Which contraceptive would suit me? Help Linda and Melody make a choice. Read their questions and tell them what you think would be best. LINDA, AGE 16: ‘I‘ve had a boyfriend for a little while. We haven’t had sex yet but I want to be prepared for when it does happen. Which contraceptive would suit me? I’d like to know exactly when I’ll be getting my period. I’ve heard that some contraceptives let you delay your period. That would be good.’ Which contraceptive would you suggest for Linda? MELODY, AGE 18: ‘I’ve been going out with my boyfriend for two years now. I’m on the pill, but I’m a bit careless and sometimes forget to take it. That really stresses me out as I don’t want to get pregnant. Which contraceptive would be better for me? Preferably one that I wouldn’t have to think about so much.’ Which contraceptive would you suggest for Melody? …………………………….………….. …………………………….………….. Contraceptives in the Netherlands • Over 50% of girls take the pill as a contraceptive. • Almost 11% of girls have a hormone coil. • Over 1% of girls use a ring or have contraceptive injections. Five questions about the pill 1 Can the pill do your body any harm? No. The pill is not bad for you. When you start taking it, you may have some nausea or headaches. The same goes for other contraceptives containing hormones. 2 Can the pill make you infertile? No, absolutely not. You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill. 3 Do you have to take the pill every day? Yes. The pill only works if you take it every day. If you take the pill now and then, it won’t work properly and you can get pregnant. 4 What should I do if I forget to take the pill? It depends on which week you forget to take the pill. Read the instructions or get in touch with the Sense Infoline. 5 Does the pill work if I’ve been sick? No. If you’ve been sick or have diarrhoea, the pill will be less effective. To know what to do, read the instructions or get in touch with the Sense Infoline. LONG LIVE LOVE 43 Tips for the pill If you forget to take the pill, you run the risk of pregnancy. So read these tips to take it correctly. • Take the pill at the same time each day. • Keep your pill pack in one place. For example, next to your toothbrush or on your bedside cabinet. • Put an extra pack in your bag. Then you’ve always got the pill with you.
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