Birth Control: Protective Barriers

Condoms Latex condoms and spermicide are very effective against sexually transmitted infection transmission during vaginal or anal intercourse. It is strongly recommend that condoms always be used with additional lubricant (even if your condom is prelubricated with a spermicide), giving about a 99% effectiveness rate against pregnancy, when both are used correctly every time.

Dental Dams   A dental dam is a small sheet of latex, which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and the mouth. Dental dams get their name because they are used during dental surgery such as root canals. Due to the possible infectious secretions from both the vagina and anus, the dental dam is becoming a more popular safer sex tool.

Female Condoms The Female Condom 2 (FC2), approved by the FDA, now available at the University of Maryland’s Health Center. More popular overseas, the FC2 offers women a choice that they can initiate that will provide dual protection again unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include HIV/AIDS. For information about the female condom and other sexual health related information, contact the University Health Center’s Sexual Health coordinator Ms. Jenna Beckwith, jbeckwith@health.umd.edu, or call 301.314.8130

Male Condoms Female Condoms Dental Dam Lubrication All of these Safer Sex barriers are available for FREE at the Health Promotion Office, ground floor Health Center. 301-314-8130 or jbeckwith@health.umd.edu with any questions. Male Condoms Intended to prevent pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other STIs. Only use one at a time and DO NOT RESUSE! Come in latex & non-latex. UHC has a wide variety of shapes, brands, and sizes to best meet your needs. Flavored condoms are available for Oral Sex (many STIs can be passed through Oral Sex). The #1 reason why condoms break/fail is because they aren’t stored, used, and/or lubricated properly. Please read the enclosed directions to get the maximum protection out of your condom. Female Condoms Come non-latex material. Provide even more protection against HPV & Herpes than Male Condoms. An alternative to Male Condoms, offers another option and variety Can be used for vaginal and anal sex (remove inner ring for anal). Can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse. Inner and outer rings can provide enhanced sensations. If interested in Female Condoms, please read the enclosed instructions, talk with a Health Center staff member, or visit http://www.fc2femalecondom.com/ Dental Dam A small sheet which acts as a barrier between the vagina, anus , or any part of the body coming in contact with the mouth (except the penis - use a flavored condom). Come in latex, non-latex, and scented varieties. Highly effective in reducing the oral transmission of STIs such as Herpes, HPV, and HIV. Before using, make sure that it is free from holes or punctures. You may want to place some lube between the dental dam and the part of the body on which it is being placed (increases natural sensation and helps to keep it in place). Make sure only one side is facing the genitals and do not flip it over. Use only once Lubrication (not a barrier) When it comes to sex, LUBE IS YOUR FRIEND! It will keep your barriers stronger and lasting longer to prevent breakage. Lube can increase pleasure while reducing small tears in the skin caused by too much friction. These small tears can promote the transmission of HIV/STIs. Water & Silicone based lube is safe to use with latex condoms. Do not use anything oil based and be careful or massage oils/lotions coming in contact with the condom; oil can break down latex and promote breakage.

