Analyzing Different Contraceptive Methods

 Male/female condom  Double Dutch  Abstinence  Birth control pills  IUD/IUS  The patch  The shot  Diaphragm  Emergency contraceptive pills  Withdrawal Which method is the most effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs? 2 nd most effective? Which method is the least effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs?

 Most effective method of preventing pregnancy and STIs when used consistently  Have a back up method in case you get caught in the “heat of the moment”  Benefit: can encourage people to build relationships in many ways other than sex

 Using a condom and hormonal contraceptive together  Second most effective contraceptive method for preventing pregnancy and STIs  Both protect against pregnancy  Condoms protect against HIV and STIs

 Barrier Methods – put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from reaching the egg  Hormonal Methods – prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg  Implanted Devices – inserted into the body and can be kept in place for a few years  Emergency Contraception – should not be used as a regular form of birth control

 Requires an exam, a fitting, and a prescription from a doctor  Requires the use of spermicidal gel  94% effective in preventing pregnancy if used consistently and correctly

Benefits:  Non-hormonal device  Can be effective for up to 6 hrs after insertion Disadvantages:  No protection against HIV  Minimal protection against gonorrhea and chlamydia (because of the cervical barrier)  Increased risk of bladder irritation or infection  Increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if worn longer than 48 hrs

 Work by creating a barrier between mucous membrane and pathogen (STI)  Very effective against several STIs; less effective (but still of value) against STIs transmitted by “skin to skin” contact  Must be used correctly and consistently every time!  Check the expiration date  Store in a cool, dry place

 Male Condoms – 85-95% effective in preventing pregnancy depending on consistent and correct use  Female Condoms – 79-95% effective in preventing pregnancy depending on consistent and correct use  Male/Female Condoms – the only technology available to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV  Breakage Rate – less than 2% in the U.S. due to incorrect use rather than to the condom’s quality

 Widely available, low or no cost  Local health department or family planning clinic  Drug stores and chain stores  No age restriction  Both males and females can get condoms  Get them before they are needed

Open new condom package with hands (not scissors or teeth). There is a correct and an incorrect way to put on a condom. Check to see which direction the condom will roll before contacting the penis. Roll the condom down to the base of the penis. Being sure to leave a reservoir at the tip (space must be left at the tip to hold the ejaculated semen). Pinch tip and roll out any air bubbles. After ejaculation has occurred, unroll the condom. Then, be sure to hold the base of the penis (to prevent spilling of the semen, the condom must be held at the base while withdrawing from the partner's body). Throw used condom away.

 Practice assertive communication Respect yourself & others Be a good listener  Attentive, responsive Use confident body language  Good eye contact  Keep body straight and hands at side or in lap  Remember that body language is more important than what you actually say!

The GoalTo protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy ContentClear, specific, use words like "I feel, think, want…" VoiceClear, even, don’t hesitate Facial expressionGive direct eye contact PostureSelf-assured Your feelingsConfident of your feelings and decisions, self-respecting Another’s feelingsRespected

 Excuse: Sex doesn’t feel as good with a condom. Response: There is plenty of feeling left, and I would not feel safe without it.  Excuse: Condoms are unnatural and turn me off. Response: There is nothing natural about getting a disease either.  Excuse: Why do I need to use condoms if we’re using the pill. Response: So you can protect your health. The pill does not help prevent infection with STDs, including HIV,... but condoms do.

 Work by releasing hormones (estrogen and progestin), which stop your body from releasing an egg, so that there is no egg to be fertilized  Also work by causing cervical mucus to thicken, which can stop sperm from getting into the uterus  99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken every day and at the same time every day  Can be ineffective if taking anti-biotics

Benefits:  Regular and lighter periods with fewer cramps  Clearer complexion with some types  Protection against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cysts, iron deficiency

Disadvantages:  Does not protect you against HIV or STIs  Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects  May experience nausea, breast tenderness, or spotting between periods *A change in pill prescription can help decrease side effects

 A thin, stick-on square patch that allows hormones to enter the bloodstream through the skin  Placed on either the abdomen, buttocks, lower back, upper outer arm, or upper torso  Effectiveness – 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly (must be replaced on time)  Cycle of Use – 3 wks on, 1 wk off

Benefits:  Only have to change it once a wk and can be worn in a different place each wk  Stays on while you shower, swim, bath, or exercise  Warm, humid conditions do not decrease its sticking power  Can see it – don’t have to worry about whether you took your pill or not

Disadvantages:  Nausea, vaginal spotting and menstrual cramps  Skin irritation under and around the patch  Will not give you protection against HIV or STIs  Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects

 Depo-Provera® (Depo) – injectable method of contraception given every 3 months/12wks/4 per yr (releases progestin)  Effectiveness – 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy if you get your shot on time

Benefits:  You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day  Private and convenient  May have very light bleeding or no periods and no cramps after several months of use  Lowers risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer, anemia, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic infection

Disadvantages:  Irregular spotting or bleeding during the first 6 months  Increased appetite and slight weight gain  Mood changes, nausea, occasional heavy menstrual periods  Lowers natural estrogen levels – might decrease strength of bones  No protection against HIV and STIs

 IUD – Intrauterine device: a small plastic device wrapped with natural copper  IUS – Intrauterine System: a T-shaped plastic device that releases a low dose of progestin  Stops sperm from reaching the egg (stops fertilization)  Effectiveness – IUS = 98.9% effective; IUD = 98.4% effective

Benefits:  Offer effective, long-term, private, reversible protection against pregnancy  IUS can be left in for 5 yrs; IUD can be left in for 10 yrs

Disadvantages:  Discomfort during insertion  No protection against HIV and STIs  The insertion process can introduce infection from the vagina into the uterus

 A thin, matchstick-sized rod that contains thehormone progestin  It is put under your skin on the inside of your upper arm  Effectiveness – more than 99% effective

Benefits:  Offer effective, long-term, private, reversible protection against pregnancy  Lasts up to 3 yrs

Disadvantages:  May not work as well for overweight or obese women  Does not protect against HIV and STIs  Acne  Weight gain  Cysts of the ovaries  Mood changes/depression  Hair loss  Headache, upset stomach, dizziness  Lower interest in sexual activity  Sore breasts, changes in your periods