Im 14 years old and I do want to get the contraceptive implant. I have read through and thought through all the advantages and disadvantages and side effects for afterwards and I really feel like I'm mature enough to get it but I don't want to go to my parents about this because i don't get along with my mum that well when it comes to things like this. I have already had a pregnacy scare before with my boyfriend and I don't want to go through that again. we always use protection but I would really like to feel even more protected incase something was to go wrong. Do you think I would be able to get the contraceptive implant without a parental guardian?
Sam
Hi there,
If you're thinking about having sex then it's important to think about contraception as well. There are lots of different kinds and you should find the right one for you. There are positives and negatives to each method and there is no perfect contraception.
Contraceptives are what people use to protect against pregnancy and infections when having sex. Condoms protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. While condoms can break or be used incorrectly they do still give you the best protection against infections when used properly.
The implant is usually said to be the most effective way to prevent pregnancy because you don't need to remember to take it and it is inserted by a medical professional, so it should be done correctly. The problem with the implant is that it's not for everybody and has side effects which can be very small for some but very big for others.
You can get contraception for free if you visit your GP or if you go to a local sexual health clinic. You don't need your parents to be able to get contraceptives, but the doctor will only give you something like the pill or contraceptive implant if they feel it's right. Brook are a really good place to start and you can find a local service that works for you if you wanted to talk to someone about getting the implant.
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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