What is contraception?
Why do people use it?
Why some people don’t use it
Choosing the most appropriate method of contraception
Stigma
Gender issues 
Pleasure and contraception
What do I do if...

Main methods of contraception

Barrier Methods

Condoms (male and female) 
Condom negotiation
Condoms: what if...
Diaphragm 
Spermicides

Hormonal and intrauterine methods to prevent pregnancy

Oral contraceptives 
Contraceptive patch  
Vaginal contraceptive ring
Contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) 
Contraceptive implant
IUD (Intrauterine Device)  
IUS (Intrauterine System) 

'Natural' or behavioural methods to prevent pregnancy 

Abstinence 
Withdrawal 
Fertility awareness 
Outercourse 
Breastfeeding and contraception 

Dual protection 
Emergency contraception 
IUD as emergency contraception

Permanent methods of contraception

Male and female sterilization

New/emerging forms of contraception  

Microbicides 

Male circumcision 

Introduction to contraception

• People have the right to decide whether and when to have children, and how many.  Several international covenants and documents support this right.
• Contraception is inextricably linked to sex and sexuality. It is important to recognize that people do not have sex to use contraception. Rather, they use contraception in order to enjoy their sexuality more fully.
• You do no need to be having sex to learn about contraception. Most people will become sexually active at some point in their lives. It is important to be informed and prepared for when that time comes. This chapter also aims to include young people of all sexual orientations. Regardless of sexual orientation, everyone needs information on contraception and safer sex.

There are three rules of contraception that must be remembered:

1) No contraceptive method is perfect; most methods have side effects.
2) One contraceptive method is always better than none.
3) Two combined methods are usually better than one.

Contraceptive decisions must be integrated into the context of an individual’s reality. Many people try different methods to decide which one works best for them and people often switch contraceptive method as different factors in their lives change. 

Contraceptive methods offered by service providers should reflect the needs and wants of young people in local settings. Information and skills must be available that enable young people to decide what works best for their current situation.