Navigating sexual health as a student can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re starting a new relationship or just want to be prepared, here are the 10 most common questions about contraception, privacy, and how to stay safe.
Contraception (birth control) is any method used to prevent pregnancy during sex. While most methods only prevent pregnancy, condoms are the only option that also protects you from most Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs).
If you are having sex and do not want to get pregnant, yes.
Unprotected Sex: Having sex without any form of contraception. This carries a high risk of pregnancy and STIs.
Protection: Using a condom every time protects your health and your future.
No method is 100% effective, but Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), like IUDs or the implant, comes closest (over 99%). These are highly effective because they are “fit and forget”—you don’t have to remember a pill every morning or use a device correctly in the heat of the moment.
Everyone’s body reacts differently. You can visit a sexual health clinic or speak to a GP to discuss your lifestyle.
Top Tip: It’s okay to change your mind. If you try the pill and don’t like the side effects, you can switch to a patch, injection, or IUD until you find your perfect match.
This is a common concern for students. While some people report changes, clinical studies haven’t proven a direct link between the pill and permanent weight gain. Some may experience temporary water retention or increased appetite when first starting. Modern “low-dose” pills are designed to minimize these effects.
If a condom breaks or you have unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraception.
The Golden Rule: The sooner you take it, the better. It is most effective within 12 hours, but some types work up to 3 or 5 days later.
Where to get it: You can get it for free at sexual health clinics, most NHS walk-in centres, or Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC). You can also buy it at most pharmacies.
No. Sexual health services are strictly confidential.
Under 16s: You can still get contraception and advice without your parents being told, provided the clinician believes you fully understand the decision.
Exceptions: Information is only shared if a professional believes there is a serious risk to your safety (e.g., abuse).
Yes. In the UK, contraception is free for everyone via the NHS. You can get it from:
Sexual health clinics (often located on or near campuses).
Your GP surgery.
Some pharmacies (for the emergency pill).
No. The withdrawal method is very risky.
The Stats: About 20 out of 100 women using this method will become pregnant within a year.
The Risk: Men often release “pre-cum” before ejaculation, which can contain active sperm. It only takes one sperm to result in pregnancy.
When used perfectly, condoms are 98% effective. However, in real life (typical use), they are about 82–90% effective because they can slip or tear if not put on correctly.
Best Practice: Use a condom plus a long-term method (like the pill or an implant) for “double protection” against both pregnancy and STIs.
| Method | Type | Effectiveness (Perfect Use) | Effectiveness (Typical Use) | Protection Against STIs? |
| Implant | LARC* | >99% | >99% | No |
| IUD (Copper/Hormonal) | LARC* | >99% | >99% | No |
| Vasectomy / Sterilisation | Permanent | >99.5% | >99.5% | No |
| Injection (Depo) | Hormonal | >99% | ~94% | No |
| The Pill (Combined/POP) | Hormonal | >99% | ~91% | No |
| Contraceptive Patch | Hormonal | >99% | ~91% | No |
| Vaginal Ring | Hormonal | >99% | ~91% | No |
| Male Condom | Barrier | 98% | ~82% | Yes |
| Female Condom | Barrier | 95% | ~79% | Yes |
| Diaphragm / Cap | Barrier | 92-96% | 71-88% | No |
| Withdrawal | Behavioral | ~96% | ~78-80% | No |
Your sexual health is your priority. From free condoms to long-term hormonal options, there is a method that fits your needs and lifestyle. It is not a good idea to get pregnant when studying for a degree, especially if you are not with someone who you know is going to be your long-term partner.
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