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Hello,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Theres many different forms of contraception and these suit different people for different reasons. It sounds like youve given a lot of thought to your personal circumstances and have been open and honest with yourself about what would and wouldnt work for you.
Talking things over with your parents sounds like a good idea as its helpful to get as much information and support as possible when making choices like this. This will help you to make a decision that is right for you. You asked if you can get the contraceptive implant fitted alone if your parents wont help you. As you are 14, the medical professional that you speak to will want to make sure that youre mature enough to understand the pros and cons of having the implant. If they are confident that you fully understand the choice youre making, they should be willing to give you the implant without parental consent.
Unfortunately no form of contraception protects you 100% from becoming pregnant or against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is why some people choose to use a condom as well as another form of contraception. This gives you added reassurance you won't get pregnant and offers protection against STIs. It also helps share the responsibility between you and your partner, as it shouldnt just be down to you to think about contraception. Theres many different types of condoms and this is something that you can discuss together and make a choice that is right for you both. Condoms can be available for free at your doctors, Brook clinics and other specialist sexual health clinics for young people, and even at some youth centres and pharmacies.
Youve asked me some specific questions about the possible side effects of the implant. Im not a medical expert, so Im going to suggest another great website that will be better able to answer your questions. Brook specialise in sexual health and supporting young people, and they have a page about the contraceptive implant that might help you out. If you decide the implant is not for you, the My Contraception Tool on their website will help you to identify contraception that would suit you better. You can even chat online with a specially trained advisor at Brook.
Take care
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.