Running The Risk :: Contraception

There are loads of myths out there about how pregnancy can be avoided. Here are some of them: "You can’t get pregnant if…

…it’s the first time the girl has sex
	Rubbish – it’s just as likely she’ll get pregnant!
…if you do it standing up
	Gravity won’t help here – those sperms are great swimmers and can go uphill!
	Jumping up and down won’t work either… it can take only 20 minutes for the fastest sperm to reach the waiting egg.
…the lad ’pulls out’ (withdraws his penis) before he comes
	Not safe - he could easily release some sperm in his precum before the main ejaculation.
…you have sex during the girl’s monthly period
	Not safe – especially when periods may be irregular.
	Sperms can live inside a girl's body for two to five days.
…if the girl ‘douches’ afterwards. (washes out the vagina)
	She would never be able to get all of the 300 million or so sperms out.
	It only needs one to fertilise the egg!
…if the girl doesn’t have an orgasm
	Simply untrue – the female orgasm may be the ideal conclusion to sex but it’s not required for pregnancy.
They are all utter nonsense – the only way to avoid pregnancy is by using tried and tested contraceptive methods. Don’t forget: only barrier methods such as male and female condoms (femidom) give protection against pregnancy and most STIs.

These are all alternatives that won’t lead to pregnancy!


	Massage Start by massaging your partner, leaving the genitals until last. Then let your partner massage you. This may well lead on to the second suggestion! Please note. DO NOT allow the massage oil to come into contact with the condom – See condom demo.

	Mutual masturbation This will also show you what your partner likes and how their body works. It will also help communication between partners. Experiment with lubricants which come in a range of flavours and consistencies – some even warm up as you use them. Please note. Some STIs could be passed on.

	Oral sex Ideally use a condom - flavoured if you prefer. A ‘square’ of condom latex or a Dental Dam can be placed over the vulva when giving oral sex to a woman.

	Frotting A word you won’t find in most dictionaries! Rubbing your bodies against each other. Please see the law.

	Using sex toys Vibrators and dildos can get both partners going! Try raiding your kitchen too - cucumbers and bananas needn’t just be for eating. Please note: Some STIs could be passed on if sharing sex toys.


Condoms Male and female condoms are freely available and offer excellent protection against most STIs and pregnancy. Always check that the condoms have a valid expiry date, a UK Kite mark (this tells you that this brand of condom has been fully tested and meets all the UK regulations) and CE mark (the condom meets all the regulations of the European Commission). Click here to view visuals.

Hormonal The two versions of the Pill, the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill are very effective methods of female contraception but they offer no protection against STIs. Both are free from your GP, Family Planning Clinic or your local Brook Advisory Centre.

Emergency contraception Emergency contraception is needed after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure and usually means: either the ‘Emergency Contraceptive Pill’ which can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) or having a coil (IUD) fitted by a doctor within five days.
The ‘Morning after Pill’ is free from:
	some Birmingham chemists to under 21s. Contact NHS Direct for details of your nearest participating chemist.
	your GP, Family Planning Clinic, NHS Walk-in Centres or your local Brook Advisory Centre.
Remember: you may also be at risk of becoming infected with an STI after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

An Office for National Statistics survey of 16 - 17 year old girls in 2005 found that: