Contraception

• English
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• Special Education

Contraception

Ground rules!

Respecting others

Maintaining confidentiality, 

Using appropriate language, 

Esuring everyone feels safe to participate (or not participate) without pressure

No personal questions

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

✅ Describe how pregnancy happens, including the roles of sperm, eggs, and fertilisation.

⚠️ Identify the risks of unprotected sex, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy.

💭 Explain the emotional, social, and financial impact of becoming a parent when unprepared.

🧠 Recognise different types of contraception and understand how they work.

🔍 Compare the pros and cons of each contraceptive method, including how effective they are and whether they protect against STIs.

What is contraception?

Contraception means preventing pregnancy. But before we learn how to prevent it, let’s understand how pregnancy happens

Ejaculation and sperm

Ejaculation (cumming, jizzing) releases semen containing millions of sperm.

Sperm swim toward the egg in the female body.

Fertilisation happens when one sperm meets an egg.

Eggs are released once a month.

If sperm meets egg = pregnancy begins.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Fertilisation

Ejaculation

Ovulation

Sperm swims to egg

Pregnancy begins

What Can Happen If You Don’t Use Protection?

Unplanned pregnancy

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Common STIs

Chlamydia

Gonorrhoea

Herpes

HIV

HPV

STI's often enter the body when bodily fluids are exchanged at mucous membranes.

Chlamydia

A very common STI.

Often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Can cause pain when peeing or unusual discharge.

Can lead to serious problems like infertility if not treated.

Easily treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea

A bacterial infection passed through sex.

Can cause yellow/green discharge, pain when peeing, or no symptoms at all.

May lead to long-term health issues if untreated.

Can be cured with antibiotics, but some strains are becoming harder to treat.

Herpes (HSV)

Caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Leads to painful blisters or sores around the genitals or mouth.

Stays in the body for life — no cure, but medicine helps manage symptoms.

Can be passed even if no blisters are visible.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that weakens the immune system.

Spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

If untreated, can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

No cure, but treatment (antiretroviral drugs) lets people live long, healthy lives and stops the virus spreading.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A very common virus with over 100 types.

Some types cause genital warts, others can lead to cancer (like cervical cancer).

Often has no symptoms and goes away on its own.

HPV vaccine helps prevent the most harmful types.

Which STI has no cure but can be treated?

1. Gonorrhoea
2. Chlamydia
3. Herpes
4. HPV

The Impact of Having a Baby Young

Financial cost (e.g. nappies, clothes, childcare)

Emotional stress

Missed education/work

Changed lifestyle and responsibilities

What problems or difficulties might a young person face if they have a baby before they’re ready?

What Is Contraception Used For?

Prevent pregnancy

Protect against STIs (in some cases)

Barrier methods

Condom (male and female)

Diaphragm

Pros:

Protects against most STIs

Easy to access

Cons:

Can break or be used incorrectly

 Hormonal Methods

Pill, patch, injection, implant

Pros:

Very effective at preventing pregnancy

Long-lasting options available

Cons:

Don’t protect against STIs

Can cause side effects (e.g. mood swings, weight gain)

Coil

Pros:

Can last 3–10 years

Set it and forget it

Cons:

Requires a doctor to insert

Doesn’t protect against STIs

Worn on the penis and protects from STIs

A pill taken daily

Small rod placed in the arm

Device placed in the uterus

Contraceptive pill

Coil

Implant

Condom

Which of the following protects against STIs?

1. Implant
2. Condom
3. Contraceptive pill
4. Coil

'Pulling out' does not work!

Before ejaculation, the penis releases a fluid called pre-ejaculate or 'pre-cum'.

This contains a little bit of sperm, so can get you pregnant.

What do you now know about contraception?

Why is it important to understand contraception before becoming sexually active?