Your first contraception
You feel ready to have sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend, but don't forget that you need to think about contraception first. Choosing your first method of contraception is an important choice to make.
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There are many contraceptive methods out there. Finding the right one for you requires specialist advice.
Oral contraception
For teenage girls, a combination oral contraceptive can be the best method. Several advantages favour this choice:
- Effective method of contraception;
- Easy to use;
- Beneficial effects on teenage menstrual problems (irregular cycles, painful periods, acne, etc.).
A full check-up and checking possible contraindications, in particular if there is a family history of thrombosis and smoking addiction, are required before prescribing the Pill. This contraceptive method requires health checks (cervical smears and blood tests for cholesterol, triglycerides and sugar levels). Your doctor will also warn you about the potentially serious effects of smoking and taking a combination oral contraceptive.
In the rare case that oestrogens are contraindicated, a progestin-only mini-Pill may be prescribed. This type of pill needs to be taken continuously, at a fixed time in the day, and can cause irregular bleeding.
Other forms of contraception
When none of these methods are suitable, or if you have had an abortion before, it may be necessary to use an IUD, three-monthly injections or progestin implants. In any case, it is important to insist on the need to use condoms in association with oral contraceptives to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
It is also important to explain the possible use of Emergency contraception, more commonly known as the "morning after pill" in case of unprotected sex or a contraceptive "accident". These can be obtained from BSAP centres, or from the chemist, and should be taken within 72 hours following unprotected sexual intercourse, or if you have a doubt in the efficiency of your contraceptive method, for instance a busted condom.
Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo
Posted 30.06.2010
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