An in depth look at birth control, topics include: PPR services, body basics, the reproductive cycle and fertility, available birth control methods, healthy decision making, healthy relationships and unplanned pregnancy.

1. Planned Parenthood Regina
THE SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION PLACE
Birth Control
101
Y.E.A.H.
Youth Educating About Health

2. Group Guidelines
1. This is a safe space for everyone
- Everything is confidential, no judgments
2. There’s no such thing as a stupid question
-Every question is a good one. If you’re thinking it, other people
are too
-If you’re uncomfortable asking out loud, write it down for the
Secret Question Box
3. Respect yourself and each other
-This is important stuff, ask questions and get involved so you
can protect yourself and help inform your friends, we’re all in
this together so help each other out!

3. • 4. Labels are for cans
-Labeling creates stigma, and that’s not cool. Don’t make
judgments because of someone's sexual orientation, race,
gender or background. It’s what you do that can put you at
risk, not who you are.
5. Sex isn’t bad
-No gross pictures or scare tactics here. Sex is a natural part of
life, we want you to have accurate information so you can
protect yourself and stay healthy

4. How to…

5. What is
Planned Parenthood Regina?
• PPR is a sexual health centre
• We offer nurse and doctor services and
education to promote positive sexual health for
youth in our community. All of our services
are free and confidential.
• We use peer education to inform youth about
sexual health through presentations like this
one….

6. 1431 Victoria Ave
Phone: 522 0902

7. What do we do?
Our nurses can...
Prescribe Plan B
Do pregnancy tests
Discuss unplanned pregnancy options
Birth control consults and starts
STI information, full testing and treatment
Answer questions and provide education on prevention & harm reduction
Our doctors & Nurse Practitioner can...
Do pap tests
STI testing
Swabs and physical exams and treatments
IUD consults and inserts
Birth control consults and prescriptions

8. Sex…
We all think about it, so lets talk about it.
• After puberty our bodies are capable of having
sex and reproducing…that doesn’t mean we
automatically know everything about sex.
• We want you to become a sexpert, so here are
the basics on birth control…

9. Body Basics

10. The Female Reproductive System
• When menstruation (aka your period) starts, hormones tell the
ovary to release an egg (ovulation)
• The egg travels down the
fallopian tube where one of two
things will happen…
Pregnancy
or
Menstruation

11. Menstruation
• If the egg is not fertilized,
special hormones tell the
body to shed the uterine
lining, this is called a
period. Periods are different
for everyone but last about
5-7 days
• The cycle begins again!
• Most menstrual cycles last
between 25-35 days, but
everyone is different
• Its common for young
women to have irregular
cycles for the first couple
years after getting their
period
Pregnancy
• If there has been
unprotected sex close to
ovulation, the egg can be
fertilized by the sperm
• The fertilized egg will travel
into the uterus and implant
itself into the uterine lining
where it will grow into an
embryo and then a fetus
• 9 months later different
hormones trigger labour.
The cervix will open and the
baby will be delivered
through the birth canal.

13. Women and fertility
• A pregnancy is most likely to occur during
ovulation, if the egg comes into contact with
sperm
• Women are most likely to get pregnant about 3
days every month. But…every woman's cycle
is different and it’s hard to pin point when that
fertile time is, especially for young women
with irregular cycles.

14. Male Reproductive Organs

15. Men and fertility
• Unlike women, men are fertile every day.
• Men produce billions of sperm everyday and every
act of unprotected sex can potentially lead to a
pregnancy if the conditions are right.
• It’s not just her job to prevent an unplanned
pregnancy… it takes two to tango.
Bottom Line…
• If you don't want a pregnancy, it’s important to
learn about birth control and choose a method that
is right for both you and your partner.

16. Birth Control: The Basics
Birth control can help control the reproductive
cycle to prevent pregnancy
There are 7 types of birth control:
1. Hormonal
2. Barrier
3. Chemical
4. Surgical
5. Emergency
6. Abstinence
7. Natural

17. Hormonal Birth Control
• This method of birth control uses hormones
(progestin and estrogen) to prevent ovulation, thin out
the uterine lining (prevents implantation) and thicken
cervical mucus (to stop sperm)
• These methods work really well, when used perfectly
some are up to 99% effective.
• Hormonal birth control does not protect against any
STIs
Let’s check out some hormonal birth
control methods….

