Boys, men and contraception
Contraceptives are used to prevent unplanned pregnancy. The pill or a coil, for example, or condoms. If you’re male, and have sex with girls or women, then it’s important to know something about contraception. That’s how you too can avoid a pregnancy that neither of you had planned.
Here’s a list of tips for boys and men.
Safe sex: what can you do?
- Make sure you know all about contraception and emergency contraception.
- Choose contraception that’s right for you both.
- Share the cost of the contraceptive.
- Help with preparing to use the contraception. For example: by picking it up at the pharmacy.
- Agree on who will get the condoms.
- If something goes wrong, go to a pharmacy or chemist together to get the morning after pill.
Always use condoms
- When you have penis-in-vagina sex, always use condoms. Even if she’s on the pill or uses another contraceptive.
- A condom makes sure you’re both protected against STIs.
- The pill, or another contraceptive, will make sure she doesn’t get pregnant if a condom tears.
When are contraceptives not completely safe?
- If a condom tears or comes off.
- If she doesn’t take the pill on time.
- If she vomits just after taking the pill.
- If she’s late in removing a contraceptive vaginal ring or inserting a new one.
- If she’s late in removing a contraceptive patch or attaching a new one.
Has one of these things happened? Then there’s a risk of pregnancy if you’ve had sex without a condom. Read what you can do about it
What do you know about contraception?
Condoms
Using condoms is the only way to prevent STIs. Click here to find out how to use a condom properly, read tips and see which mistakes are the most common.
The pill
The contraceptive pill is usually called ‘the pill’. If a woman takes a tablet every day, the hormones released into her body will make sure she doesn’t get pregnant. Read more about the pill.
Coils, ring and other methods
The pill is not the only method of contraception. Many other contraceptives, like IUD/IUS coils and the vaginal ring, also protect you against pregnancy. Choose the one that suits you best.
Hormones
Some contraceptives contain hormones. These hormones make sure that you don’t get pregnant. Read more about hormones and their effect on your body.