CONTRACEPTION 101

The Basics – The Female A women is able to have children from the time she begins to menstruate (during puberty) to the onset of menopause (45-55 years old) A women has a menstrual cycle that determines her fertility Ovulation occurs on day 14 of the menstrual cycle. The egg that is released lives for hours. Pregnancy can only occur if her egg is met by a sperm in the fallopian tube, therefore during the three days before and after ovulation.

The Basics – The Male Men start producing sperm at the time of puberty. Once they begin to ejaculate, they are able to make babies. About 50 million sperm are released every time a man ejaculates Sperm can stay alive in a women’s uterus up to three days Men are able to father children almost until the end of their lives They do not have a cycle to regulate fertility like women do

Did you know? 25% of young women who have intercourse without using a method of birth control will become pregnant within one month 85% will become pregnant within one year

Safe Sex… The only totally safe sex is no sex. Pregnancy can only occur from vaginal sex (penis and vagina), however if sperm come in contact with the vulva (outside of the vagina) even without intercourse, there is a small chance of pregnancy. The second safest sex is between partners in a mutually monogamous relationship who consistently (that means EVERY TIME!) use protection against pregnancy and STIs.

Contraceptive Methods Hormonal: Oral Contraception ( the pill), Depo-Provera (The needle), Ortho-Evra (the patch), NuvaRing (the ring) Barrier: Male Condom, Female Condom, Spermicides, Sponge, Diaphragm Surgical: Tubal Ligation (female), Vasectomy (male) Other: Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD), Merena Natural: Fertility Awareness ONLY THE CONDOM PROTECTS AGAINST STIs

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal Methods Make the body believe the ovaries produce hormones (estrogen & progesterone) while they are, in fact, resting Hormonal Methods are only available for women.

Oral Contraception: The Pill Oral Contraception: The Pill Must be taken at the same time every day % Effective Does not protect against STIs Combination of hormones: estrogen and progesterone Stops ovaries from releasing eggs, thins out uterine lining, thickens cervical mucous. Costs approx $25-35

Depo Provera: The Shot Need hormone injection every 12 weeks. Does not protect against STI’s!!! Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thins out uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus

Where can I get it and how much does it cost? You can get Depo-Provera at your doctor’s office. Each injection costs about $30–$50. The Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic (Halifax) gives Depo shots for $30. Used the right way: 99.7% effective Not used the right way:97%effective

Ortho Evra: The Patch Works the same way the pill does New patch every week for three weeks then without on the forth week With prescription, about $20-$30 at a drug store. Does not protect against STI’s

Where to Apply EVRA Clean, dry, intact healthy skin. Choose a new site each week. –Buttock –Abdomen –Upper outer arm –Upper torso –In a place where it won’t be rubbed by tight clothing –Should not be placed on skin that is red, irritated or cut –Should not be placed on the breasts

NuvaRing: The Ring Use for 3 weeks, take out for 1 week Daily release of hormones that inhibits release of egg from ovary, thins uterine lining 92-99% Effective With prescription at drug store, costs $25-$32 per month (a bit cheaper if you buy 3 at once)

Find a comfortable position Squeeze the edges together Insert into vagina-exact position not important

Prevents pregnancy before it happens Works best if taken within 72 hours A Hormonal reaction that creates poor conditions for the egg and sperm to meet Key word is EMERGENCY!!! (not a regular method) Does not protect you against STIs ECP: Emergency Contraception

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILL You do not need a prescription for ECP. Without a prescription it costs about $35-$50. With a prescription, it costs about $25. You can get ECP from: Family Doctors Community Clinics (North Preston Wellness Clinic, Youth Clinic at Cobequid, Family Focus,) Halifax Sexual Health Center Pharmacies

Barrier Methods Physically block sperm from reaching the egg, by not allowing semen to pass through the cervix. Male and Female Condoms help protect against STIs

MALE CONDOM Effectiveness % (depends on proper use) Check expiry date Does not protect against all STI’s Free at the Youth Health Center

FEMALE CONDOM Made from polyurethane 95% effective if used properly (79% effective if not) Box of three = $13 Can be inserted 8 hours before sex

SPERMICIDE May be cream, foam, gel or suppository Destroy sperm Usually put in the vagina right before sex,and must be left in 6-8 hours after sex Does not protect against STI’s. Try not to use nonoxynol % Effective No prescription needed; costs $9-$15.

THE SPONGE Blocks the sperm and the spermicide kills them. Will work for 12 hrs. and must be left in for 6 hrs. after sex Does not protect from STI’s 84%-91% Effective No prescription required; costs $10-$15 for 3-4 sponges NOT REUSABLE

DIAPHRAGM Block sperm from entering cervix; ALWAYS used with spermicidal jelly Will not protect against STI’s Reusable CERVICAL CAP May insert 6 hours prior to sex and must leave in 6 hours after sex 80%-94% effective Requires fitting and prescription. Costs $45- $75

Intrauterine Devices

ICUD: INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE Is inserted by a physician, goes through the cervix to sit in the uterus Contraceptive effect is immediate and lasts for 5 years Does not protect against STI’s Very effective…about.02% failure rate.

MIRENA Inserted by a doctor, like IUCD Effective immediately, lasts 5 years Emits hormone that thickens cervical mucous, effects sperm motility, and may interrupt ovulation No STI protection.09% Failure Rate

PERMANENT SURGICAL METHODS FEMALES: TUBAL LIGATION MALES: VASECTOMY

NATURAL METHODS

Abstinence : The most effective method of birth control on earth! Abstinence means choosing not to have any kind of sexual activity that leads to an exchange of body fluids. This includes oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, and any activity that involves skin to skin contact in the genital area.

ABSTINENCE: THE PROS Most effective method of preventing both pregnancy and STIs It’s FREE!!! Can have a positive influence on the relationship, because it promotes communication and helps to test understanding and feelings for each other Also promotes creativity, as partners find other ways to pleasure each other: kissing, hugging, masturbation, etc.

ABSTINENCE: BARRIERS You and your partner may not agree on what abstinence means May face pressure from your partner/peers to start having sex Chance of getting carried away in a moment of passion… you might want to have intercourse. Always have a barrier method with you just in case! Abstinence from drugs and alcohol helps you keep control.

Abstinence is a good choice for you if… You have not found the right partner yet You are unsure about the state of your relationship You are unsure about your partner You want the safest contraception method on earth You want to prevent pregnancy and be protected from STIs You don’t want to make an appointment with your doctor You want a method of contraception that has no side effects

Any method of birth control wil Any method of birth control will work only if you use it the right way and use it every time you have sex.

If a male and female have sex, a pregnancy can happen: The first time they have sex No matter what position they have sex in During the woman’s period Even if he pulls out of her vagina before he ejaculates Even if he doesn’t put his penis inside, but ejaculates near her vagina