Contraception
Contraception
When was the last time you chatted with mum about the benefits of condoms, or discussed the Pill over vegemite toast with dad? Hmm, we know contraception is not a popular dinner time convo but that doesn’t mean it should be swept under the rug!
Sex is a big deal, a REALLY BIG DEAL, bigger than your first day at a new job, bigger than getting your driver’s license, if fact it is probably one of the top 10 biggest things in your development as a young woman. So while you may feel like you really want to get your first time over with, we reckon it’s not worth rushing in as sex can have some pretty big emotional and physical impacts on your body.
If you are thinking about having sex, it’s always a good idea to get clued up on what you are about to get involved in,luckily U by Kotex is here to give you the D-L. Check out our content below to find out our top contraception tips so you can feel confident that your first time will be safe and fun.
With all the different contraception options available it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed, but don’t stress! If you are worried or unsure about ANYTHING related to sex, you should defs ask an older friend that you trust about it, your mum or maybe a fav aunt or cousin.
Condoms
Condoms are also known as rubbers, wrappers, doms, love gloves, johnnies, raincoats, etc. There are about as many names for condoms as there are different types, however they all do pretty much the same thing; stop pregnancy and STI’s. The condom comes under the barrier method (sounds so romantic, NOT) of contraception.
Condoms are normally made out of latex (a fancy name for rubber) and are designed to stop a boy’s semen (aka sperm) from getting too close to the egg in your body. Condoms come in all different types and sizes for all different types of guys and gals. Most condoms also have a substance called spermacide which kills all the sperm, but won’t harm you or your boy.
Every time you engage in some kind of sex a new condom must be used, (they can’t be reused like last week’s Cosmo mag). Condoms are the only type of contraceptives that can stop unwanted pregnancy AND nasty sexually transmitted infections, so they are a v popular contraception choice. According to recent studies condoms are about 98% effective, if you use them the right way.
The Pill
The Pill we talk about here refers to all the oral hormonal method of contraception. The Pill is the most popular contraceptive out there and since its introduction in the 60’s almost 200 million women have used the Pill. The Pill contains certain chemicals (normally the hormones Progestogen and Oestrogen) that stop your egg from being released by your ovaries. When taken correctly the pill is up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The Pill can also make your periods lighter (awesome), less painful (super awesome) and more regular (super super awesome).
Unfortunately using the Pill as a method of contraception only stops pregnancy and not STI’s like HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Herpes etc. The Pill can also have some side-effects, such as weight changes, some tenderness in your breasts and a small minority of girls who take the Pill report some skin problems. The Pill needs to be taken regularly – set your phone alarm or get into a routine – and even one missed Pill can cause pregnancy (eeek). The Pill needs to be prescribed by your doctor so chat with them first about the different brands and which one is right for you.
Other Methods of contraception
If you are anything like us – we would forget our head if it wasn’t attached to our body – then taking the Pill every day might be a big ask. If you want a contraception method that doesn’t come with a social schedule then the Contraception Implant might be your choice. It is a small piece of plastic that is inserted into your arm, slightly under the skin. It acts pretty much like the Pill (except that you don’t have to remember to take it every day) and it can last up to 3 years! It’s only available with a prescription so chat to your GP to see if this is a good option for you.
A diaphragm is a little like a condom for women. It is a small latex dome that you would fit so that it completely covers your cervix. Diaphragms can be re-used (after a little cleaning with some soapy water) but should be left in place for up to 8 hours after sex. The good news is that diaphragms only need to be used during sex but they can be tricky to insert correctly. Again, chat to your doctor if you want to go with this option.
As with all things sex, gossip spreads fast! There is lots of talk about contraceptive techniques that are even less effective than getting boys to do the washing up! The withdrawal (aka Coitus Interruptus) contraception method is commonly used but defiantly not recommended. With this method your partner withdraws his penis from you just before he climaxes. Trust us on this one, stopping during sex will probably be the last thing on his mind so this should be the last contraceptive method on your mind.
The Rhythm method is also known as fertility awareness. This method of contraception works by using your menstrual cycle to have sex at the time of the month when you are the least fertile. Women are more likely to conceive at some points of our cycle than others, but knowing the right time is the tricky bit. Predicting your period is hard enough – predicting your fertility is about 10 times harder so give this one a miss.
The days of leaving contraception for the guys to look after are well gone, it’s your body and you are going to be the one who worries about the consequences of unprotected sex. If you and your partner think sex might be just around the corner make sure you have done your homework about the consequences. So take matters into your own hands and keep condoms in your purse (don’t just expect him to carry the responsibility of having protection).
