Sorry people, didn’t get July’s sexual awareness topic done, so this one is coming a bit early. For those of you who do not know, one of these topics will appear monthly and be stickied in the Sexuality forum. It is here for you to learn, ask questions, make comments and discuss the said topic. So, this month is contraception. I will be covering many times, including ways to terminate pregnancy, but will be focusing on the most commonly used methods.  

This is all Canadian data because I am using Canada books  

The Pill  

What is it?  
A pill is taken daily. It contains estrogen and progestin, which are taken for 21 days and a placebo (sugar) pill is taken for the remaining 7days of the girl’s cycle.  

How does it work?  
The pill mainly prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation (release of an egg) from occurring. In a normal cycle where birth control is not being used, estrogen levels naturally 5days into the cycle which releases the egg. By preventing this drop in estrogen, the pill is never released.  
Another way the pill prevents pregnancy is by creating thick mucus which covers the cervix. This helps block sperm from reaching the uterus. Also, a layer is formed in the uterus to make it difficult for an egg to attach itself to the uterus lining, if in fact an egg is released.  
In short, the pill tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant. Therefore, many minor side effects are similar symptoms of pregnancy.  

Effectiveness  
Most failures occur when the pill is not taken correctly, or pills are skipped. If you miss a pill, be sure to use a backup method of birth control such as a condom.  
According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (2000), the failure rate of the pill is 3%. However, when it is taken perfectly, the failure rate is 0.1%.  

Side Effects  
-slight increased chance of getting circulatory diseases (if you have a strong family past or health problems yourself regarding the circulatory system, your doctor should not administer you the pill)  
-high blood pressure  
-if you have cancer of the cervix, uterus or breasts, it can aggravate it. However it does not increase your chance of developing cancer.  
-Some brands cause weight loss and nausea. Switching brands often can fix this  
-Some women report moodiness and decreased desire for sex  

How to get it  
A prescription from a doctor. Your doctor should ask about your health past, family health history and do a Pap smear. A check up should occur 3-4months after starting the pill to check for any serious side effects.  

 
Norplant and Depo-Provera  

Norplant  
What is it? How does it work?  
Usually 6 match stick sized rods placed under the skin of the arm by a doctor. It lasts for 5 years, slowly releasing progestin into the body.  
It works very similar to the pill because it prevents ovulation and creates thick mucus to block sperm.  

Effectiveness  
Norplant is the most effective form of contraception (other than sterilization), with a failure rate of 0.2%  

Side Effects  
-irregular bleeding (including spotting, extra long periods, and break through bleeding)  
-difficulty removing, infection or irritation in the place of insertion (not common)  
-No other major side effects have been noted due to the short time the product has been on the market  

How to get it  
Through your doctor.  

Depo-Provera (the shot)  
-an injection administered every 3months  
-Often used for women who are not able to use the pill (women who smoke, have heart problems)  
-Very effective, with a failure rate of less than 1%  
-Fairly expensive, being roughly $40 a shot (CND)  
-Often stops periods completely, therefore women who have extremely heavy periods often use this method of birth control  
-Seriously side effects have not been documented due to the short time it has been on the market  

The IUD (intrauterine device)  

What is it?  
The IUD is a T shaped device made of metal, plastic and copper, inserted into the cervix by a doctor.  
The IUD prevents fertilization. The device stops sperm from being able to enter the uterus and fallopian tubes. The device also releases progestin directly into the uterus, reducing chances of fertilization if the sperm gets through the block.  
Effectiveness  
The effectiveness of the UDI is 0.8% after the first year of use; then continues to decrease after that year. It is good for 5-8years.  

Side Effects  
-A major side effect is pelvic inflammatory disease(PID). The UDI aggravates already existing pelvic infections  
-Increased menstrual cramping, irregular bleeding and increased menstrual flow  

How to get it  
Through your doctor. It typically costs about $60 (CND)  

Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, Lea Contraceptive and the Contraceptive Sponge  

Diaphragm  

What is it and how does it work?  
The Diaphragm is a circular, dome shaped piece of thin rubber which is inserted into the vagina and then snuggly fits over the cervix. The Diaphragm must be filled with a conceptive jelly or cream and put in place 6hours before intercourse. It also must be left in place for 6hours after intercourse and should never be in place for longer than 24hours. Leaving it in for longer than 24hours places the woman at risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.  
The Diaphragm prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus and killing sperm with contraceptive creams and jellies.  

