This document provides information about conception, contraception, and common myths about pregnancy and sex. It defines conception as the union of an egg and sperm leading to fertilization. Contraception aims to prevent conception through various barriers, drugs, or procedures. The document lists common forms of contraception like condoms, oral contraceptives, IUDs, and abstinence. It notes that contraceptives can prevent pregnancy but not STIs, and condoms should always be used. The document debunks common myths such as that birth control causes weight gain, you can't get pregnant the first time or during your period, or that pulling out is effective contraception.

1. KNOWING YOUR
CONTRACEPTIVES
Know which contraceptives are appropriate, and debunk pregnancy myths

2. WHAT IS CONCEPTION?
• Conception is defined as: “Formation of a viable zygote by the union of the male
sperm and the female ovum; fertilization” ¹
• What that actually means:
- A sperm and an egg coming together (fertilization) to create a zygote, or
fertilized egg. Yes, sex.
Man + Woman = Baby

3. NOW, WHAT IS CONTRACEPTION?
• Contraception is defined as: “ Intentional prevention of conception (ah ha, that word
again!) or impregnation by the use of various devices, agents, drugs, sexual
practices, or surgical procedures.” ¹

4. GO ON…TELL ME MORE!
• I’m so glad you asked! There are many ways to avoid pregnancy, most of which are readily
available and easy to use. Here’s some examples:
The condom The Pill (oral contraceptive) Abstinence

5. HOW CAN THAT HELP ME?
• Since there are different forms of appropriate contraception, they also work in
different ways.
Hormonal
Methods
Barrier Methods Permanent
Methods
Abstinence
Progestin and/or
Estrogen
Prevent sperm
from entering
uterus
Surgical
sterilization
Prevents sexual
intercourse
Pills, patches,
vaginal rings
(Nuvaring),
implants (Mirena,
IUD), Injectables
(Depo)
Condoms,
female condoms
spermicide,
diaphragms,
Men: vasectomy
Female: Tubal
Ligation
Can be used by
anybody, any
time, and
anywhere!

6. WHERE CAN I GET CONTRACEPTIVES?
• Most forms of contraception are easily available at a drug store, a pharmacy, or at a
doctors office. Condoms can even be bought in most gas stations.
• Hormonal methods like oral contraception (the pill), Intrauterine device (Mirena;
IUD), or vaginal rings (Nuvaring) are prescribed by your doctor, so make sure you
ask them about it!

7. WHAT CONTRACEPTIVES CAN’T DO
• It’s true; they can’t do it all. Contraceptives are a great form of preventing unwanted
pregnancies, but they can’t protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections or
Diseases (STI’s and STD’s).
• Always Use Condoms!

8. MYTHS ABOUT PREGNANCY AND SEX
• Birth control pills make women gain weight
- Some women gain or lose (a little) weight, some don’t
• You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex
- Who even came up with that?!
• Condoms make sex less pleasurable
- Most condoms are designed to increase sensitivity
• Using two condoms = twice as much protection
- Likely the friction will make the condoms tear, which is bad…
• “Pulling out” before ejaculation prevents pregnancy
-Pre-ejaculate fluid often contains sperm, so pulling out is not a good method

9. MYTHS ABOUT PREGNANCY AND SEX
• You can’t get pregnant on your period
- Sperm can live in the vagina for several days, so even if a women is
menstruating, she can get pregnant from sex a few days after
• Showering and cleaning out the vagina after sex prevents pregnancy
-Sperm are fast swimmers, and even douching immediately after sex is
incredibly unlikely to remove all sperm in the vagina
• It’s the males responsibility to provide and use condoms
-What?! It’s 2017, it’s your responsibility if you’re having sex!

10. SOURCES
• Alexander, L. (2017). New Dimensions in Women's Health. Burlington,
Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Skolnik, R. (2015). Global Health 101 (Essential Public Health) (3rd ed.). Burlington,
Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning.