This document discusses various methods of birth control for both men and women. It describes 18 different birth control options ranging from male and female condoms to IUDs, implants, injections, pills, patches, rings and more. For each method it discusses how it works, effectiveness rates, potential side effects, and whether it protects against STDs. It emphasizes the importance of discussing options with a healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective method based on individual needs and circumstances.

1. Women’s Health IssuesBirth ControlChapter 18 BY Julie Denehy

2. Men and Women and Birth Control Begin talking to your health care provider to see what type of BC is right for them Some women cannot have certain types of BC because of health factors. When we think of BC we usually think of women, but men have it too. Majority of men use condoms as their means of BC

3. What Birth Control Is Right For You? There are many different types; pills, diaphragm, creams, IUD’s, cervical cap, the ring, the patch, monthly injections, implants, surgeries Some protect from STD’s/STI’s/HIV/AIDs, but some do not. You need to decide what you want to be protected from. Chose for safety and effectiveness Will certain types of BC help with your period or cramping? Do you eventually want children, are you done having children? These are the types of things you need to ask yourself to make sure you are taking the right BC for you.

4. Why is Birth Control Good For Teens? Teenagers do not plan to have sexual intercourse, it “just happens” Some teens have more than one partner at a time Lots of teens get STI’s Teenage Girls could be embarrassed to ask their parents for BC, so it’s easier to not be on it, or just use condoms, but buying condoms can be embarrassing as well. Most teen girls can’t afford it, insurance will not cover it, and they have no one of getting it, so go to a nearby Clinic because they will provide free supplies or reduced cost supplies.

5. Types of Birth Control Male condoms The female condom Diaphragm Cervical Cap The pill/Progestin only pill Contraceptive Patch Vaginal Ring Injections Implants IUD’s Pulling out Abstinence

6. Male Condoms Latex Sheath that fits over the erect penis Blocks sperm from entering the Women’s body Condoms over the best protection from STD’s and STI’s. Out of 100 women, only 3 will become pregnant when using condoms correctly; 14 will become pregnant not using condoms correctly

7. The Female Condom Thin polyurethane sheath has a soft ring at each end of it One part covers the cervix, and the larger end stays outside the vagina covering perineum and labia during sexual intercourse One Female condom in USA called FC Female condom Should be removed right after intercourse, but can be inserted up to 8 hours prior Never use the female condom along with the male condom Protects from STD’s and STI’s and is 95% effective when used correctly.

8. The Diaphragm Shallow, dome shaped, soft rubber cup that fits tightly in the vagina to cover the cervix Spermicide is placed in the cup facing cervix to immobilize sperm to prevent it from entering the uterus Protects against Chlamydia and gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical dysplasia. If used correctly is will prevent 94% of pregnancies Can be inserted 6 hours prior to intercourse Can be used during menstruation Needs to be washed after every use

9. Cervical Cap Thimble shaped rubber cap fits tightly over the cervix and held in place by suction Used with spermicidal cream or jelly to immobilize sperm Some women have allergic reactions to the rubber or the spermicide Four different types Prentif Made of rubber and must be fitter by practitioner. It can stay there for 24 hours and only fits about 80% effectively. It prevents up to 91% of pregnancies

10. The FemCap Made of silicone. It comes in three different sizes and must be fitted by a medical provider. It has loop on it so it can be removed easily. The Oves Made of silicone and it can be disposed of after one use. It adheres to the cervix like a covering. It can be worn for three days. It has yet to be approved for the Unite States Lea’s Sheild Made of silicone and has one way valve so cervical fluid can be released, and does not need to be fitted by medical provider because they only have one size to surround the cervix.

11. The Pill Most popular type of BC in the USA Come in pack of 28 pills There are multiple different brands of the pill Take one pill everyday 21 pills containing estrogen and progestin, and 7 pills that contain no hormones called “sugar pills” or “spacer pills” The last 7 pills is when a woman will have her period The pills stop ovulation which prevents to the ovaries from releasing eggs

12. The pill causes the cervical fluid to thicken making it harder for the sperm to fertilize the eggs The pill does not protect against STD’s/STI’s and HIV/AIDS The pill is 99% effective from preventing pregnancies It is highly suggested to use a condom as well to protect you from the unwanted diseases. The pill needs to be taken at the same time everyday Health Concerns: blood clots, liver disease, heart attack, stroke, vaginal bleeding. Side Effects: Nausea, irregular bleeding, mild headaches, mood changes, weight gain, breast tenderness.

13. Contraceptive Patch Looks like a square Band- Aid, and is placed on buttocks, abdomen, upper arm, or upper torso The patch is changed every week for three weeks, and then off for one week. Then you keep repeating Its work by slowly releasing a combination of estrogen and progestin through the skin. To women under 198 pounds, the patch is 99% effective. Same side effects at the pill.

14. Vaginal Ring Thin, transparent, flexible ring that you insert into the vagina Left in vagina for 3 weeks, then removed for 1 week It slowly releases estrogen and progestin into the body stopping ovulation and thickens cervical fluid It is 99% effective from preventing pregnancies Side Effects: same as the pill Does not protect against any diseases. The only one available is the Nuva Ring.

15. Lunelle Injections Monthly injection shot Injected into arm, thigh, hip. Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical fluid Causes uterine line to become less prepared to support a fertilized egg Requires monthly visits to clinic or pharmacy and does not protect from diseases

16. Depo - Povera The month shot of progestin Inserted into the arm or buttocks High dose of progestin prevents fertilization by stopping ovaries from releasing eggs, thins uterine line, and thicken cervical fluids Does not protect against any diseases It is 99.7% effective of preventing pregnancies

17. Implants They are soft, hormone filled capsules that are placed underneath the skin in the upper arm. Prevents ovulation and thicken cervical fluids. Do not protect against any diseases. A two rod system of the implant will last for 5 years; one rod system will last 3 years Side Effects: sudden blindness, damages optic nerve, irregular bleeding, acne, weight gain. It is 99% effective for preventing pregnancies

18. IUD Plastic device that contains copper and fits inside uterus. It is placed downward through the cervix into the upper vagina Does not protect against diseases Needs to be inserted by a professional medical doctor Affects the movement of eggs and sperm to prevent fertilization 2 types: ParaGard “copper T” has a tiny copper wire wrapped around plastic body and can last 10 years. Mirena releases small doses of progestin and lasts up to 5 years They are 99% effective

19. “The perfect method does not exist, but we can choose the best available method to suit our needs if we have unbiased, factual and up to date information about all options” (323) I find this quote to be very true, not all the contraception is going to work 100% of the time, but there is something out there for everyone to use and to try.

20. Since there are multiple contraceptives out there, from patches, to pills. What method do you think would be right for you? What method would you never use and why? Do you believe in using contraceptives? What do you believe is the best method?

21. References Women, B. (2005). Our Bodies, Ourselves; A new Edition For a New Era.