Birth Control and Contraceptives Human Sexuality Lesson 12

Contraceptive Method ► Technique used to prevent the joining together of an egg and a sperm (preventing conception/pregnancy) ► Includes:  Abstinence (not having sexual intercourse)  Prescriptions (through doctors)  Non-prescriptions (no doctor needed)  Sterilization (surgery)

Abstinence ► Not engaging in sexual activity ► 100% effective against STD’s and pregnancy

Reasons Why Individuals Use Birth Control ► 1. To space pregnancies at least 2 years apart ► 2. To limit family size ► 3. To avoid pregnancy ► 4. Controlling when to get pregnant ► 5. High risk of having a child with a birth defect

Prescription Methods ► Oral contraceptives – birth control pills  How It Works: Contain different hormones (usually estrogen and progestin) that prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries  Also thicken cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching an egg  Side Effects: Blood clots, liver tumors, nausea, weight gain, irritability, depression, decrease in sexual desire

Prescription Methods ► Advantages:  Reduces menstrual flow and cramps  Offer some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease  Clears up acne  Almost 100% effective against pregnancy IF USED PROPERLY ► Disadvantages:  Possible side effects  Cost  Prescription needed

Prescription Methods ► Diaphragm  How it works: soft, round latex dome that is inserted deep into the vagina, covering the cervix – usually applied with spermicide cream or jelly around the rim  Barrier for sperm – spermicide helps to destroy sperm

Prescription Methods ► Diaphragm  Side Effects: bladder infections, irritation, discomfort, allergic reaction  Advantages: can be inserted 2 hours before sexual activity, comfortable, no affects on fertility or menstrual cycles  Disadvantages: doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS, requires fitting in clinic, refitting, side effects, can be messy

Prescription Methods ► Cervical Cap  How it Works: like diaphragm, rubber barrier that fits over the cervix and requires spermicide  Side Effects: allergic reactions to rubber or spermicide  Advantages: can be inserted hours before sexual activity, comfortable, no affects on future fertility or menstrual cycle

Prescription Methods ► Cervical Cap  Disadvantages: ► does not protect against HIV/AIDS ► requires fitting in clinic (some women cannot be fitted) ► can be dislodged during intercourse ► side effects

Prescription Methods ► IUD (Intrauterine Device)  How it Works: T-shaped device inserted into uterus – inflames uterus, which blocks flow of sperm  Side Effects: uterine perforation (cuts), pelvic inflammatory disease, irregular bleeding, increases menstrual flow  Advantages: doesn’t interrupt intercourse

Prescription Methods ► IUD (Intrauterine Device)  Disadvantages: ► irregular bleeding ► uterine cuts ► doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS

Prescription Methods ► Depo-Provera  How it Works: injection of hormones administered every 3 months; thickens cervical mucus and stops ovulation  Side Effects: weight gain, loss of bone density, irregular bleeding, headaches, nervousness, acne, breast tenderness (not recommended for long term use)  Advantages: doesn’t interfere with intercourse, don’t forget to have it done, decreased risk of some cancers  Disadvantages: no menstrual cycles, fertility may be slow after stopping the shot, side effects

Prescription Methods ► Norplant  How it Works: 6 rod-shaped capsules are implanted in surgery; secretes hormone to inhibit ovulation  No longer available in the United States – taken off the market in 2002

Non-Prescription Methods ► Male Condom  How It Works: Thin sheath made of latex, plastic, or lambskin that is unrolled on to the penis and catches semen and sperm  Side Effects: Typically none, unless an allergy to latex exists

Non-Prescription Methods ► Advantages:  Only method available to men except sterilization  Relatively cheap; available w/o prescription  Protects against most STD’s and HIV  86%-97% effective in pregnancy prevention ► Disadvantages:  Possible allergy  May reduce sensation for men  Possibility of breaking

Non-Prescription Methods ► Female Condom  How it Works: thin, loose-fitting protective tube worn inside the vagina – soft ring at close end covers cervix during intercourse; other ring at open end remains outside vagina around labia; protects from pregnancy and STD’s/HIV/AIDS  Side Effects: none; could slip or break during sexual activity during sexual activity

Non-Prescription Methods ► Female Condom  Advantages: ► prevents spread of STD’s/HIV/AIDS ► available without prescription ► no hormonal side effects ► can be used by people with latex sensitivities  Disadvantages: ► can break or leak ► more expensive than male condoms ► sometimes difficult to insert/use

Non-Prescription Methods ► Withdrawal (NOT A FORM OF CONTRACEPTION!!!!!!!)  Male withdrawing penis out of vagina before he ejaculates  Pre-ejaculation can contain some sperm cells  Disadvantages: Does not protect against STD’s/HIV/AIDS AND PREGNANCY!

Non-Prescription Methods ► Spermicides  How They Work: chemicals kill sperm; substance mechanically blocks entrance of cervix (foams, creams, jellies, suppositories)  Side Effects: can irritate vagina/penis, allergic reactions  Advantages: available without prescription, does not affect fertility  Disadvantages: does not protect against some STD’s and HIV/AIDS, side effects, failure rate is high used by themselves

Non-Prescription Methods ► Sponge  How It Works: inserted in vagina (moistened before); blocks cervix and contains spermicides  Side Effects: Allergic reactions, uncomfortable, increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome  Advantages: no prescription, inserted well before intercourse  Disadvantages: high failure, uncomfortable, dries vagina up

Sterilization ► Tubal Ligation  How It Works: surgery where woman’s fallopian tubes are tied (prevents egg and sperm from fertilizing)  Side Effects: ectopic pregnancy, bladder infections, irregular periods  Advantages: permanent, effective  Disadvantages: permanent (may be able to untie tubes – scar tissue)

Sterilization ► Vasectomy  How It Works: surgery where male has vas deferens cut and tied to prevent sperm from coming out  Side Effects: 5% inflammation of vas deferens, psychological state  Advantages: no affect on intercourse  Disadvantages: permanent (may be reversed, but male would be less fertile) – not effective in young men who might want kids later on

Rhythm Methods ► Calendar Method ► Basal Body Temperature Method ► Cervical Mucus Method

Abortion ► A means of ending a pregnancy before an unborn baby is able to survive on his/her own ► Reasons for Having an Abortion:  Incest  Rape  Mother’s life is at risk  Health of the baby (birth defects, disease, etc.)  Mother/Father do not want the baby

Methods of Aborting a Fetus ► Vacuum Suction/Vacuum Curretage  1 st trimester – contents of uterus are sucked out ► Dilation and Evacuation  weeks into pregnancy – similar to vacuum curretage ► Saline-Induced Abortion  Late 2 nd trimester – saline solution is injected into amniotic sac – causes labor to begin ► Hysterotomy  Late 2 nd trimester – Cesarean section performed ► RU 486  “Abortion pill”, “Morning after pill” – used within 5 days of sexual intercourse (most effective the first 24 hours after)  Changes environment of uterus, not allowing implantation