1. Contraceptives

2. Historical Background A wide variety of effective contraceptive devices is a modern phenomena The US formerly prohibited both their use and the dissemination of relevant information – The Comstock Laws of 1870 Margaret Sanger led the charge to give women some control their own fertility in 1960 the birth control pill debuted

3. More Background In 1965 the Supreme Court ruled in Griswold vs. Connecticut that married couples can use contraceptives In 1968 use was extended to singles Thus began the controversial Right to Privacy Now the debate has shifted to parental notification

4. Contemporary Issues Contraceptives have contributed to women’s financial stability, health, and career advancement Should health insurance plans cover? Should we halt population growth? Cultural gender-role expectations? Religious objections? But 70% of US Catholics use banned methods.

5. Ideally, a Mutual Decision Today, contraception is much more effective if both partners participate Also, Discussion can enhance a relationship Together women can learn how to obtain; men can learn how to request their use Now both sexes are more likely to use, even the first time

6. Choosing a Method Many forms are available None are perfect Each has its advantages and disadvantages They vary as to price, effectiveness, convenience and safety

7. Effectiveness The biggest peril? Errors by the user. About half of unintended pregnancies occur among women using contraceptives. Poor, unmarried women under 30 have the highest failure rate.

8. Characteristics of those who try, but fail They feel guilty about using it They have a negative view of sex itself. Some women feel that being prepared makes them appear too “eager”. Taking this into account, each contraceptive has a failure rate – the number out of a 100 who become pregnant by the end of the first year of use

9. Back-up With so much human error in play, many couples use two methods to be sure. When backups are necessary: during the pill’s first cycle if you missed a few pills if you are taking antibiotics with the pill during the first 3 months of IUD use while using a new method

10. The Pill Work by altering hormone levels Used by 100 million worldwide Top choice among American women Four basic types Constant-dose Combination Triphasic Seasonale Progestin-only

11. The Constant-dose Combination Number 1 in US Available since the early 60’s Two hormones, synthetic estrogen & progestin are taken at a level daily dose Very effective, if used properly, only.3 fail Reduces cramps and flow Some possible side-effects

12. The Triphasic Pill Varies proportions of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle Reduces overall hormone dosage Fewer side-effects Also very effective

13. Seasonale The latest Lower yet hormone doses Reduces periods to just 4 per year Progestin-only - just a constant dose of a very small level of progestin

14. How they do it The combination and triphasic pills and Seasonale primarily inhibit ovulation. Their estrogen dose stops the hypothalamus from releasing hormones essential to ovulation. Their progestin hampers the sperm’s passage into the uterus. The progestin-only stops sperm in cervix.

15. Taking the Pill Must be taken every day Should be taken at the same time each day Many forget to take the pill each day Objective measures showed that 50% missed up to 3 pills per cycle If so, a backup is necessary

16. Advantages No effect on sexual spontaneity Easily reversible If taken as prescribed, very effective Lessen menstrual discomfort Also reduces risk of some cancers

17. Disadvantages Does not protect against Aids or other STDs Some side effects from steady presence of hormones in blood stream For women over 35 who smoke, the risks outweigh the benefits Some medications weaken the pill’s effectiveness and vice versa

18. ACHES An acronym for serious problems possibly associated with the pill Abdominal pain (severe) Chest pain (severe) or shortness of breath Headaches (severe) Severe leg pain, calf or thigh Many deal with blood clots/cardiovascular concerns

19. Condoms The most basic of the barrier methods Work by preventing sperm from entering the vagina Men’s only temporary form of birth control Made of surgical latex or sheep membrane Wide variety, long history Mass production followed the vulcanization of rubber in the 1840s 6 to 9 billion sold each year worldwide

20. How to use Must be used effectively Must be put on before penetration Cowper’s gland secretions can contain sperm The end of a plain-end condom must be twisted Lubrication helps prevent breakage Avoid oil based lubricants

21. Advantages of Condoms The best protection against contracting and spreading STDs and preventing vaginal infections Easily available No harmful side effects Can decrease sensitivity for greater endurance

22. Disadvantages Can interrupt spontaneity Decreases penile sensitivity Tiny leaks can ruin effectiveness Should be put on properly

23. The IUD Intrauterine devices – small plastic objects inserted into the uterus Various types halt conception in differing ways Some prevent fertilization Others disrupt normal ovulatory patterns

24. Using the IUD Inserted by a health care professional using sterile instruments Careful screening is necessary Woman should be over 25, in a monogamous relationship, with no history of STDs or PID String should be checked each month after menstruation

25. Advantages of the IUD Tremendous effectiveness Very little inconvenience Can work for 10 years Very inexpensive Possible discomfort usually diminishes within a month or so

26. Disadvantages Insertion can be painful Some expel the device Serious problems – PAINS Period disappears or is late Abdominal pain Increased temperature, fever, chills Nasty discharge, foul smell Spotting, bleeding, heavy periods

27. Emergency Contraception (EC) Taking hormone pills or inserting a Copper-T IUD (99% effective) can serve in an emergency Could possibly eliminate over 2 million unintended pregnancies a year in the US alone But only 49% are aware of this Hormone pills can be taken up to 5 days after intercourse but the sooner the better

28. ECII Side effects such as nausea and vomiting are possible Approved in 1996, but available only through prescription? Unwise Some states have changed this Also access can be difficult Catholic hospitals often refuse to provide