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What is Contraception?

Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy. A woman can become pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs and joins to form a foetus. Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart, or by stopping egg production, or by stopping the combined sperm and egg attaching to the lining of the womb.

Condoms are a barrier form of contraception preventing pregnancies by stopping sperm reaching an egg; condoms also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (HSE, 2016). Male and female condoms are readily available, male condoms are 99% effective and female condoms are 95% effective when used accurately.
The male condom fits over a males erect penis whilst the female condom is put into the vagina loosely lining before sex. Condoms are the most popular barrier for Irish students to use in prevention of pregnancies (71%) and prevention of STI’s (76%)

It is important to be able to use a condom correctly for it to be most effective. The following video by thinkcontraception.ie provides adequate information to enable people to apply a condom.

Condom availability at ATU Sligo

The ITSSU provide free condoms for the students of ATU Sligo. They are available from the Student Welfare Office in the Student Centre which is adjacent to the fish on the entrance of the concourse of ATU Sligo during college hours.  We encourage both males and females to be responsible for their own health and to call in and avail of the condoms available.

Contraception Options

The Student Health Services at ATU Sligo are here to help you in your choice in contraceptive method that suits you. The following is a list of 12 types of contraception which may suit you and your partner.