Effectiveness  
Failure rates vary due to the fact that most women who use this method are older and less fertile. It is estimated to have a 20%failure rate.  

Side Effects  
-Irritation of the vagina or penis (which can be fixed by switching brands of creams usually)  
-Rare reports of toxic shock syndrome if left in for over 24hours  

 
Cervical Cap  
Similar to the Diaphragm but somewhat different in shape so it fits more snuggly around the cervix. All side effects, uses and information are the same as using the Diaphragm. The failure is 18%.  

 
Lea Contraceptive and Contraceptive Sponge  

The Lea Contraceptive is another barrier method of birth control, similar to the Diaphragm and Cervical Cap. This one is different in shape, allowing an even snugger fit. It has a failure rate around 8.7% when spermicidal creams are used. When creams are not used, it has a failure rate around 12.9%.  

The sponge is foam that fits over the cervix. It can be put in 15minutes before sex and lasts for hours. It must remain in for 6hours after sex. The failure rate is between 21 and 26%.  

All blocking devices should be fitted by your doctor.  

Male Condom  

What is it and how does it work?  
A latex or animal skin shaft that covers an erect penis. It blocks sperm from entering the uterus and often is lubricated with spermicidal substances to help kill sperm.  
Condoms are particularly popular due to the fact that they offer protection against STDs, STIs and AIDS. Condoms are the most commonly used method of birth control and are often used in combination with other birth control methods.  

Effectiveness  
With perfect use, the condom has a failure rate of 3%. However, the typical failure rate is about 14% due to improper use.  
Combined with the pill, foam or Diaphragm, it is almost 100% effect.  

Side Effects  
The condom has no side effects other than allergic reactions to latex. Also, condoms with spermicidal lubricants often cause increased irritation and allergic reactions.  

How to get it  
Condoms can be purchased without a prescription. They are found at most pharmacies and health clinics.  

Female Condom  

What is it and how is it used?  
It is a latex product with a ring in both ends. The closed ring is inserted into the vagina and is fitted much like a diaphragm. The other end is spread over the vaginal opening. The condom works the same as a male condom by blocking sperm from entering the vagina. The condom protects against STDs, STIs and AIDS.  

Effectiveness  
Typical user failure rate is 21%. Perfect use is 5%.  

Side Effects  
There are no major side effects with the female condom other than irritation to the skin and genitalia in both males and females.  

Spermicides  

Spermicides are foams, creams and jellies which kill sperm. They have a high failure rate of 25% and are not considered an effect form of birth control when used alone. 2% of males and 26% of females report allergic reactions to the products. Spermicides are only effective when used with other forms of birth control.  

Unreliable Methods of Birth Control  

Douching  
Douching is the act of flushing out the vagina with fluid. Douching upsets the natural environment made in the vagina and can cause infections. It is impossible to douche in time to remove all sperm before it enters the uterus. Douching is considered unsafe and unreliable.  

Withdrawal  
Withdrawal or ‘pulling out’ is the act of pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. This is not an effective form of birth control because precum is produced when males are aroused, this contains small amounts of sperm.  

 
Emergency Contraception and Abortion  

Emergency Contraception  

Often referred to as the ‘morning after pill’, it is a pill administered by a doctor to terminate pregnancy within 72hours of conception. One pill is taken and then another a few hours later. Common side effects are abdominal pain, bleeding and nausea.  

 
Abortion  
Terminating a pregnancy by removing the developing fetus from the uterus. This is a highly debated procedure and is illegal in some places. This topic has been debated into the ground here on Livewire and has another topic about it so I won’t go into it.  

Here is a chart to help you weigh the pros and cons of each method! (you can thank me later! :P )  And yes I realize there is a spelling mistake in the chart, I don't feel like fixing it

 
Discussion Questions  

1. What contraception are you currently using? Are you happy with it or have you had side effects?  
2. Which do you consider the best for teenagers to use?  
3. Do you think birth control should be easier to get? Should we skip doctor appointments? Should it be free?  

(Edited by Artistic Drain at 8:43 pm on July 26, 2006)