Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Think that contraception means only the pill or condoms? Think again! There are more than 12 types of contraceptives available.

If you are having sex and you don’t want to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant – it’s important to use a method of contraception that suits you. To find out what is the best choice for you think about what you want from your contraception. Remember, no method is 100% effective, condoms minimise the risk however they do not protect you against all STIs. Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs.

It is your right to decide when, how, where and with whom you want to have sex and your right to say NO if you choose not to have sex. It is your responsibility to ensure you carry and use contraception. Nobody else is going to do the thinking for you, not even your partner. If you find it hard to talk about contraception with your partner or doctor, visit Talk Contraception for some helpful tips.

In Ireland, the age of sexual consent for both sexes is 17 years of age.

Know Your Choices

All contraceptive methods are very effective and most are 99% effective - when used correctly and consistently. You can find out more on this page or from your GP/Doctor.

A Dual Protection approach to contraception gives the best protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Continue Reading.