Increasingly, the sexually active population (especially students and young people) see pregnancy, not an STD, as the worst result of unprotected sex. They therefore protect themselves in line with this thinking Use of the pill, IUD’s, patches and the various other forms of contraception on the market has markedly increased in recent years, while in contrast the use of condoms has decreased. With STDs and the need for STD tests on the increase and pregnancy taking pole position in the worries of the population, which contraceptives can you trust for all eventualities?

Withdrawal

Withdrawal is the least effective contraceptive technique practiced today. It is highly unlikely to be a contraceptive at all, as pre-cum – a natural male lubrication created during sex – contains sperm. Further, it is no protection at all against STDs. It’s very dubious to even consider as a viable contraceptive technique.

The Pill

When the pill first appeared it was heralded as the last word in safe sex; an invention that would relegate the condom to museums. Offering a sensual experience that condoms can’t and greater liberation and choice for women, the pill is a massively popular form of contraception. However, it is no protection against STDs, as tests prove. It affects the hormones and menstrual cycle of the user, but does not affect physical contact – and therefore infection by STD – during sex.

Diaphragms or caps

Diaphragms or caps are often thought to be semi-effective prevention against STDs. This is a common misconception bourn of the physical insertion of the diaphragm in conjunction with spermicidal gel. But this is just a precaution again impregnation and not a deterrent to STDs, which are not transmitted by the movement of live sperm. Seminal fluid containing dead sperm is just as infected as that with live sperm if your partner has an STD.

IUDs and IUS’

Similar to diaphragms, IUDs and IUS’ involve insertion through the vagina, and are over 90% effective counters to insemination. And again like diaphragms, they have no effect on the spread of STDs. IUDs effect only the risk of pregnancy as they are situated in the uterus, while almost all STDs are contracted via penetration or genital contact. (specific STD tests can tell you more)

Condoms and female condoms

Condoms and female condoms – or femidoms, as they are often called – are similarly effective a contraceptive as those listed about. The bonus with condoms is their level of protection against STDs. The latex sheaths (in either form) prevent transition of those STDs that require the transition of bodily fluids to be transferred. Be it blood, semen or vaginal fluid, a condom will prevent its contact with your partner and insure against the transfer of an STD.

No contraceptive is 100% effective at either stopping pregnancy or contracting an STD, and condoms are no exception. However, most other contraceptives are just that – against conception, but not STDs. So what’s the best advice? For protection against pregnancy use more than one contraceptive – but for protection against pregnancy and STDs, make sure one of them is a condom. If you are worried about infection it is best to get checked out – Personal STD tests are available countrywide.