FINAL TSTO Lesa Dec 14.pdf - Flipbook - Page 58
It’s important that all young people who are considering having sexual
intercourse know the following:
A girl can get pregnant any time, including the first time she has sex
A girl can get pregnant even when she has her period, or has just
finished it
Sperm can stay alive in a girl’s body for up to five days after sex
‘Pulling out’ is not a safe form of contraception; sperm can be present in
the pre-cum
Condoms are the only form of contraception that also reduce the risk of
getting or passing on an STI
Abstinence is the only 100% effective method of contraception.
Condoms are an excellent
contraceptive choice for
young people.
Common methods of contraception
There are many options for contraception. Here are just a few. More
information is available from your doctor or Family Planning NSW.
‘The Pill’ (The combined pill)
The Pill is taken once a day and prevents the release of an egg from the
ovaries each month. The Pill is more than 99% effective if taken perfectly,
but in real life it can be less effective (91%) because it’s easy to forget to
take it. It’s worth coming up with a routine for taking it.
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Emergency contraception pill (sometimes known
as the ‘morning after pill’)
Emergency Contraception (EC) can be used to prevent
pregnancy when intercourse has occurred without the
use of contraception or when contraception may have
failed (e.g. condom breakage). EC prevents up to 85%
of unexpected pregnancies and is most effective at
preventing pregnancy when taken within 24 hours of
having sex (the sooner it is taken the more effective
it is). There is some effectiveness for up to 120 hours
(five days) after intercourse, however, effectiveness
decreases as time passes and is significantly reduced
72 hours (three days) after sex. EC is available over
the counter at most chemists, so you don’t need to see
a doctor to get a prescription.
Contraceptive implants
The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod inserted
under the skin on the inside of the arm by a doctor or
nurse. The implant works like the Pill to stop the release
of an egg each month and lasts for up to three years.
Because it is a ‘set and forget’ method it is more effective
than the Pill at preventing pregnancy. The contraceptive
implant is 99.9% effective.
