After completing the SAFE SEX section, you probably want to know how to best protect yourself from STD’s and, the focus of this section, PREGNANCY.

Here’s what you need to know before you choose which method is right for you and your partner.  1.5 MILLION pregnancies occur every year despite the use of contraceptives.  What does that mean for you?  Contraceptives can fail, and you and your partner need to be prepared to face the consequences of a failure.  So, not only will you want to talk about safe sex before having sex, but you also need to talk about how you would handle a pregnancy.  Is pregnancy too much of a responsibility for you?  You might want to read the section on Abstinence.

Anyway, contraceptives do fail.  None are 100% full proof, but there are some methods that are better than others.  Get to know them.  Ask your doctor about them.  Find out what is best for you.  Here is the list:

Birth Control Pills, Norplant, Depo-Provera, and IUD (Intra-Uterine Device)-These methods are the most effective and reversible methods, preventing pregnancies 98% of the time (if they are used correctly!)

 Birth Control Pills-The Pill, as it is most commonly known as, comes in various types and is designed to block ovulation.  Hormones in the Pill are similar to those released by ovaries during a woman’s menstrual cycle.  When taken daily, the Pill prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries.  It also helps to thicken the mucus in the cervix, which makes it more difficult for sperm to get into the uterus and the Fallopian tubes.  The Pill also has other advantages such as lowering the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, decreasing menstrual cramps and PMS, and lightening the flow of a woman’s period.

 Norplant-This method is definitely long term.  Norplant consists of six hormone-containing capsules that are inserted underneath the skin of a woman’s upper arm by a doctor.  It can help prevent pregnancies for up to five years.  Norplant also causes the thickening of the cervical mucus.  It also changes the lining of the uterus and stops ovulation.

 Depo-Provera-Similar to Norplant, Depo-Provera is an injection of high-dose progesterone that is given to a woman every three months.  This method can cause irregular bleeding.

 IUD-This method is normally not used in women who have not had children.  The IUD is a plastic, T-shaped device that is placed into the woman’s uterus.  The purpose of the IUD is to prevent sperm passage and, hence, fertilization.  One type of IUD can last up to 10 years.  Another type only lasts a year but helps reduce menstrual bleeding.
 

The male condom, the diaphragm, the cervical cap, and the female condom make up a group of known as the barrier methods.  These methods are generally not as successful in preventing pregnancies, but as discussed in the first section, can help reduce the passing of STD’s, by stopping the passage of sperm into the uterus.

 Diaphragms and Cervical Caps-These are latex-covered rings that fit over the cervix.

 Female Condom-Not very popular or easy to use, this is also a latex barrier that covers a woman’s vagina and outer skin.

 Male Condom-Latex barrier that covers a man’s penis.

In addition, there are some methods that use what is known as a spermicide to kill sperm.  These methods include the sponge, vaginal creams, foams, jellies, and suppositories.  When combined with a barrier method, they are somewhat effective.  However, on their own, they are just messy and fairly useless.

Emergency Situations!  You used a condom, you take the pill, but something went wrong.  There are some methods that can be used when you face one of these situations.  Of course, as always, the make sure you and your partner have discussed the likelihood of an “accident” before it happens and take all precautions necessary.

 IUD-In an emergency, a doctor can insert an IUD into the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the Fallopian Tubes.  This method can be really uncomfortable not to mention really expensive.

 Prescription Method-Otherwise known as the “Morning after Pill,” this method contains the same hormones found in the Pill.  However, a woman takes much high doses of the hormone over a 12-hour period.  Side effects of this method may be nausea or vomiting, but it has a 75% success rate.  Also, some evidence states that this method slows or prevents ovulation, in contrast to creating an abortion situation, which would actually change the fertilization or the implantation of an egg.

Source:  Bruce Bekkar, M.D., “Pills, Foams, and Other Devices:  What you need to know about Birth Control,” www.drdrew.com