You can’t get pregnant if you shower or have a bath after sex
Showering and bathing will not prevent pregnancy. It also won’t stop you catching sexually transmitted infections.

A coil can get lost in the body
This is not true. A coil will be fitted by a trained healthcare professional and it will remain in the uterus (womb).

A condom can get lost in a woman’s body
Also untrue. It rarely happens that a condom comes off inside the vagina. If it does happen, it should be very easy to retrieve it.

A girl who takes the Pill must be promiscuous
Rubbish! Taking the Pill does not make you promiscuous – it makes you smart.

Wearing two condoms provides extra protection
Two condoms will rub together, which could cause them to break – so two are really less safe than one. Always use condoms the way the instructions tell you to.

You need permission from parents to get emergency contraception
No you don’t. You can get emergency contraception on your own.

If you take emergency contraception, you are protected against pregnancy until your next period
This is not true; you need to use another form of contraception until your period, and afterwards.

Drinking lots of milk will stop you getting pregnant
This is not true. During pregnancy, however, lots of milk is good for you and the baby.

It takes an operation to get the rod fitted
It is a small procedure, done under local anaesthetic.

Taking oral contraception limits your growth
This is not true. Growth should be unaffected by using oral contraception

Missing one Pill doesn’t matter
It depends which type of Pill and where it is in the pack. Take the one you missed, restart the Pill and use condoms as well for the next seven days. If you finish your pack within this time, start the next one without a break. Or use condoms until you seek advice from Conifer House.

All women can take the Pill
Although it is suitable for most women, it may not be for all.

All men hate using condoms
This is not true. A responsible man will always use one.

There is nothing you can do if a condom breaks
This is not true. You can get emergency contraception up to three days after, or you can get an emergency ‘coil’ up to five days after or possibly longer. You can also get a free STI check and treatment from Conifer House.

Oral contraception is just for contraception
Many women use oral contraception for other reasons, such as regulating periods.

You can’t get pregnant if the woman is on top
You can get pregnant regardless of position.

Telling teenagers about emergency contraception encourages promiscuity
Not true. Giving young people this information helps them to look after their own sexual health.

Emergency contraception is a form of abortion
This is not true. Emergency contraception prevents any pregnancy from happening in the first place.

Taking contraception means you are having sex
There’s nothing wrong with being prepared; it doesn’t mean you’re having sex. 

You can only get diaphragms in one size
Each woman must be fitted with a diaphragm of the right size.

A man can get emergency contraception for his partner
A woman must get emergency contraception herself.

You can’t get pregnant if the man pulls out before he comes
Sperm is released before ejaculation in pre-cum (a clear fluid), so even if the man doesn’t come, or pulls out before he comes, pregnancy can happen.

Using contraception affects fertility after you stop using it
This is not true. Your fertility will not be affected in the long term.

You can use a balloon, or clingfilm instead of a condom
Nothing except condoms will do the same job.

The Pill is immediately effective
Only if you start it within the first two days of your period cycle.

You are only fertile for one day of the month
You can get pregnant at any time of the month, even during your period.

Condoms affect sensitivity
Using a condom feels just the same as sex without one, and everyone wants to be in a safe, responsible relationship.

You have to be over 16 to get contraception
You can get contraception even if you are under 16.

Only women need to go for contraceptive advice
Both men and women need to know about contraception so that they can make the right choices together as couples. You both can learn about STIs too.

If you are under 16, your doctor will tell your parents
Even if you are under 16, your doctor won’t tell anyone (unless you’re in serious danger).

You can only get contraception from our doctor
You can get contraception from family planning clinics, and condoms from the young people’s drop-in at Conifer House.

The Pill makes you put on weight
That’s not necessarily true. Your weight could stay just the same. Some women put on a small amount of weight, but if you eat healthy food and take exercise, as you should normally, weight gain should not be a problem.

You need money for contraception
You can get all types of contraception free from Conifer House.

You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex
Yes you can, so use contraception.

You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up
Yes you can! You can get pregnant regardless of the position.

You can only get one size of condom
Condoms come in many shapes and sizes.

The pill protects against STIs
The pill will only protect against pregnancy; you are still at risk of contracting STIs.

You can’t get pregnant while on your period
Yes you can. In fact, you can get pregnant at any time of the month.

For more help and information on sexual health contact:
Conifer House, 32–36 Prospect Street, Hull.
Tel. 01482 336336
or visit the website at: www.luvhull.co.uk/conifer/conifer.html