There are many forms of contraception which you can use to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. The Department of Public Health (Gesundheitsamt) staff and ara (AIDS-Hilfe Trier) staff will answer your questions on the correct application.

Video – condom, pill – how to prevent a pregnancy?

Condom

The condom is a very safe form of contraception. The following is important when using a condom:

• Pull the condom over the penis prior to sexual contact.
• Do not open the packaging with your teeth or with a sharp object.
• There must not be any air in the small chamber at the front.
• Always use a condom, throw it away afterwards and use a new one next time.

You should not use a cream or oil as a lubricant, as the condom might tear. For this reason, you should only use lubricants which are designed to be used with condoms. These are water or silicon based. It is important to have the right size of condom: if a condom is too small, it will tear easily; if it is too large, it might slip off during sex. There are different sizes of condom.

If a condom is used as a form of contraception, you will not only be protecting yourself against pregnancy; you will also be protecting yourself against infection with a sexually transmitted disease. Here you can see a video about how to use a condom properly.

If you had a mishap with a condom (watch a video here), you can get advice from doctors, at the Department of Public Health (Gesundheitsamt) or from ara (AIDS-Hilfe Trier) or pharmacies. Two things will need to be clarified:

• Are you worried about becoming pregnant? If so, it would probably be sensible to take a morning after pill. You can find further information under “Emergency contraception: Taking a morning after pill“ further down on this web page.
• Are you worried about contracting a sexually transmitted disease? If so, have a check-up at the Gesundheitsamt.

The Protection of Prostitutes Act (ProstSchG) also states that your clients must use a condom. For vaginal, anal and oral sex! Otherwise you may be ordered to pay a fine. If you are the operator of a prostitution establishment you must draw people’s attention to the Condom Requirement.

Contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill (watch video) is a form of contraception, which has to be prescribed by a doctor or the Gesundheitsamt. You will have to take a tablet at the same time every day. However, the contraceptive pill will not work if you have sickness or diarrhoea or if you forget to take it or you take it too late or if you are taking certain medicines (e.g. certain antibiotics or St John’s wort). If you stop taking the contraceptive pill, you could become pregnant.

Hormone spiral

A doctor will insert the spiral into your uterus. As a result of this, you will be protected against pregnancy for five years. The Gesundheitsamt will be happy to provide you with advice. When the spiral is removed, you will be able to become pregnant again.

Other forms of contraception
Obviously, there are also other forms of contraception. The Gesundheitsamt will be able to provide you with further assistance. However, certain forms of contraception will not work, for example:

• • Coca-Cola or vinegar rinses
  • Removing the penis before the male partner ejaculates

Do you want to learn more about contraception? If so, look at the page FAQ.

Emergency contraception: The morning after pill
Contraception does not always work. For example, a condom can tear or slide off. Taking the morning after pill will prevent you from becoming pregnant. If you are already pregnant, however, taking a morning after pill will not result in the pregnancy being terminated. What is important is that you take the tablet as quickly as possible after a condom failure and no later than five days after unprotected sex. In Germany, it is possible to buy the morning after pill in any pharmacy without a prescription. You should only take the morning after pill in an emergency. Get some advice at the Department of Public Health (Gesundheitsamt), from ara (AIDS-Hilfe Trier) or a pharmacy.

Contraception will protect you from becoming pregnant, but only a condom will also provide you with protection against sexually transmitted diseases. If you use a condom, this will provide you with good all-round protection.

Video – Pregnant. What now?