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.