Contraception and pregnancy
Contraception
or birth control is used to prevent women from getting pregnant. If you want to
have a sexual relationship and avoid getting pregnant you need to use a
reliable form of contraception. If you choose one that fits with your
lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to use it properly and it will be more
effective. Contraception and contraceptive advice is free for students in the
UK. With 15 methods of contraception to choose from, there should be one that’s
right for you.
NHS
Choices provides loads of information about the different types of
contraception
This
useful contraception tool can help you make the right decision about what
contraception would suit you best.
For
information about local sexual health services across England, the NHS website
offers a ‘find services near you’ search.
Your
GP can provide most forms of contraception. If you don’t want to go to your GP
for any reason you can go to Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHiP) – a
local specialist service that holds clinics and walk in and wait sessions in
various locations across the city.
Condoms
As
well as being an effective method of avoiding unwanted pregnancy condoms are
the most effective protection against all sexually transmitted infections. You
can buy condoms from local pharmacies and supermarkets. The C-Card Scheme
provides free condoms for people under 25 years from a number of sites across
Plymouth.
Emergency contraception
If
you’ve had sex without using contraception or think that your contraception
might have failed you can take the emergency contraception pill or morning
after pill for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. This is available from GPs
and can be purchased from high street pharmacies.
The
emergency contraception pill is also available free to women aged 13-25 years from
various community pharmacies across Plymouth.