Choosing contraception

Contraception helps prevent pregnancy. There are different types of contraception you can choose from. All are free on the NHS. 

Your GP, School or College Health Nurse or Sexual Health and Contraceptive Clinic can offer confidential expert advice.

Crucial: The choice is yours - There are lots of different ways to avoid pregnancy. Have a look at Brook to find out all the different methods.

Contraception

It is really important to know that you can get pregnant:

• the first time you have (PIV) sex
• if you hardly ever have sex
• if you have had sex before and not got pregnant
• from any close genital contact between a man and a woman where there is ejaculation
• if you have sex during your period
• if you have sex without either of you having an orgasm (coming)
• if the boy withdraws (pulls his penis out before he comes)
• if you have sex in any position, including standing up
• if you pee (pass water) afterwards
• if you douche (wash inside) afterwards.

Crucial: Contraception is important for everyone. 

Watch the below video to find out about the different types available.

Crucial: Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against both STIs and pregnancy. Find out more about Sexual Health.

Where to get contraception

You can get contraception and condoms free from:

• Sexual health clinics (these offer contraception and STI testing services) - find Sexual Health Clinics in Oxfordshire
• School Health Nurses
• Pharmacies
• Other locations - ask a family worker, youth worker, student services

In Oxfordshire, there are lots of people who have been trained to give confidential, honest and practical information to young people about sex, consent, contraceptive choices, STIs and more. This is called the Oxfordshire C-Card scheme.

Crucial: If you are under 25 and living in Oxfordshire you can get free condoms using the Oxfordshire C-Card scheme.

Confidential service

Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under 16 years old. This means that the doctor or nurse won’t tell your parents, or anyone else, unless they are worried about your safety. 

Instant expert: Which kind of contraception is best for you? It's your decision and your Doctor or nurse can help you choose.