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Contraception

If you've had sex without using any contraception, or if you were using a condom which slipped off or broke, seek advice from FPA or a doctor.

The ECP (Emergency Contraceptive Pill) can be used after unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy. This needs to be taken within 72 hours of having sex, but it is more effective if you take it as soon as possible- so don't wait around before seeking help.

If you're thinking about having sexual intercourse, it is important to make sure that you know as much as possible about what you are doing - before you do it.

Some people think a woman can't get pregnant the first time she has sexual intercourse. This is not true. It is quite possible for a woman to get pregnant the first time. It is also possible to get pregnant if you have intercourse while you have your period. Doing it standing up doesn't mean you are less likely to get pregnant. If the man pulls his penis out of the woman's vagina before he comes, she can still get pregnant.

Taking risks with sex can lead to situations that might change the rest of your life. The only way to be absolutely sure you don't get pregnant is not to have sexual intercourse. But if you do decide to, then you should make sure you are as safe as possible. Remember people of any age can get contraception.

Contraception (birth control)

Contraception is for men and women who are having sexual intercourse but don't want to have a baby. Contraception stops the woman getting pregnant. Pregnancy happens when a woman's egg is fertilised by a man's sperm.
Contraception prevents pregnancy by stopping the sperm and the egg getting together. There are a number of ways this can be done, and some methods are more reliable than others. The pill and condoms are the two most commonly used and reliable methods of preventing pregnancy.

The pill: a tablet taken by women which is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, as long as it is taken every day. The pill must be prescribed by a doctor, who will check that the woman is fit and well. The woman will need to tell the doctor if she has any side effects.

Condoms: a condom is a rubber sheath which fits over the man's penis to catch sperm when the man comes. Condoms are 90-98% effective when used correctly and every time.

Other methods you might have heard of are; the injection - Depo Provera, the diaphragm and the IUD.

For advice about contraception, go to a Family Planning Centre or visit your doctor. Condoms can be bought at chemists, petrol stations, supermarkets and many other places. It's much cheaper to get condoms with a prescription from FPA or a doctor.

Click here for detailed information about contraceptives

How to use a Condom

Click here for locations of FPA Centres in New Zealand