Contraception is also used to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Not all the methods will help prevent pregnancy AND STIs so it is important to look into all the methods to find which work best for you.
STIs can also be spread during foreplay, oral and anal sex. So, whatever your sexual orientation is, it is important to use contraception when engaging in sexual activities.
These days there are so many types of contraception available it can be a bit confusing to know what does what and how and why?
Myths
There are a lot of myths around how to avoid pregnancy, such as having sex standing up, having a bath afterwards, it being a girls first time and withdrawal. None of this will prevent pregnancy...
Withdrawal or taking a penis out before ejaculation is not a form of contraception, there is something called precum that is produced from the end of the penis before ejaculation. This precum may deliver around 80,000 sperm into the vagina. Be prepared for babies if you try this; it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg. It is also very important to make sure this precum doesn't transfer to the vagina by touching with hands etc, it is possible (although not common) to make a baby without actually having sex!
