Birth control

Waiting to have sex You reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV and developing AIDS You reduce the risk of becoming infected with an STD You will not become a teenage parent You reduce the risk of violence that is associated with teen pregnancy You avoid being in situations where you can be prosecuted for having sex with a minor Corruption of a minor: to young to consent You avoid sexual behavior for which you can be prosecuted for date rape.

The best birth control There is no "best" method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons. All women and men can have control over when, and if, they become parents. Making choices about birth control, or contraception, isn't easy. There are many things to think about. To get started, learn about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy. You can also talk with your doctor about the choices.

Waiting to have sex Shows respect for yourself and others You maintain a good reputation because you are responsible You will avoid having conflicts with parents because you followed your guidelines Having sex will not hold onto a boyfriend or girlfriend. It will not replace the feelings of being lonely or unappreciated. It tends to magnify those feelings. Hold onto what is really important – self respect

Before choosing a birth control method, think about: If you want to have children someday How well each method works to prevent pregnancy Possible side effects Your comfort level with using the method Keep in mind, even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose always is used correctly and every time you have sex.

Choices of birth control Barrier Methods Contraceptive sponge Diaphragm, cervical cap, and cervical shield Female condom Male condom Hormonal Methods Oral contraceptives ("The pill") The patch Shot/injection Vaginal ring Implantable Devices Implantable rods Intrauterine devices Permanent Vasectomy Tubal Ligation

Birth control – barrier methods Diaphragm – Barrier that prevents sperm from entering cervical canal. Latex rubber dome that covers the cervix. Before having sex, add spermicide (to block or kill sperm) to the devices. Effectiveness: 16% typical use failure rate. Must be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after having sex to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm should be taken out within 24 hours.  Does not prevent against STD’s/STI’s.

Birth control – barrier methods Cervical Cap: Barrier that prevents sperm from migrating into cervical canal Spermicidal placed into cap before being used. Thimble shaped rubber device that suctions cap onto cervix. $30 - $50; replaced every year. Effectiveness: 32% typical use failure rate. The cap and shield should be taken out within 48 hours.

Birth control – barrier methods Female Condoms: Barrier that prevents sperm and infections from entering vagina. Flexible inner ring that is closed to enter vagina & flexible open/outer ring. Effectiveness: 21% typical use failure rate.

Birth control – barrier methods Male condom Barrier that prevents sperm and infections from entering vagina. Sheath of latex or polyurethane. Keep condoms in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in a hot place (like a wallet or glove compartment), the latex breaks down. Then the condom can tear or break. Effectiveness: 15% typical use failure rate.

Birth control – hormonal methods Oral Contraceptive Estrogen and Progestin Oral contraceptives have synthetic hormones that mimic properties of estrogen & progestin. Blocks ovulation (egg being released). Requires daily pill intake. Antibiotics may reduce how well the pill works in some women. Talk to your doctor about a backup method of birth control if you need to take antibiotics. Effectiveness: 9% typical use failure rate. Does not prevent against STD’s/STI’s.

Birth Control – hormonal methods The Patch This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm, or upper body. It releases progestin and estrogen Prevents an egg from being released It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg.  You put on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. You don't use a patch the fourth week in order to have a period.

Birth control – hormonal method Shot/Injection The birth control shot often is called by its brand name Depo-Provera. With this method you get injections, or shots, of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg in most women. It also causes changes in the cervix that keep the sperm from joining with the egg. The shot should not be used more than 2 years in a row because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density. The bone does start to grow after this method is stopped. But it may increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis if used for a long time. 

Birth control – hormonal method Vaginal Ring This is a thin, flexible ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining the egg. It is commonly called NuvaRing, its brand name. You wear the ring for 3 weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring.

Birth control – implantable device Implantable Rods This is a matchstick-size, flexible rod that is put under the skin of the upper arm. It is often called by its brand name, Implanon. The rod releases a progestin, which causes changes in the lining of the uterus and the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining an egg. Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. It is effective for up to 3 years.

Birth control – implantable device Intrauterine Device - IUD T-shaped plastic device inserted into uterus by professional. Copper (ParaGard) – 5 - 10 years Progesterone (Mirena) – 5 years Inhibits fertilization of egg. Effectiveness: 1% - 2% typical use failure rate. NOT recommended for teens. Doctor needs to insert Does not prevent against STD’s/STI’s.

Menstrual Cycle The average menstrual cycle is 28-days – that is counting day one as the first day of menstrual bleeding then the next period is due to start 28 days later. The period comes because an egg fails to get fertilized. The period comes about 12 to 14 days after the egg is produced. Therefore, in the average 28 day cycle the egg is produced around day 14. Sperms can live happily 48 hours in the vagina or the uterus so the most fertile time is day 12 to day 16. The least likely time to conceive is from day one to day seven. If your cycle is different from 28 days on average you have to adjust the calculations – the important thing to remember is that the egg is produced about 14 days before the next period starts.

Contraception – local resources Benton Community Health Center: 530 NW 27th St. Corvallis 541-766-6835 Confidential – Parental permission not needed per Oregon Law. Corvallis Pregnancy Care Center: 867 NW 23rd St. Corvallis 541-757-9645 (helpline) 541-758-3662 (office) www.possiblypregnant.org All services free and confidential.