Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) 16% of 18 to 24 olds did not use contraception on the most recent sexual encounter because sex ‘had not been planned’. (ISSHR, 2006) Plan Ahead, and Think Contraception if there is a chance you may have sex. In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Facts Quiz

Q1. What is the most common reason stated by people for not using contraception?

A: Not being prepared/not planning for sex
B: Drinking alcohol/taking drugs
C: Don’t like to use contraception

Q2. True or False, all Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have obvious symptoms?

A: True
B: False

Q3. What type of lubricant is designed for use with condoms?

A: Water based lubricant
B: Massage oil
C: Body Cream
D: Petroleum Jelly

Q4. How long after sexual intercourse is the emergency contraception pill (morning after pill) effective?

A: 24 hours
B: 72 hours
C: 5 days

Q5. True or False, condoms offer 100% protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

A: True
B: False

Q6. What length of time are women most fertile for during their menstrual cycle?

A: 1-2 days each month
B: 5-6 days each month
C: 7-10 days each month

Q7. The following are some of the steps to using a male condom. Which comes first?

A: Pinch the top of the condom to remove any air
B: Dispose of condom safely and hygienically
C: Roll the condom down over the penis

Q8. A woman can still get pregnant:

A: If a man pulls out of her vagina before he comes
B: If she has sex when she has her period
C: If she is breastfeeding
D: If it is the first time someone has sex
E: All of the above

Q9. What is the most popular type of contraception among 18-24 year olds?

A: The pill
B: Injection / Implant / patch / ring
C: Condom
D: Spermicides

Q10. If you’ve got Chlamydia, what symptoms might you have?

A: Abnormal genital discharge
B: Stinging or burning sensation when you pass urine
C: Pain or bleeding during or after sex
D: Bleeding between periods or heavy periods
E: All of the above

Facts Quiz

What’s right for you?