Contraception, STIs And Responsibility

Preventing Unplanned Pregnancy: Your Options As A Guy

Contraception is, let's face it, mostly seen as a girl's responsibility. Considering the widespread availability of hormonal contraceptives that are completely female-dependent (the birth control pill, the Mirena coil, Implanon, birth control injections and more), this is somewhat understandable. Contraception should, however, be a responsibility shared by both partners. We all know that the full burden of an unwanted pregnancy is often placed in the girl's lap, but it shouldn't be that way.[4]

Guys who want to have sex without getting their girlfriend pregnant should never just assume their girlfriend is on birth control — having an open and honest conversation about contraception is a great start. Remember that the birth control pill can be forgotten or used incorrectly too. As a guy, your best bet is always to use condoms: every time you put on a condom, you can be sure contraception is truly being used, and you are also preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are the safest form of contraception around, and they're widely available.

Should you have an "accident" — like a broken or forgotten condom — emergency contraceptives like Plan B are a good alternative. Emergency contraceptives delay ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, effectively trapping sperm to prevent fertilization. Though some work up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, emergency contraceptives should always be taken as son as possible... within the first few hours after unprotected sex would be great. Emergency contraception is now available over the counter in many countries. Always try your best to avoid the need for emergency contraceptives, however.[5]

There are two types of FDA-approved emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and some ECPs are available without a prescription.

• some ECPs can work when taken within five days of unprotected sex or
• when your birth control does not work correctly.

The Plan B One-Step® or a generic version should be taken as soon as possible or within 72 hours after unprotected sex.

There are also two-dose versions (they are branded as Next Choice®, LNG tablets 0.75 mg). A woman should take the first pill as soon as possible or within 72 hours after the intercourse and the second pill 12 hours later.

Ella® or Ulipristal acetate is for those who are searching for a bit more extended option: however, it should still be taken as soon as possible or within 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected sex.[5]

Let's Talk About STDs, Baby

Safe sex is about so much more than preventing pregnancy. You may be worried about becoming a father prematurely, but you certainly don't want HIV, Hepatitis B, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases either.

All sexually active people, especially those who have multiple partners, should also have regular STD tests so they can receive timely treatment if they do catch a sexually transmitted disease. 

It Takes Two To Tango

I'd encourage you to accept the fact that having sex always carries a certain amount of risk, unless you've both tested negative to STDs, are in a long-term committed relationship, actually want a baby, and are past your teens! Abstinence — not having sex at all — remains the safest option for those who completely want to eliminate the risk of pregnancy and STDs. Anyone who does decide to have sex should accept the possibility that either could happen. Young guys do want to have sex with their girlfriends should think about both these things.

READ Sexually Transmitted Diseases And Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

Go through the scenario in which your girlfriend gets pregnant several times. How do you think you would react? If your instant gut feeling is to run and hide, that's bad news.