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.

Talk Contraception

Making the right contraceptive choice is an important key to good sexual health and your health in general.  If you’re finding it difficult to talk about contraception with your partner or GP/Doctor, here are some tips to help you to discuss the issue.

Talk to your Partner

Talk to your GP/Doctor

When talking about contraception, it’s important to remember:

  • It is your right to determine when, with whom, how and where you want to have sex
  • It is your right to make your own choices
  • It is your right to abstain from sexual activity
  • It is your right to protect yourself from pregnancy and disease
  • It is your right to enjoy yourself