body with respect, choose your partner carefully and you can reap all the benefits a good sex life has to offer without the increased risk of a baby or infection.
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Marissa Anabel is a blogger speciaising in reproductive health related topics. She has written many articles that help readers avoid unplanned pregnancy and enjoy a planned one.
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