1. Learning About Contraception Lesson 5
Drawing the Line
Learning About Contraception
Lesson 5

2. Ground Rules To create a safe environment: Do not use put downs.
Be sensitive to others.
You have the right to privacy/confidentiality.
Use correct terminology.
Do not divulge private information.
There are no dumb questions.
Talk to your parents for more information.

3. Introduction
This lesson will focus on contraceptive methods that are used by young people.
California law allows anyone to purchase contraception, regardless of age.
Contraception, or preventing pregnancy, is not something that happens automatically.
We will review the contraceptive process so you can see what is involved.

4. The Contraceptive Process
Using contraception is a learning process that includes the following steps:
Acknowledge desire or intention to be sexually active (sex doesn’t just happen).
Recognize the possibility of pregnancy and STDs.
Talk about and plan methods of prevention.
Obtain a contraceptive method for personal use.
Keep the contraceptive available.
Use method correctly and consistently.

5. Methods of Contraception
Contraceptive methods fall into four categories:
Abstinence
Intrauterine Devices
Barrier Methods
Hormonal Methods
Each method has an effectiveness rate that tells how well it can work when used correctly.
The best contraceptive method is the one that you will use consistently and correctly.

6. Abstinence Abstinence means not having oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Abstinence always prevents pregnancy and protects against STDs and HIV.
Plans for remaining abstinent should be discussed with your partner in advance.

7. Intrauterine Contraception
Prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg or stops egg from attaching to uterus.
Copper T Intrauterine Device (IUD)
T-shaped device inserted into uterus by doctor
Remains in place up to 10 years
99% effective at preventing pregnancy
Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (IUS)
Releases progestin each day
Remains in place up to 5 years

8. Barrier Methods Condoms
A sheath of latex, synthetic material or lambskin that covers the penis and prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg
If lubricated with spermicide, immobilizes sperm
Available without a prescription at drugstores or clinics
82–98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used during each act of intercourse
Latex and synthetic material condoms may prevent transmission of many STDs and HIV
Lambskin condoms may not provide protection against STDs and HIV

9. Correct Condom Use
Use a new latex condom for each new act of anal, oral or vaginal sex.
Put the condom on as soon as the penis is erect and before any contact with the vagina, anus or mouth.
Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it to the base of the penis.
Leave a half-inch at the tip of the condom for the ejaculate; squeeze the tip to make sure that no air is trapped in the condom.
Use only water-based lubricants. Lotions and oils can cause the condom material to disintegrate and tear.
Immediately after ejaculation, withdraw the penis, holding the condom firmly at the base to avoid it slipping off or spilling.
Remove the condom from the penis away from partner.
Never use two condoms at the same time.

10. Barrier Methods Female Condoms
A plastic sheath with rings at both ends that is inserted into the vagina
Prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg
Available without a prescription at drugstores or clinics
79–95% effective at preventing pregnancy
May prevent transmission of many STDs and HIV

11. Barrier Methods Dental Dams
A thin sheet of latex originally used for dental procedures
Can be used to protect mucosa during oral sex
Available without a prescription at drugstores or clinics
Not a birth control method, but used to prevent transmission of STDs and HIV

12. Barrier Methods Spermicides
Products such as foam, gel or film that contain chemicals that kill sperm
Available without a prescription at drugstores or clinics
Increases effectiveness of male and female condoms
72–82% effective at preventing pregnancy when used alone

13. Hormonal Methods Injection
Shot of the hormone progestin given in the arm or buttocks every 12 weeks by doctor
Prevents sperm from joining the egg, or may prevent release of egg
Available by prescription
94–99 % effective at preventing pregnancy

14. Hormonal Methods Birth Control Pills
Taken daily and may contain the hormones estrogen and progestin while others are progestin-only
Prevents the release of an egg or prevents sperm from joining egg
Available by prescription
91–99% effective at preventing pregnancy

15. Hormonal Methods Patch
Thin plastic patch placed on the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three out of four weeks
Combined hormones prevent the release of an egg
Available by prescription
91–99% effective at preventing pregnancy

16. Hormonal Methods Vaginal Ring
Small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and remains there for three out of four weeks
Releases synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy
Available by prescription
91–99% effective at preventing pregnancy

17. Hormonal Methods Implants
Soft, thin rod placed under the skin by a doctor
Lasts up to three years
Releases synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy
Available by prescription
99% effective at preventing pregnancy

18. Emergency Contraception (E.C.)
Prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex, or when birth control fails.
Does not work if someone is already pregnant; does not harm fetus.
Prevents fertilized egg from being released, or attaching to uterine lining.
Can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.
Available at clinics or pharmacies:
Plan B One-Step is a brand of E.C. available
without a prescription for women of all ages (updated 11/12/13).
If you are under 15 years, you may need a
prescription for other brands.

19. Protection from STDs and HIV
Hormonal and intrauterine methods of contraception DO NOT offer protection against STDs, including HIV.
Using a condom with these methods can reduce the risk of pregnancy and contracting STDs.

20. CONTRACEPTION COMPARISON CHART
Method
Description
Effectiveness
Length of Protection
Protection Against STDs
Abstinence
Not having intercourse
100%
Continuous
YES
Intrauterine
Implanted into uterus by a doctor
99%
IUD 10 yrs.; IUS 5 yrs. NO
Condom
Latex or polyurethane sheath that covers the penis
82–98%
One sex act
Female Condom
Polyurethane tube with flexible ring that fits the cervix
79–95%
Injections
Progestin shot given every 12 weeks (prescription)
94–99%
3 months
Pills
Hormones taken daily (prescription)
91–99%
1 month
Patch
Hormone patch placed on skin for 3 weeks (prescription)
1 week
Ring
Hormone ring inserted in vagina for 3 weeks (prescription)
Implants
Hormone rods place under skin for 3 years (prescription)
3 years
Spermicide
Foams, jellies, films inserted into vagina
72–82%
Up to 24 hours

21. Following Through with Abstinence
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and protect against HIV and STDs, and it is available to everyone.
Here are some ways to plan for abstinence:
Talk with your partner.
Discuss different ways to show affection.
Find activities you can do with other couples.
Stay away from alcohol and drugs.

22. Safely Surrendered Baby Law
Parent or legal guardian can surrender a newborn within the first 72 hours of birth to a person at a designated “safe surrender site” such as a hospital or fire department.
Parent may claim physical custody of newborn within 14 days of surrender.
More Information: (877) or

23. Please refer to your HOT CARD for youth friendly resources.
Discussion Questions
How does a person know when he/she is ready for sex?
Why do people choose not to use contraception?
Is it difficult for teens to discuss contraception with their partners? Why/why not?
Where can you get information?
Please refer to your HOT CARD for youth friendly resources.