Contraception

Before we discuss the individual types of contraception on offer remember this one important fact, "It is the responsibility of both parties to ensure that proper contraception is being used. Being drunk is no excuse". A startlingly high percentage of girls get pregnant whilst at University, and whilst some are planned pregnancies, most are not, so be careful.

You can pick up condoms for free at family planning clinics, or at student unions, or pay £2 for three condoms in most men's toilets - so there's no excuse for not having at least one method available.

Also remember that with many contraceptives although you may be preventing a little 'un from entering the world, you may NOT be protecting yourself from STD's.

Condoms

Using condoms is the best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases - and they help avoid pregnancy - but you have to use them properly. So girls and guys, before the embarrassed fumbling starts - read and digest.

Advice from www.givemecondoms.com

Condoms come in all different sizes, which is why there are condoms to fit us all. Condoms come in all sorts of colours, shapes, flavours, textures and sizes. The varied choice can make them fun to use. However, it is important to use one properly every time you have sex:

1. Condoms only roll one way (when a condom won't roll properly, it's probably inside out). When you put it on, leave a space at the tip, and don't use oily lubricants, like baby oil or Vaseline, which can rot the rubber. Instead use water based lubricants like KY jelly.
2. Check now and again during sex that the condom is still on - without spoiling your enjoyment.
3. Afterwards, pull out almost immediately, before the penis gets soft, so the condom doesn't slip off, remembering to hold the base as you do it.
4. Be careful where you keep them - condoms can degrade in sunlight or if carried around for years on the off chance that you strike lucky one day.
5. Use a new condom every time.
6. Check the sell-by date and look for the BSI Kite mark (British Standards Institute) or European CE mark (female condoms don't have them). Believe it or not they can go off.

An American survey reveals that for every 100 latex condoms used, one tiny HIV particle may leak through. While it may sound scary, the American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention assert, "It is bordering on impossible for one virus particle to cause HIV infection".

The Femidom:

Contrary to many men's wishful thinking, this is not a condom for a well-hung male, but rather another barrier method, an alternative to the Cap. The 'female' condom is a polyurethane sheath, which is inserted into the vagina, protects against sexually transmitted disease and unwanted pregnancy, but often needs a bit of getting used to. They are not as popular as male condoms, but give the female control over the use of barrier methods, so if a male refuses to wear condom (and you still want to have sex with him!), you can opt for one of these. Best used in conjunction with another method of contraception.

How to fit the Femidom:

• Hold the inner ring at the closed end. Then insert the femidom into vagina as far back as you can go so the inner ring rests on the pubic bone. The outer ring should lie to your skin outside the vagina.
• Check the penis actually goes inside the femidom and not between the condom and the vagina.
• It's loose fitting and may move around during sex, but you will be protected as long as the penis stays inside. Hold and twist the outer rim of the femidom to keep the semen inside while you remove it.

Cap / Diaphragm

This is a domed rubber circle with harder rim. Female slips it up into her vagina to cover the cervix before sex. It must stay in for at least six hours after sex. Used with spermicide it is 90% effective and the spermicide may kill off HIV, though it is not effective against all sexually transmitted diseases.

Advantages - no side effects or long term effects on the body, although you or your boyfriend may be sensitive to the spermicide. If so, try other brands.

Disadvantages - having to say hold on a moment and pop off to slip it in before sex, if you haven't put it in beforehand. If not inserted properly it may rub against the penis, causing sensitivity. Your GP or clinic doctor will measure you for size and give you a lesson in how to insert it properly when you start. Check sizing if you lose or gain more than 7kg. Remember, to be effective, it has to be used all of the time! Forgetting to put it in is not an option, no matter how much you've had to drink beforehand.

The Pill

There are two main types of pill - the combined pill contains two hormones, progestogen and oestrogen, which stop a woman ovulating (releasing an egg) each month.

Progestogen only pill - taken at the same time each day, it causes changes making it difficult for a woman to accept a fertilised egg, or for sperm to enter the womb. In some cases, it can prevent ovulation.

Advantages - 99% success rate and non intrusive.

Disadvantages - may be temporary side effects and periods may be irregular. Must be taken regularly. Heavy use of some recreational drugs may stop it working. Also - If you drink lots and then vomit, make sure you take another pill, especially if you've just taken one before you threw-up. In addition, certain antibiotics will stop your pill from working, so always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The Morning-After Pill / Emergency Pill

Like a fire alarm, or brake cord on a train, these are to be used only in case of an emergency.

Used to be known as morning-after pill, but you need two doses of a contraceptive pill given to you by your doctor or family clinic within three days, or have an IUD (coil) fitted within five days. It may soon be available over the counter at chemists, depending on the outcome of current controversy attracting plans. This is not an alternative to contraception!

Brook Advisory Centre run a 24 hour computerised help-line on 020 7617 9000 that gives advice on contraception, emergency contraception, what to do if you've missed a period, abortion, what to do if you're pregnant and not sure if you are happy with the situation and STDs. If in doubt - call them!

IUD / Intra-Uterine Device / Coil

This is a small plastic/copper device with strings that is inserted into the womb. It prevents sperm from meeting the eggs and stops an egg settling in the womb. It can stay in place for five years with a success rate of 98%.

Advantages - doesn't interrupt sex. Stays in for around five years.

Disadvantages - periods may be heavier or longer so it is not suitable for women suffering from heavy periods. It is best for women in a faithful relationship because of the risk of pelvic infection.

Implants / Soft Tubes

These are Soft tubes that are implanted into the skin of the inner upper arm of the female which steadily release the hormone Progestogen into the bloodstream, preventing sperm and egg meeting.

Advantages - does not interfere with sex and can last for five years. After it has been taken out, normal fertility level returns.

Disadvantages - irregular periods and may have side effects including headaches, nausea, acne or slight weight gain.

The Sponge

This is a soft sponge containing spermicide that is put into the vagina to cover the cervix. It works for 24 hours after insertion but must stay in for six hours after sex. The success rate of this method is between 75-90 percent.

Advantages - Can be bought in a pharmacy, so you do not have to go to a clinic. One size fits all. And, you can have sex more than once without having to apply more spermicide.

Disadvantages - Expensive and you or partner can be sensitive to the spermicide it contains.

Natural Method / Rhythm Method / Catholic Method

Success depends on women watching and knowing their body and monthly cycle, and abstaining from sex or using contraception on the risky days. Female keeps a daily record of her body temperature and cervical mucus production to watch for signs of ovulation. When she is at her most fertile (usually between 12-19 days before a period) a barrier method, such as condoms/cap, should be used.

Advantages - no side effects and it gives you a greater awareness of your body.

Disadvantages - you must keep up your daily records and it is not recommended if you don't have regular periods.

The Male Pill

Two thirds of males questioned in a recent sex survey gave the male pill the thumbs up. The "Centre for Reproductive Biology" at Edinburgh University carried out two surveys on the male contraceptive pill. One questioned men in four centres around the world and found that 66 per cent would use a male contraceptive pill if available.

The other questioned 450 women in Edinburgh - 93% said men should take more responsibility for contraception, although just 37% said they would ask their partners to take it if it was available now; 76% said they would in the future.

A Dutch company are hoping to be able to market a male contraceptive pill within seven years. This would probably use progestogen and the male hormone testosterone. Watch this space.