Contraception
If you want to have sex but don't want to get pregnant, you need to use contraception.
There are different types of contraception: the condom, the pill, the vaginal ring, the patch, the injection, the coil (IUD/IUS) and the implant. The condom is the only method that provides protection against pregnancy and STIs. The other methods do not provide protection against STIs. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Find out about this yourself so that you choose the contraception that suits you best.
Which contraception is best for me?
Your GP can give you advice. And if you are under 25 you can get free advice from the Centre for Sexual Health of GGD Amsterdam.
We will show you all the contraceptive methods and help you choose one. We will give you a prescription for the contraceptive. If you decide on a coil (IUD/IUS) or an implant, we can fit it.
More information about:
If something goes wrong with contraception
If the condom breaks during sex, you can get pregnant. You can also get pregnant if you forget your pill or have sex without contraception. Take action as soon as possible.
The measures you can take are:
- An emergency pill (morning-after pill). There are two types: one pill you can take up to 3 days after the event, the other up to 5 days after. You can get emergency pills at any drugstore or pharmacy.
- A morning-after coil. This is a copper IUD. A morning-after IUD must be fitted by a doctor. Contact your GP or the Centre for Sexual Health for more information.
Emergency remedies are for when contraception accidentally goes wrong. If that happens frequently, we advise choosing a good contraceptive so you don't have to worry about an unintended pregnancy.