About contraception

There are many different types of contraception, some are listed on the Types of contraception page. There are a lot of myths around about how to avoid pregnancy. These are the FACTS. A woman can still get pregnant

• if it is the first time she has sex
• if she does not have an orgasm
• if a man pulls out of her vagina before he comes (ejaculates)
• if she has sex when she has a period
• if she is not fully breastfeeding
• if she douches (squirts water into the vagina) – this can be harmful to women
• whatever position the couple has sex in.

You can get contraception from a few different places. Click Get contraception to find somewhere near you.

Emergency contraception

If you have just had sex without using contraception, or are worried that it might have failed, you need to act quickly. There are two types of emergency contraception you can use:

• the emergency contraceptive pill (Levonelle) must be taken within 72 hours of having sex, but the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. You can get these from Pharmacies/Chemists, Doctors' Surgeries, Walk-in Centres, A&E departments and Family Planning Clinics
• an IUD (coil) can be fitted within 120 hours of having sex. Family Planning Clinics as well as some doctors' surgeries also have people who are trained to fit coils.

What if it's too late?

If you had unprotected sex more than 120 hours ago, then you will need to get advice as soon as possible. Your next step is to have a pregnancy test, but most tests can only predict pregnancy from 5-7 days after a missed period. Speak to someone as soon as possible though, because they can give you the support you will need while you are waiting to have a test.

The earlier you know whether or not you are pregnant, the more time you will have to think through your options. You can get free pregnancy tests from various agencies in Norfolk as well as the Family Planning Clinic and your doctor's surgery, otherwise visit a Pharmacy to get a home testing kit.

What if you are pregnant?

You have several options open to you, but choosing which is right for you isn't easy. You need to think about the best decision for you, now and in the future. You will need time and support to think through your feelings and concerns. Only YOU can decide what's best for you, because you will be the person your decision affects most.

Click Think you're pregnant? for help with your decision.