You can get pregnant even if you are breastfeeding your baby, and before your periods have restarted. If you are having sex and you don’t want to get pregnant you should start using contraception from three weeks after your baby is born, even if you are breastfeeding.
There is no evidence that taking the contraceptive Pill causes weight gain. Some women put may put on weight whether they are taking the Pill or not.
Some people are allergic to latex, the type of rubber that some condoms are made of. If you are allergic, your Pharmacist can help you choose non-latex ones.
If both partners have HIV, you should still use a condom. Evidence shows that there may be different strains of HIV. If you and your partner are both diagnosed with HIV it may not be the same strain, so condoms are important to prevent cross-infection and the passing of other sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms come in a range of sizes. If the condoms you’ve used were too small or big, look out for different sizes or ask your pharmacist or a doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic for more information. If you’re not sure about the size, try one on alone before you have sex to see how it feels.
All contraceptive methods can stop you getting pregnant, but some have other benefits, too. Condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while the IUS (hormone-based coil) can give you lighter periods, or even stop periods altogether.
You can use Brook’s confidential “My Contraception” tool online to find out which contraception suits you best.
There are 15 types of contraception available in the UK to suit you, including condoms, the pill, injections, implants and emergency.
If you’re 13 to 16 and want contraception, an abortion or tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents (or carer) as long as they believe that you fully understand the information you’re given, and your decisions.
You don’t always notice symptoms if you have an STI. Many people don’t notice symptoms and most people with chlamydia have no symptoms. You won’t always know if you’ve got an STI and you can’t tell by looking if someone has one. Protect yourself by always using a condom. If you’re worried, visit your GP or sexual health clinic.