Contraception
If you are thinking of having sex with someone of the opposite
sex, you need to think about contraception before you have sex to
prevent an unintended pregnancy. There are lots of different kinds
of contraception such as the pill, patch, cap, implant, condoms or
injections (jag).
It's easy to forget to take the pill when you're busy or out
partying. Using a coil (IUD), implant or the jag can be more
reliable than the pill because you don't have to remember to take
them every day.
If you talk with someone at a sexual health service such as The Place they'll help you
find what suits you and your partner best. You can also find out
more information at our Contraception & Reproductive
Health section.
Emergency contraception
Sometimes condoms come off or split or you have sex when you
didn't plan to and didn't use protection. To reduce the chance of
getting pregnant after unprotected sex, you can take emergency
contraception.
There are two methods of emergency contraception:
1. Emergency pill. This is known as the morning
after pill. It needs to be taken within three days (72 hours) of
having unprotected sex. The sooner you take it the more effective
it is. In some cases it can be taken up to 5 days after
unprotected sex but you would need to discuss this with a doctor or
nurse.
2. The coil or copper IUD (intrauterine device)
This is fitted in the uterus (womb) by a doctor or nurse within
five days of sex or the earliest time you could have released an
egg (ovulation). The IUD has almost a 100% success rate. A doctor
or family planning nurse or pharmacist will be able to advise you
on the best method.
You can get advice and emergency contraception from:
- Your GP if they provide contraceptive services
- The
Place which is the young peoples clinic part of
Sandyford
- Some hospital accident and emergency departments (phone first
to check this service is available)
- If you are 13 or over you can get the emergency pill from one
of 307 pharmacies (chemist shops) across Glasgow and Clyde up to 72
hours after having unprotected sex. It is best to take this
as soon as possible. You can find your nearest pharmacy by
searching on NHS 24 or by contacting NHS
inform 0800 22 44 88 from 8am - 10pm 7 days. Some chemist are
open early, late weekends and bank holidays.
If you've had unprotected sex you should also get a sexual
health check, at The Place, to test for
Sexually Transmitted Infections
If you want some advice contact The Place which
is part of Sandyford. It's a young people friendly sexual health
service. Phone: 0141 211 8130 for more.