LIFE & FAMILY PLANNING Birth Control and Other Considerations

Why Life & Family Planning? Birth control is not just about not getting pregnant Planning the life YOU want Now In the future To do this kind of planning, you need to consider a lot of different factors

Life & Family Planning The way you feel now about birth control and sex will likely change Right now: Recreation Later: Procreation How would it change your life to have a baby or a child now? Are you prepared for that kind of change?

Growing a Person Conception to Birth in 5 Minutes

It Takes Two… But Is sex different for guys and girls?

It Takes Two… But For Guys: Blood is shared between brain and penis Genitals are external – which makes penetration a big deal Historically, men sought to conquor For Girls: Brain is fully functioning and must be included in sex Genitals are internal – which makes penetration a big deal Historically, women sought protection for themselves and their children

It Takes Two… But It’s important to make decisions BEFORE sex happens (with your brains, not your impulses/ physiology kick in) It is a BIG decision, and it should be Vulnerability is important but should be reserved for the right people You cannot know ALL consequences, but you should think about the many possible outcomes You get ONE first time – why wouldn’t you want it to be significant?

Two to Tango Protecting each other SHOULD be a priority If they aren’t ready, you should support that! If they are and YOU aren’t, your partner should support that! You should have sex with someone who cares how sex will affect you It is NOT just physical Psychological & Emotional Personal Investment If it becomes just physical, what does that mean for you? What does it mean for the people you are having sex with?

So You’re Thinking of Having Sex What is your birth control plan? Personal decision Talk to your partner – what do they think? What is their plan? Be prepared Abstinence IS a birth control option 100% Effective Works every time

Birth Control Options Pill, Patch, Shot, Ring Male & Female Condoms, Spermicides IUD/ IUS Morning After Pill Hormonal Barrier Long Term Emergency Contraceptive

Hormonal Birth Control Hormones introduced into a woman’s body work to reduce fertility for a given amount of time Pill, Patch, Ring (NUVA or other), Depo- Provara Shot 98% - 99% Effective IF used correctly Action: Prevent ovulation (egg from ovaries being released) Thicken cervical mucus Change lining of the uterus to make implantation less likely

Hormonal Birth Control Each of these methods have risks associated with them, and possible side effects. It is important to get more information so that you can make a good, informed decision for yourself.

Barrier Methods How they work: Creates a physical or chemical barrier so sperm doesn’t reach the woman’s uterus Male and Female Condoms, & Spermicides

Male Condom Effectiveness: Typical use: 85% Perfect use: 98% What is the condom all about? Sheath that covers penis One of few methods to protect against STIs Cheaper method, can also get them for free at the Sexual Health Department or HIV North Easily accessible Are available in polyurethane for those with latex allergies NOTE: Only use water-based lubricants for the latex condoms What makes condoms so special? Can be used with other BC for dual protection Protect against most STI’s and HIV Cost: $6-$10 for 12 pk

Condoms Male Condom Demonstration ration-videos/

Female Condoms What is the Female condom all about? Polyurethane pouch that lines vagina and catches semen Like male condoms, they are only one-time use What makes female condoms so special? Can be used with other BC for dual protection Protect against most STI’s and HIV Effectiveness: Typical use: 79% Perfect use: 95% Cost: $9-$14 3pk

Spermicides What is spermicide all about? Chemical substances inserted into vagina to kill or inactivate sperm Many types: cream jelly, film, foam, suppository Should be used in combination with another method i.e., condom What makes spermicide so special? Very effective when used in combination with other methods offers protection against bacterial infections Effectiveness: Typical use: 71% Perfect use: 85% Cost: $8-$21 dollars ($2-$3 per dose)

Other Methods Intrauterine Device (IUD) Copper Intrauterine System (IUS) Effectiveness: Typical use: 99.2% Perfect use: 99.4% What is the IUD all about? Small plastic and cooper “T” inserted into uterus Copper acts as spermicide Inserted by physician, lasts up to 5 years Effectiveness: Perfect use: 99.9%, comparable to sterilization What is the IUS all about? Plastic “T” shaped intrauterine system slowly releases small amounts of a hormone into the uterus Is inserted by a physician and lasts up to 5 years Cost: $329 What is so special about the IUD/ IUS? Long-term contraceptive No effect on breast milk Low maintenance IUD: effective alternative to hormones Cost: $100

Emergency Contraceptive A.K.A: Morning After Pill

Hours passed after unprotected intercourse before taking EC 1-24 hrs25-48 hrs49-72hrs Prevented Pregnancies 95%85%58% Cost: $20-$40 (cheapest at Costco) Delays or prevents ovulation and works as late as five days. Strongly recommended to take within first 24 hours It prevents 3 out of 4 pregnancies Available directly from pharmacist, no prescription necessary Emergency Contraception

Pregnancy Biologically, sex is designed for procreation. It feels good so that we want to do it, and keep the human species going. It is IMPORTANT to consider pregnancy BEFORE you choose to have sex! Talk to your partner about what this would mean for both of you.

Pregnancy There are some big choices that are attached to pregnancy: Raising a child (at whatever age you choose to have one) Adoption Abortion Abortion can be a very challenging idea. Recognize that whatever your feelings on this difficult, hot-button topic: Not everyone will feel the same Having a choice is an important idea to consider (there is a lot attached to this!) Whatever choices people do make, the choice is theirs. No choice would be easy for anyone in a teen pregnancy situation.

Free pregnancy Testing Options Counseling for unplanned pregnancies and referrals Birth control information STI information School presentations STI/ Birth control Clinic 5-8 Thursday evening- walk in (any age) Sexual Health Program Here at the School with Nurse Miriam College Clinic:

Questions? Think about what is right for YOU Think about what is right for YOUR PARTNER Make good choices and plan for the life YOU WANT