The document discusses various methods of contraception including barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, hormonal methods like birth control pills and implants, fertility awareness techniques, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and surgical sterilization methods. It provides details on effectiveness, proper use, side effects, and limitations for preventing pregnancy and STIs for each method.

1. Human Sexuality Chapter 5

2. Choosing a Method of Contraception Contraception – the process of preventing sperm cells from fertilizing an ovum Unreliable Methods Withdrawal method – removing the penis from the vagina just prior to ejaculation Douching – washing the internal vagina with a stream of water or any other liquid solution

3. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy & STIs Selective abstinence – Choosing to engage in or avoid certain sexual behaviors on the basis of their risks of STIs or pregnancy (p. 153) 100% effective Male condoms – a thin sheath of latex (rubber), polyurethane (plastic), or animal tissue that is placed over an erect penis prior to intercourse (pp. 153- Used correctly, condoms are an extremely effective method of contraception and reducing the risk of STIs 4 rules for the greatest protection against pregnancy and STIs 1. Use latex or polyurethane condoms only 2. Use lubricated condoms 3. Use condoms with a reservoir tip (or nipple) 4. Use “unexpired” condoms

4. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy & STIs Some common mistakes people make when using condoms Failing to use a condom every time they have intercourse Putting on the condom too late, after the penis has been in contact with the vulva or vagina Putting the condom on incorrectly Withdrawing the penis from the vagina too late so that the man’s erection has subsided and the condom can slip off Not hold the condom at the base when withdrawing Using old or damaged condoms Using the same condom more than once Inadequate lubrication during intercourse Using oil-based lubricants (such as Vaseline, baby oil and most hand, body, and suntan lotion) Storing condoms incorrectly (in wallet, in glove compartment and etc. Proper use of male condoms (p. 157) See in Touch with Your Sexual Health Using Male Condoms Correctly Female condoms – a tube or pouch of thin polyurethane with a flexible ring at each end. One end is sealed and the other is open. The condom is inserted into the vagina. Proper use of female condoms (p. 159) SEE Figure 5.1

5. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Female hormonal methods of contraception (p. 160) It prevents pregnancy by altering certain characteristics of a woman’s ovulation cycle or reproductive tract Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)– tables containing female hormones that are ingested every day (pp. 160-164) They are the most popular reversible birth control method used by women in the U.S. Combination pill – an oral contraceptive containing a combination of estrogen and progestin Different brands have varying doses of hormones Lower-dose pills are less likely to produce side effects Spotting between periods, headaches, and breast tenderness Minipill – an oral contraception containing progestin only It has a very slightly higher failure rate compared to the combination pill It avoids some of the negative side effects associated with estrogen in the combination pill SEE In Touch with Your Sexual Health Missed Your Pill? Here’s What You Should Do SEE In Touch with Your Sexual Health Pros, Cons, and Cautions of Using Oral Contraceptives

6. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Hormonal implant – a small tube containing a progestin hormone that is implanted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm (pp. 162-165) The contraceptive hormone is released over time without any action on the woman’s part It has a “near-perfect” effectiveness Negative side effects Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns Less common and often temporary Headaches, weight gain, acne, and vaginal infections Injectable hormonal contraceptive – an injection in the arm or hip that administers progestin hormone (pp. 165-166) Negative side effects Menstrual changes, headaches, nervousness, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, and depression Contraceptive patch – a pad that delivers a precise does of 2 hormones into a woman’s body through the skin, preventing ovulation (pp. 166-167) Basically the same negative side effects as the combination pill Recent studies found that the patch may expose women to levels of hormones as much as 60% higher than most oral contraceptives

7. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Contraceptive ring – a colorless, flexible, transparent silicone ring about 2 inches in diameter that is inserted into the vagina and releases a continuous low dose of estrogen-and-progestin-like hormones in the bloodstream (pp. 167-168) Emergency contraceptive pills - (morning after pill) hormonal contraceptives that help prevent pregnancy after an unprotected act of intercourse (p. 168) This is NOT a form of abortion It can reduce the chance of pregnancy by 75%-95% Depending how soon the pills are taken and if taken correctly Barrier methods – any contraceptive method that protects against pregnancy by preventing live sperm from entering the woman’s reproductive tract and fertilizing the egg (pp. 169-172) Spermicides – any substance containing a chemical that kills sperm cells, thereby preventing them from fertilizing an egg The chemical most commonly used is nonoxinol-9 Spermicides by themselves are NOT an effective means of birth control Spermicide with another barrier method increase the rates of effectiveness Example: spermicide and condoms

8. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Diaphragm – a flexible ring of latex or silicone inserted into the vagina that impedes conception by preventing sperm from getting past the cervix (p. 170) Following intercourse, it must be left in place for at least 6 hours, BUT no longer than 24 hours Additional spermicide must be added if intercourse is to be repeated within 6 hours SEE Figure 5.4 (p. 170) Cervical cap (FemCap) – a device similar to the diaphragm that fits more snugly over the cervix (p. 170) Following intercourse, it must be left in place for at least 6 hours, BUT unlike the diaphragm it provides continuous protection for up to 48 hours No additional spermicide is needed SEE Figure 5.5

9. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Lea’s Shield – a relatively new vaginal barrier that is one-size-fits-all device that does not require a prescription and does not need to be fitted by a health professional (p. 171) 94% effective when used correctly with spermicide With proper care it should last at last 6 months In the U.S., it is available by prescription for about $60 SEE Figure 5.6 Contraceptive sponge – a porous contraceptive device that releases spermicide when inserted into the vagina (p. 172) One sponge provides protection from pregnancy for 24 hours regardless of frequency of intercourse

10. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Fertility awareness – a method of contraception based on ovulation prediction and the viability of sperm; intercourse is timed to avoid fertile days or a barrier method is used during those days (pp. 172-175) A women is fertile for only about one day each month Sperm cells ejaculated into the vagina may survive in the woman’s reproductive tract for an average of 3 days, up to a maximum of 7 days Combining the women’s fertility period and the maximum life span of sperm, an average of 8 days within a month is a couple’s “window of fertility” SEE 5.7 The Average Window of Fertility (p.172) Standard days method –a fertility awareness technique for tracking fertile and infertile days during a woman’s menstrual cycle (p. 173) The “Window of fertility” is from 5 days before ovulation to a day after CycleBeads – a set of colored beads that serve as markers to help a woman keep track of her fertile and less fertile days when choosing the standard days method SEE Figure 5.8 TwoDay method – a fertility awareness technique that relies on careful observation of secretions form the cervix to predict ovulation (p. 173) SEE Figure 5.9 Basal body temperature method – a fertility awareness method based on the woman’s internal body temperature upon awakening in the morning (p. 174)

11. Methods for Preventing Pregnancy (BUT NOT STIs) Intrauterine methods (IUD) – a small plastic device in the shape of a T that is inserted by a doctor into the uterus through the cervix via the vagina. (pp. 175-176) It remains in place 1 years to 10 years Surgical methods (PP. 176-178) Sterilization (voluntary surgical contraception) – any surgical alteration that prevents the emission of sperm or eggs 100% effective method of contraception HOWEVER there are a very small failure rate – WHY: Poor surgical technique, spontaneous reconnection of a severed fallopian tube or vas deferens, and sperm cells that are left over in the male reproductive tract following surgery NOTE : this is NOT a failure of the method itself Tubal ligation (tubectomy) – a permanent method of contraception involving tying, cutting, clipping, or otherwise blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent passage of an ovum Vasectomy – cutting and tying off or sealing each vas deferens so the sperm produce by the testicles can no longer mix with semen in the ejaculate VSC can be reversed Reversal is becoming increasingly common and successful