TEEN TABOOS
PROGRAMME 4: THE CONDOM QUESTION
Even though young people often know the importance of using condoms, many are too embarrassed, forgetful, or sometimes drunk, to broach the subject of protection. This episode offers practical strategies and solutions to help keep teens safe, including information about all the different options when it comes to contraception.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Seventy-five percent of young people do not use condoms. This is a high-risk strategy, given the rising rates of unplanned pregnancy and STIs among young people. The teenagers featured in this programme, perhaps surprisingly, are not keen on the idea of condoms, even though they are all sexually active. David Strutt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Pasante Healthcare – Britain's fastest growing condom producer – is keen to find out why teenagers are so averse to condom use.
The programme looks at some of the reasons for this – that condoms 'ruin the mood', that they're just generally unpleasant, that they can split, and that it can be tricky to raise the subject of safe sex, particularly with someone you have just met.
There are strong messages in the programme about the need for young people to raise the issue of protection with a potential partner, as well as advice on where to get condoms and how to use them. It is also evident from the programme that negotiating condom use is far easier when you are in a steady relationship.
The issue of alcohol is also raised. Some of the young people admit that once they have had a drink, any good intentions about safe sex are often forgotten. It is simply easier not to bring the issue up. Alcohol acts as a disinhibitor and is often a factor in young people's sexual encounters. Some young people even plan to drink ahead of sex, to make it 'easier'. Not surprisingly, a high percentage of young people regret their experiences of early sex and this is largely down to the fact that they were drunk. In contrast, several of the teenagers in the programme would simply not contemplate sex without a condom.
Other methods of contraception are also discussed.
What types of contraception are there, and how reliable are they?
Text reproduced with permission of ®Healthy Respect ©Lothian Health Board (2007)
There are many different types of contraception available, all of which are very effective if they are used properly. If 100 sexually active women don't use any contraception 80-90 of them will become pregnant in a year.
Different methods suit different people at different times in their lives, so have a look at the following and do go along to a clinic and pick up a leaflet for more information, or have a chat. No method is perfect and the risks, benefits and any possible side-effects will be discussed with you.
Contraceptive injection (the 'jag')
Over 99% effective and lasts for 12 weeks. It releases the hormone progestogen slowly into the body. This stops ovulation, thickens the mucus to prevent sperm meeting an egg and thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg implanting.
Implant
Over 99% effective and lasts for three years. It is a flexible tube put under the skin of the arm and releases the hormone progestogen. A local anaesthetic is used but no stitches are needed.
Intrauterine system (IUS)
Over 99% effective and works for five years. A small plastic device, which releases the hormone progestogen, is put into the womb.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Around 99% effective and can work for three to 10 years depending on the type. A small plastic and copper device is put into the womb.
Combined pill
Over 99% effective if taken regularly. It contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen, which stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm meeting an egg and thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg implanting.
Contraceptive patch
Over 99% effective. A small patch (flesh coloured) is stuck on the skin (by yourself), once a week for three weeks, and then you have a break for one1 week before starting again. It contains the two hormones oestrogen and progestogen and works like the pill (see above).
Progestogen only pill
99% effective if taken properly. It contains the hormone progestogen, which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm meeting an egg and thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg implanting. Can be used by women who can not take the combined pill with oestrogen. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you when they take a note of any personal or family illness.
Male condom
98% effective if used properly. Made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic). It is a barrier method, and put on an erect penis it stops sperm from entering the female's vagina. It protects against pregnancy and most sexually transmitted infections.
Female condom
95% if used properly. It is made of soft polyurethane and again is a barrier method that stops the sperm entering the vagina. It fits inside the female vagina.
Diaphragm/cap
Between 92 and 96% effective. A flexible latex (rubber) 'cap' is put into the vagina to cover the cervix, which acts as a barrier to stop the sperm entering the womb. The first time it is fitted for you by a nurse or doctor, as there are different sizes. They teach you how to use it, and then you put it in yourself each time before you have sex.
Natural family planning
Probably up to 98% effective. The fertile and infertile times (when you are most and least likely to get pregnant) of your menstrual cycle are worked out. This shows when you can have sex without risking pregnancy. Most people need to be taught how to do this by keeping charts of temperature and mucus changes in their body.
Female and male sterilisation
Both are very effective, but involve a permanent decision about not having any or more children. The fallopian tubes in women or the tubes carrying the sperm (vas deferens) in men are cut or blocked to prevent sperm reaching an egg.
Last but not least: not having intercourse!
There are many options about the kinds of sex people choose to have, and being not ready or choosing not to have vaginal sex means there is no risk of pregnancy.
