Then you grow up too afraid to even look at the opposite sex, let alone touch them – fuelled with misinformation, you end up making some pretty dreadful sexual decisions. All these untruths make it hard to know what points are purely ludicrous and which ones are actually hard-facts.

It’s important to get the real information so you can stay better informed and a spot a myth when hear it.

When it comes to preventing or delaying pregnancy, do you know your options? Because if you’re having sex, you can get pregnant your first time. If you do not use any form of contraception, then the risk of pregnancy during unprotected sex is always there. It is better to stay protected, all the time.

With so many different prevention methods on the market, it can be overwhelming or confusing when trying to figure out what options are best for you and your needs.  You can choose from a range of products including barrier methods, pills, injection and implants, and even IUD’s and IUI’s. Let’s get started!

Basics and essentials Condoms are the most accessible and commonplace prevention method for preventing pregnancy and protecting users from contracting infections or infecting others. They are affordable and can come in many exciting varieties that sometimes add a boost of pleasure.

Make sure to check the expiry date of your condom first before purchasing or using, next, store it properly away from the sun and hot temperatures, then when you are about to use, put it on correctly with the lubricated part outside. Condoms are 99% effective when used correctly. Make sure to put the condom on correctly every time. Remember condoms are the ONLY form of contraception that protects against sexually transmitted infections! Boss up and keep it wrapped! Remember, one condom for one round.

Diaphragm. A diaphragm is a form of birth control that’s a shallow cup shaped like a little saucer that’s made of soft silicone, the diaphragm acts as a barrier that covers the cervix, stopping sperm from joining an egg.  You bend it in half and insert it inside your vagina to cover your cervix. Don’t be intimidated, the diaphragm is easy to use once you get the hang of it! Best of all it is reusable for up to 2 years, talk about maximising value on a onetime payment. The diaphragm is safe, reliable and hormone-free!

Birth Control Pills – When you hear birth control, you probably think of “the pill”. The birth control pill works by stopping sperm from joining with an egg (which is called fertilization). The hormones in the pill stop ovulation. No ovulation means there’s no egg hanging around for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can’t happen. The pill’s hormones also thicken the mucus on the cervix. This thicker cervical mucus blocks sperm so it can’t swim to an egg — kind of like a sticky security guard. Birth control pills come in a pack, and you take 1 pill every day. The pill is safe, affordable, and effective if you always take your pill on time. Besides preventing pregnancy, the pill has lots of other health benefits, too like regulating your cycle, can make periods lighter and less painful, can treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding, can treat polycystic ovarian symptoms and severe acne. Be in control, ask your doctor which pill is the best fit for you!

Emergency contraception– This your backup plan for when unexpected happens! Bae refused to wear a condom? Condom tore during sex? Your man didn’t pull out on time? Take the emergency pill. It is very effective at preventing pregnancy and works by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization. For best results, take as soon as possible after unprotected sex, preferably within 72hrs.

Injection & Implant: The contraceptive injection is a shot that contains hormones that will stop your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus of the cervix. All you need is one shot to prevent pregnancy for three months! The implant is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick. The implant releases hormones into your body that prevent you from getting pregnant. A nurse or doctor inserts the implant into your arm and that’s it — you’re protected from pregnancy for up to 5 years. It’s get-it-and-forget-it birth control!

IUD: No Go-slow, its ready-set-go with the IUD. The IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains copper. It is used for birth control and emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control and can prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. It starts working the moment it is installed and once removed your fertility is instantly back, e go work! Additionally, a copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex.

Well there you have it, a good guide to contraception. If you still need more information, chat with AskNivi to talk about safe sex, contraception, basically any and every question you have around sexual health. No judgement, no awkwardness just all the info you need: x.nivi.io/nishedh