SELF EXAM - KNOW YOUR BODY Your Sexual Health is YOUR Responsibility, ARE YOU COVERED? If you choose to be sexually active, here are a few ways to make sex safer: CONSENT GET CONSENT. Sex without consent is RAPE. If someone is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, they cannot LEGALLY give consent. SELF EXAM - KNOW YOUR BODY The sooner you recognize that something “out of the ordinary” is going on with your body: the sooner you can get treatment the less damage it will do to your body the less chance you will spread it to other people. VACCINATION If you are interested, the Health Center provides vaccinations against the most common strains of HPV. HPV is the most commonly diagnosed STI at UMCP. The vaccine is safe for men and women Gardasil: vaccinates against high & low risk HPV Cervarix: vaccinates against high risk HPV only COMMUNICATION A few things that could be helpful to discuss with your sexual partners: HIV & STI testing status/results Boundaries/limits Protection Birth Control The “WHAT IFs” TESTING If you are sexually active, it is recommended to be HIV & STI tested every 6 months or in between partners. You must ask your doctor to run a full HIV/STI panel, they will NOT automatically test you at your annual/regular appointment. *The most common symptom of an STI is NO SYMPTOMS – you don’t know your status until you get tested! MONOGAMY We all define monogamy differently, and that’s OK. But if you are going to use monogamy as a safer sex practice, it’s best to know your and your partner’s HIV/STI status. Otherwise, you could be passing an STI back and forth or re-exposing yourself every time you are sexually intimate! EDUCATION Come by the Health Center or schedule one of our Sexual Health Programs! Many STIs are passed through genital skin to skin touching and through oral/anal sex. Know how to reduce your risks with every sexual act. Be aware that sex under the influence is more likely to lead to STI transmission and/or unplanned pregnancies. Plan B is available over the counter (17+)at the UHC Pharmacy ($30) BARRIERS The UHC provides the following Safer Sex barriers to you for FREE: Condoms Female Condoms Dental Dams Lubrication (not a barrier) The #1 reason why condoms/barriers break or fail is because they are not stored, used, and/or lubricated properly. Please read the instructions inside if you are interested in getting the most safety out of your protection!

Testing If you are sexually active, it is recommended to be HIV & STI tested every 6 months or in between partners. You must ask your doctor to run a full HIV/STI panel, they will NOT automatically test you at your annual/regular appointment. *The most common symptom of an STI is NO SYMPTOMS – you don’t know your status until you get tested! Throughout each semester the University Health Center offers FREE testing to both students and non-students. The services are on a first come, first served basis! All testing will be located on the ground floor of the University Health Center.

STI TESTING EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS? NOT EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS? Call 301-314-8184 or visit www.myuhc.umd.edu to schedule an appointment. The cost may range depending on whether you are paying out of pocket or billing to insurance and what kind of insurance you have. If you do not want the test billed to your insurance, notify your doctor at the beginning of the appointment. NOT EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS? STI TESTING Still want to see a doctor? Follow the instructions above. Looking for a LOW-COST option? Visit our No Symptoms - STI Clinic. $24 STI Testing $25 HIV Testing $49 for both Come to a FREE testing event (check website for details). Go directly to our LAB on the 1st floor for HIV testing ONLY. $10 – 2 week results $25 – next day results

Sexual Health For many people, talking to a healthcare provider about your sexual health can be intimidating. You might feel embarrassed about the questions that you have; you might not want to admit to certain feelings or fears about your health. However, being able to communicate with your healthcare provider about your sexual health and concerns is critical for them to provide you with the highest quality and most accurate care.

Hormonal Contraception Birth Control: Hormonal Contraception Birth control methods are not one-size-fits-all. A method that’s perfect for one person may not be right for another. Picking a birth control method that fits your life is the key. You may prefer to use a hormonal contraceptive, a barrier method, or a combination of the two! Only you can decide what is best for you. But sometimes figuring out which method to use can be a bit overwhelming. Our staff is here to help you with that process

The Pill The birth control pill is safe and effective for preventing unintended pregnancy. However, birth control pills, like all hormonal methods of contraception, do not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Patch The Ring The birth control patch (Ortho Evra) is an adhesive patch that contains both Estrogen and Progesterone.  One patch is applied on the body and it stays on for one week.  The Vaginal Ring (Nuva Ring) is a vaginal contraceptive ring.  One ring is placed in the vagina and remains in place for three weeks.  At the end of the third week, the ring is removed and thrown away.

Want to know more about Women’s Health? Maggi Bridwell Center for Women's Health Second Floor, University Health Center (301) 314-8190. Fax: (301) 314-3596. Appointments Select appointments may be made via the web at www.myuhc.umd.edu. Appointments may also be made by phone (301) 314-8190 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Women’s Health Services offered at the University are: Annual Gynecology Exam Colposcopy Contraceptive (birth control) Services and Emergency Contraception Pregnancy Testing and Counseling Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing