 The statistics are a little scary. More than 50% of sexually active people have Human Papilloma virus, more commonly known as genital warts. Just under 10% of the population has chlamydia, the ‘silent’ disease, which can affect your ability to reproduce in the future, as well as give you chronic pelvic problems.
Despite this, nzgirl is still getting emails and messages on our forums from girls who fall pregnant from not using the proper contraception, or worse – no contraception at all. They cite any reason from their boyfriends not wanting to (really, dump the bastard), to others that sound incredibly naive. Some girls even believe that if he pulls out before he cums, then she will be ok. Others are worried that going on the pill may clash with their religious or cultural beliefs, or that they may have trouble conceiving in later years.
News bulletin: If you are already sexually active, chances are this does not mesh well with conservative religious and cultural beliefs anyway. Not using contraception will not negate or mitigate what you are already practising.
At nzgirl, we love each and every one of you. It saddens us that so many of you young and beautiful ladies have so little knowledge about your bodies or contraception and STI (sexually transmitted infection) prevention. We talked to health personnel from the Family Planning Association, and bring you this message: nzgirls....
 USE CONTRACEPTION AT ALL TIMES
There is a reason this is in capitals. We want to make sure you read every single word. Unless you plan to fall pregnant, you should be on some form of contraception. Condoms, the pill, diaphragm, IUD, Mirena (progesterone implanted IUD), vaginal rings, progesterone implants (these go under the skin), skin patches, Depo Provero (injectable contraceptive), female condoms or at a real stretch, natural fertility control (this requires superhuman self-control and a very cooperative partner, two things most girls don’t have).
Implants and rings are not available yet in NZ but patches may be soon. With all these options available to you, there is no excuse not to find one suited to your body’s needs.
The Pill
The most commonly prescribed contraceptive are subsidised double hormone pills, also known as just ‘The Pill’. The prescription and supply only costs $3 from Family Planning regardless of age or circumstances. The mini-pill is a single hormone pill – what this means is you need to make sure you take it at exactly the same time every day. There is more flexibility with the combined or ‘full’ pill. You can miss one or two or be late in taking the full pill and still be ok. The full pill is very effective. If 100 women are taking it correctly for a year, fewer than 1% will fall pregnant. With the mini-pill, the margin of error is 2%. There are no side-effects for women who wish to fall pregnant later. Fertility declines with age, not with the pill.
Depo provero
The injection – women who cannot take the pill for health reasons may be able to use this. Many women like it because one of its more common side-effects is you get no periods at all. Check with your doctor, who will most likely ask for a full medical history before they decide if this is the right option for you.
Condoms, condoms, condoms
Family Planning New Zealand would like to bring this message of love to nzgirls – “Condoms, condoms, condoms! Love yourself enough to look after your sexual health so you can enjoy sex safely. Role model safe sexual behaviour for the young ones following on.” Condoms do not ‘reduce sensation’, break or ‘get lost’ as long as you use them correctly. There is no other form of contraception that offers you protection from sexually transmitted infections.
With the array of condoms on offer out there, from lubed, coloured and flavoured to ribbed, ridged and vibrating – you can incorporate them to maximise the fun in your sex life. Have you ever seen a picture of a woman with genital warts? It is a painful, embarassing disease...and can easily be prevented with correct condom usage. The same goes for chlamydia – do you really want to risk a lifetime of grief at being unable to bear children for a few moments of pleasure, which will feel the same with a condom on anyway? Think about it.
Treatment of STIs
If you suspect you have already been infected, go straight to your GP or Family Planning clinic for a pap smear and blood test. Most STIs are easily treatable in the early stages, with the exception of HIV/AIDS. Chlamydia can be treated by a very straightforward antibiotic treatment, so get thee to a doctor now!
If you are planning to go without
Get tested three weeks before unprotected sex with a new partner. Do not skip this, get around it or say “But he’s such a sweet boy, he can’t be infected”! He may not even know he has anything himself. You can’t tell by someone’s looks or actions whether or not they have an STI. Be strong – if he does not want to get tested, then make him use a condom...or better yet, ditch him. Don’t stay with someone who’s willing to risk your sexual health and life for his own personal reasons.
So girls, here’s the deal. If you are sexually active or planning to be, we recommend the ‘double whammy’. That is, use condoms AND go on another form of contraception such as the pill, diaphragm, etc. This will ensure that you are protected from not just pregnancy, but an STI.
Love yourself first, always...and this means get tested, practice safe sex, and don’t just close your eyes and hope for the best.
Remember: ignorance is not a defence.
Karen |
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