Let’s talk about Sex-ual Health
Need information, contraception or an STI (aka STD) checkup, but aren’t sure where to start?
Below is a quick breakdown of your contraceptive options, plus a few medical terms that can be tricky to understand. Talking to a nurse or doctor about what contraception is best for you or your partner is the way to go.
While all contraception protect against pregnancy, only condoms protect against most STIs - so if you have a new partner or more than one partner, use a condom as well. And remember – many STI’s do not have symptoms, so both you and your sexual partner might not know if you have one. If you’re sexually active, look after yourself by getting checked regularly and expect others to do so as well.
Did you know? You can get boxes of condoms for free from the Community Clinic and Family Planning just by walking in the door!
What kind of Contraception?
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Word |
What does it mean? |
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Contraception/Contraceptive/Birth control |
Something that prevents pregnancy |
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STI (STD) |
Sexually Transmitted Infection |
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Contraception |
What is it? |
How does it work? |
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Condom
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A thin sleeve of rubber that goes on the penis before sex, and gets thrown out after it has been used. Condoms are the best way to help protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections and are easy to get without seeing a nurse/doctor. May slip off or split if not used correctly or if wrong size or shape |
Condoms stop pregnancy by catching sperm, instead of it entering the vagina. Condoms also protect against STIs and can be used for vaginal, oral and anal sex |
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Oral Contraceptive
aka: The Pill |
Contraception taken by mouth, typically known as ‘the pill’. Often reduces heavy bleeding and period pain, and sometimes acne. One little pill has to be taken every day, and works best when you take it at the same time each day. If you miss a pill then you are not protected from pregnancy |
The pill works by releasing a hormone that tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant. Because of this, your womb does not release an egg, so there is nothing for sperm to fertilise after sex. Some pills work by thickening the mucus in the cervix to create a barrier for the sperm.
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IUD
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An IUD is a small copper or plastic T shaped device which sits in the uterus (your womb).A copper coil works straight away and lasts for 5-10 years, whilst a hormonal coil works for 3-5 years (but both can be taken out sooner). A small procedure is needed to fit this device which usually takes about 15 minutes
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The hormones or copper in the IUD stop the sperm reaching the egg, and also stop the egg attaching to the wall of the uterus. |
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Depo Provera
aka: The Jab
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The Depo Provera is a single injection usually given in the top of your butt cheek, which takes just a few seconds. It lasts for 13 weeks, so you need to get the Depo given every 12 weeks (3 months) |
The jab works by releasing a hormone that tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant. Because of this, your womb does not release an egg |
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The implant
aka : The Rod, Jadelle, |
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The rod works by releasing a hormone that tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant. Because of this, your womb does not release an egg. |
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