Being safe
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Learning
Being safe
Topics in this section:
Condoms
What is it?
A thin rubber barrier that’s fits over the erect penis and catches sperm
Chance of getting pregnant
2 – 15% if used correctly
Advantages
*Protects against STIs
*Easy use
Disadvantages
*Some people are allergic to rubber
*Can slip and break
Did you know?
Works best when used with a water-based lubricant
Combined Pill
What is it?
A pill that stops ovaries from releasing an egg each month
Chance of getting pregnant
1 – 4 % if used correctly
Advantages
*Doesn’t interfere with sex
*Makes periods regular, shorter, lighter and less painful
Disadvantages
*Must be prescribed by a doctor
*Have to take it daily, at the same time and never skip a day
*May have side effects
Did you know?
The pill doesn’t protect you from STIs so you need to still use condoms with it unless you know your partner is STI free
Depo provera (injection)
What is it?
An injection that stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Chance of getting pregnant
Less than 1%
Advantages
*Doesn’t interfere with sex
*One injection lasts 12 weeks
*Usually no periods
Disadvantages
* Must be prescribed by a doctor
*Not ideal if you’re considering becoming pregnant in the very near future
*May have side effects
Did you know?
This is useful for women who can’t use the pill
Diaphragms (Female Condom)
What is it?
A rubber or plastic cap or dome that fits inside the vagina and covers the entrance to the womb.
Chance of getting pregnant
4 – 8% if used correctly
Advantages
*Can be put in before sex
*No serious health risks
Disadvantages
*Someone has to teach you how to insert it
*Spermicide can be messy
*Some people allergic to it
Did you know?
Must be used with spermicide to be effective
L.A.R.C. (The coil and implant)
What is it?
Device inserted by a doctor into the uterus or under the skin of your arm.
Chance of getting pregnant
Less than 1%
Advantages
*1 implant provides protection for 3 – 5 years
*Doesn’t have much impact on fertility
Disadvantages
*Has to be inserted and removed by a doctor
*Can cause irregular periods
Did you know?
Can’t be used if you have a family history of breast cancer
For heaps more information on contraceptive choices, check out www.familyplanning.org.nz/advice/contraception
What do I do?
Take the ‘morning after’ pill which stops the egg from being fertilised by the sperm. This pill must be taken within 72 hours of the unprotected sex.
Act fast!! The sooner you take the pill, the more likely it is to work. Taking it within the first 12 hours following sex has the best chance of the pill working.
Where do I get it?
• Chemist
• Doctor
• Family Planning/sexual health clinic
Are there any risks?
• Some women may feel unwell after taking the morning after pill, such as nausea
• If you think you might be pregnant do a follow up pregnancy test with your doctor or family planning before taking it
What if it’s been longer than 72 hours?
• You can be fitted with a copper IUD within 5 days of unprotected sex. Talk to Family Planning or your doctor about this option.
For more info, check out http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/
Sexually transmissible infections are commonly called STIs and are also known as sexually transmissible diseases (STDs). STIs are infections you can get if you have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or skin on skin contact with someone.
STIs can be serious and may not go away by themselves. It is important to be tested and, if necessary, treated.
Symptoms
Some STIs have symptoms but often there are no signs at all. Many people will be infected with an STI without knowing it. You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them. It’s not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk of getting an STI.
The most common STIs in New Zealand are:
- chlamydia
- genital warts
- genital herpes
- gonorrhoea
Protection
There are ways to protect yourself and your partner against STIs. Male condoms and female condoms offer the best protection against STIs. They must be used correctly and used every time you have sex.
Did you know?
For NZ residents under 22 years old, there is no cost for your visit to the Family Planning clinic. To find your nearest Family Planning clinic, go to their website, at www.familyplanning.org.nz.
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