18. Did you know…
Hormonal birth control takes one week of
continuous, proper use to be effective.
Some medications can interfere with your birth
control (and vice versa) talk to your doctor or
pharmacist to make sure you’re fully protected

19. The Birth Control Pill
How it works:
•You take hormone pills for 21 days then have no hormones for 7
days.
• At some time during the 7 hormone free days you will have
your period
BirthControlPills
BirthControlPills
28 day Pack
contains 21
hormone pills
and 7
placebo pills
21 day pack
contains 21
hormone
pills and no
placebo
pills
The Pill is $10-15 at PPR

20. Effectiveness:
•The pill is 99% effective with perfect use.
Possible Pros:
•More regular periods, less cramping, improve acne
Possible Cons:
•Does not protect against STI’s.
•Must be taken around the same time every day
•There may be side effects for the first 3 months of use, if they
continue, see a doctor to try another method

21. The Patch
How it works:
• You apply a new patch to your hip, arm, back
or bum every week for 3 weeks then remove
your patch for one week to have your period
• Hormones on the patch are absorbed through
your skin
The Patch is $12 a month at PPR

22. Effectiveness:
•The patch is 99% effective with perfect use.
Possible Pros:
•Only think about birth control once a week
•More regular periods, less cramping, improve acne
Possible Cons:
• Visible on most skin types (similar to a Band-Aid)
• May not stick properly to all skin types
• You have to rotate your patch site every week to avoid
irritation

23. The Ring
How it works:
• The ring is inserted into your vagina and the hormones are
absorbed into your body for 3 weeks
The Ring is $15 a month at PPR

24. Effectiveness:
•99% effective with perfect use.
Possible Pros:
• Only think about birth control once a month
• The ring can be removed for up to three hours at a time
without impacting effectiveness
•More regular periods, less cramping, improve acne
Possible Cons:
• Some people may not be comfortable inserting the ring
• For some women, it is possible for the ring to expel

25. The Shot
How it works:
• Depo-Provera is a hormone injection that prevents
ovulation, it’s given once every 3 months.
• A nurse or doctor uses a needle to inject the
hormone straight into your body
Depo is $20 at PPR

26. Effectiveness:
• 99% effective with perfect use, but less room for error
Possible Pros:
• Only think about birth control 4 times a year (Every 3
months)
• Birth control that is completely invisible
Possible Cons:
• Irregular bleeding is common within the first 2 shots (6
months).
• It can effect your bone density so it is important to have a
healthy diet with lots of Calcium.
• Not a good option if you are scared of needles

27. The IUD
How it works:
• A T-shaped device is
inserted into the uterus
by a doctor
• Some IUDs use
hormones to prevent
pregnancy, others use
copper
• IUDs work for 3-7 years
but can be removed by a
doctor at any time
Copper IUDs are $60 or $80 at PPR

28. Effectiveness:
• Over 99% effective with perfect use, but there is less room for
user error
Possible Pros:
• Super effective but not permanent
• Women who use the Mirena IUD usually have lighter periods
and may stop menstruating all together after several months of
use
Possible Cons:
• As your body gets used to the IUD there may be irregular
bleeding and cramping, this usually gets better within a few
months. Copper IUD’s may lead to heavier periods and
cramping.

29. Barrier Birth control
• A barrier is a material or object that prevents
sperm and the egg from meeting each other
Here are two common barrier methods…
External Condom
Internal Condom

30. Condoms

33. Condoms
External
Condom
used to
cover the
penis/object
that is inserted
into the body
Internal
Condom
used to cover
the area where
the penis/object
is inserted
• Internal and External condoms should never be used at the
same time
• When used correctly they are between 95-97% effective.
• The only form of birth control (besides abstinence)
that helps protect against STIs

34. Condom Tips
• Condoms hate extreme temperatures, keep them out of
extreme heat or cold. We live in Saskatchewan...never
leave condoms in your car.
• Treat your condoms with respect, don't keep them in your
pocket or wallet. Friction, rubbing and pressure can weaken
the latex, which leads to breakage. Hard condom cases are
best.
• If you’re going to carry one condom you might as well
carry a few. Just in case your condom breaks or a friend
needs one.
PPR always has FREE condoms, plus a big selection
for $3/dozen

35. Chemical Birth Control
This type of birth control uses chemicals that destroy
the sperm
These are called Spermicides and they come in gel,
foam and film. Some condoms have spermicide pre-
applied
Spermicides are not effective when used alone, they
should always be used along with a barrier method
This is important…
They can also cause skin irritation that can
make it easier to get an STI, including HIV

36. Surgical Birth Control
• This type of birth control cuts off the transportation
route between the sperm and the egg
• It is permanent and irreversible
Tubal Ligation Vasectomy

37. Emergency Contraceptive
How it works:
• Plan B contains the same hormones as birth control pills and
can help prevent a pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after
unprotected sex
• It has no effect if you are already pregnant and should not
be used as a regular form of birth control…emergencies
only!
Plan B is $15 at PPR (with a prescription or appointment)

38. Pop Quiz!
What’s the only method of
birth control that offers 100%
protection against pregnancy?

39. How it works:
Choosing to not have certain types of sexual contact. Everyone has their
own definition of abstinence, decide what’s right for you. Pregnancy can’t
occur if there is never sperm in or near the vagina. Depending on the level
of abstinence.
Effectiveness:
The only method of birth control that is 100% effective against pregnancy
Possible Advantages:
No medical or hormonal side effects.
You can choose it at any time, even if you’re already had sex.
Possible Disadvantages:
Abstinence is a choice, some may feel it’s not a realistic option for them.
Abstinence

