Showcase Magazine Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 24
NOOKIE
KNOWLEDGE
Contraception
Contraception refers to the different methods used to prevent pregnancy, allowing
individuals and couples to make informed choices about if and when they want to have
children. Contraception offers a range of safe and effective options to suit different bodies
and lifestyles. Some methods also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections,
while others focus solely on pregnancy prevention. Understanding how these options work
empowers people to take control of their reproductive health with confidence and
responsibility, and to look out for one another. Contraception is everyone’s responsibility.
In the UK, you can get confidential contraception advice and
services through your GP or a local sexual health clinic via the
NHS, and most methods are free. Condoms are available to
buy in pharmacies and supermarkets, and are often provided
free at clinics and youth services. Emergency contraception is
also free from NHS services and many pharmacies, and some
pharmacists can supply the contraceptive pill without a GP
appointment.
What Not to Do:
Some methods of avoiding pregnancy are far less reliable than
modern contraception. The withdrawal, or pull out, method
has a high failure rate because pre ejaculate can contain
sperm and timing is difficult to get right. Similarly, guessing
your fertile days without proper fertility awareness training, or
using spermicides on their own, is not very effective. Myths
such as douching, certain sex positions, or having sex during
your period also do not prevent pregnancy, so choosing a
proven method is much safer if you want to avoid it.
Common Types of Contraception
Condoms
Contraceptive Implant
Contraceptive Pill
Contraceptive injection
The patch or vaginal ring
The coil, or IUD
Emergency contraception is used to reduce
the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex
or contraceptive failure, such as a condom
splitting. In the UK, it is available for free from
your GP or local sexual health clinic through
the NHS, and many pharmacies also provide
it free of charge. Alternatively, you can also
buy the emergency contraceptive pill over
the counter at most pharmacies without a
prescription. It works best the sooner it is
taken and can be used up to 3 to 5 days after
sex. It does not protect against sexually
transmitted infections and should not be
used as a regular method of contraception.
Important to Note!
Only condoms protect against most sexually
transmitted infections; while other methods of
contraception prevent pregnancy, they do not
protect against STIs.
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