For people looking to avoid pregnancy, contraception is a must. Some, including male and female condoms and emergency hormonal contraception, are available through pharmacies, whereas others €“ like the IUD (intrauterine device), contraceptive pill, patch and implant, and diaphragm €“ are usually only available from GPs and family planning clinics.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods are so called because they form a physical block that stops the sperm reaching the egg. Male condoms are made of very thin latex or polyisoprene, a non-latex material (example: Durex Avanti Ultima) and are designed to fit over the penis. The female condom is made of very thin, soft polyurethane and is designed to fit loosely inside the vagina. It is held in place by a ring at each end. Both can be used with spermicide, a chemical that helps to kill any sperm that happen to get round the barrier, and lubricant (examples: Durex, KY Jelly), though oil-based products should not be used with latex condoms as they may damage them and make them likely to split. If used according to the instructions, the male condom is 98 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy and the female condom is 95 per cent effective.

Other advantages include:

• Helping to protect from some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
• Have no known medical side effects
• Only need to be used at the time of sexual intercourse.

There are some disadvantages, however:

• Putting them on/in can interrupt sex
• They can split or slip off/out if not used correctly.