40. Natural Birth Control
How FAM works:
• Basal temperature and cervical fluid is monitored
and recorded daily to determine fertility level
• These are recorded on a chart to identify when
ovulation has occurred
• Unprotected intercourse is avoided during most
fertile days
• The Fertility
Awareness Method
(FAM) relies on
clues from your
body to track
fertility

41. Effectiveness:
• 75-95% effective depending on use
Pros:
• No hormones, devices or barriers to use
• Can be very effective when used correctly
• Increases body awareness
Cons:
• We don’t recommend this method for young women, especially if they
have irregular cycles or if a pregnancy would be devastating
• Requires discipline and commitment
• No protection from STIs (not ideal for those with multiple partners)
• Requires time to learn (usually 3 to 6 cycles) and it’s difficult to find
trained FAM instructors

42. Which method is right for me?
• Birth control is a lifestyle
choice, it only works if you
take it properly…so make
sure you choose a method
that fits your lifestyle
• If you know taking a pill
every day at the same time
isn’t going to happen,
choose a method you know
you can commit to
• There are lots of options out
there, sometimes that means
trying a couple out before
you find the right fit
• Do some research and talk
to your doctor about
methods that will work best
for you
Here’s a tip…
Check out the “Choosing
Wisely” tool at sexualityandu.ca
for more info on how to choose

43. Did you know….
There's any app for that! There are tons of tools that
can help you remember to take your birth control. Sign
up for email reminders to take your pill, change your
ring or even track doctor appointments
Check out sexualityandu.ca and bedsider.org for free
downloads

44. Pop Quiz!
If you choose to have sex, what’s
the best Protection Plan if you
want to prevent a pregnancy?

45. We all know abstinence is the best form of birth
control, but if/when you choose to have sex….
The best Protection Plan is:
Effective Birth Control
+
Barrier
This is the best plan to protect yourself and your
partner from pregnancy.
Using a barrier every time you have sex also helps
protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted
infections….bonus!

46. Am I ready for sex?
It can be confusing and overwhelming to make
decisions about sex. It’s a big decision that comes
with big responsibilities and consequences.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself if
you’re thinking about having sex…
• Here are a

47. Can I talk to my partner about birth control?
Can we share the responsibility for birth control?
Can I talk to my partner about always using condoms?
If birth control fails, are we ready to deal with an
unplanned pregnancy?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions,
there’s a good chance you aren’t ready for sex

48. Healthy Relationships
• All relationships should be
based on respect, honesty,
acceptance, feeling safe and
having fun!
• Talk with your partner about
your boundaries before you
get into a sexual situation.
Communication is an
important part of any
healthy relationship
• Sex does not equal love.
Someone who loves you
would never pressure you
into sex or make you
shoulder all the
responsibility
• If your partner uses these
lines, you might want to
reevaluate how healthy your
relationship is…

49. “If you loved me you wouldn’t ask me to wear a condom”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Come on, it’ll feel good”
“It wont happen to us”
If they don’t want to use a condom with you, chances are
they didn’t use a condom with anyone else.
Trust has nothing to do with it, using condoms and birth
control will protect your partner just as much as it protects
you.
How could you respond?

50. Healthy Decisions
Do what is best for you
• Don’t make decisions for
anyone else, it’s your life
and you have to deal with
the consequences…so be
honest with yourself and do
what is best for you
• If you are unsure if you’re
ready…there’s a good
chance you’re not. If you’re
feeling pressure or unsafe,
step away from the situation
Stay sober
• Alcohol and drugs can make
it harder to stick to your
decision not to have sex…
• If you do have sex, it’s less
likely that you’ll use a
condom or use it correctly
• Being drunk and having sex
is a dangerous combo, plus
it can have consequences
beyond an unplanned
pregnancy…

51. Did you know…
If you’re legally too drunk to drive, you’re
legally too drunk to consent to sex
Having sex without consent is illegal
Being drunk is never an excuse to pressure or
force anyone into sex

52. Unplanned Pregnancy
There are really effective birth control options, but….
Every time you have sex, there is a possibility of
pregnancy
Everyone has the right to unbiased information about unplanned
pregnancy options and to make a choice without pressure or
judgment
Knowing your options is important for making an informed
decision that is right for you.

53. Unplanned Pregnancy Support
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be scary and
overwhelming, but there are services available that offer
support for women and couples
• PPR nurses can discuss options for unplanned pregnancy, offer
information to make an informed decision and refer to support
services for whichever option you choose
• Making an appointment at The Women’s Health Centre (General
Hospital) gives you access to a support worker to help with the
decision making process
Be cautious of Crisis Pregnancy Centres, they may not give
information on all your options

54. Don’t just it!
Make sure information is from reliable websites.
Sexualityandu.ca , Sex, etc. &
plannedparenthoodregina.com are great ones to
try out
Call us to talk to a nurse!

55. Let’s get social!