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The Pill

September 15, 2010 By
  • Birth control pills are used more than any other form of pregnancy prevention among young women.
  • Basically, the pill “tricks” your body into thinking that you are already pregnant by not allowing the ovaries to release an egg.

How effective are they?

  • If taken every day the pill is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is 0% effective at preventing STD’s.

Facts about the Pill

  • Blood loss is reduced, so the chance of iron deficiency anemia is much less.
  • The risk of cancer to the uterus is reduced by 80%.
  • Current low-dose pills rarely have side effects.
  • Menstrual periods often are more regular, lighter, shorter and less painful.
  • The risk of ovarian cancer is reduced by 50%.
  • It is an easy way to prevent pregnancy.
  • All it requires is having a good memory!
  • Just as with any drug, there are side effects accompanied with taking the pill.

Possible side effects include

  • Enlarging of the breasts
  • Headaches
  • Depression or high blood pressure
  • Weight gain
  • Certain medications decrease the effectiveness of the pill

Filed Under: Birth Control/Protection

Female Condoms

September 15, 2010 By
  • The female condom, or vaginal pouch, is a loose fitting rubbery sheath with two built in rings.
  • The outer ring at the open end of the sheath fits around the outside of the woman’s labia, anchoring the condom for intercourse.
  • The other ring is near the closed-end of the sheath and is placed to fit over the cervix.
  • The female condom comes pre-lubricated and does not need precise fitting or placement.
  • The device holds sperm like a condom, and is thrown away after a single use. For best results, it should be used with a spermicide.

Facts about Female Condoms

  • It can be bought in most drug stores and does not require a doctor’s prescription.
  • It can be inserted long before having sex.
  • The female condom is effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
  • It may be clumsy to handle at first.
  • Female condoms are expensive but are available at some clinics at no charge.
  • The female condom is good for one-time use only!

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Diaphragm

September 15, 2010 By

A diaphragm is a small rubber cap that holds spermicidal cream or jelly against the cervix. This is where the sperm are trying to go to get to the egg. The cream or jelly kills the sperm.

Facts about Diaphragms

  • It is more effective than foam or suppositories.
  • The woman controls the method.
  • Your partner won’t feel it.
  • It’s less effective than the condom.
  • Using it increases the chance of getting bladder infections.
  • You have to go to a doctor or clinic to be fitted for one and instructed in its use.
  • The diaphragm little or no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

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Birth Control Film

September 15, 2010 By

Birth control film is a form of spermicide that is placed in the woman’s vagina before sex. It is a small flexible square that turns into a gel to block the woman’s cervix and destroy the sperm. It works best when used with a condom or another form of birth control.

Facts about Birth Control Film

  • It is small and easy to carry with you.
  • It is available in drug stores without a prescription. It causes few health problems.
  • You must wait at least 15 minutes for the film to dissolve before you have sex.
  • Film only lasts for 1 hour.
  • It sometimes irritates the penis or vagina.
  • It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Filed Under: Birth Control/Protection

Protection

September 15, 2010 By

How much do you know about sexually transmitted diseases?

Most of us don’t know as much as we should.  Some people assume that if they don’t physically see symptoms, an infection or disease is not present.  Perhaps you know a lot about STD’s but think that you have nothing to worry about.The truth is that everyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting STD’s.

The facts show that one out of every five Americans carries a sexually transmitted disease.

For example, 4 million people are infected with chlamydia each year!

It is important to be informed. If you think that you have an STD, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately. If you need help finding a free or low-cost clinic, please call us and we will find the right resource to fit your needs.  If you choose not to call, check out the Hotlines section for a listing of services.

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Abstinence

September 15, 2010 By

 

Abstinence can mean different things to different people.  For some, abstinence means not participating in any sexual activity.  For others, it means only abstaining from sexual intercourse.

It is important to define what abstinence means to you.

How effective is abstinence?

Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Facts about abstinence

  • You don’t have to go to the clinic to get it!
  • It’s free and everyone can do it!
  • Girls – You don’t have to worry about getting pregnant.
  • Guys – You don’t have to worry about becoming a Dad.

Is abstinence realistic?

Yes!
You may face peer pressure, pressure from your partner or pressure from yourself, but it is possible.  The decision to have or not have sex is always up to you.  It should always be your decision.  If you feel pressured, don’t go through with it.  Usually, people who have sex because they were pressured into it will regret it later. Your body is yours – don’t let anyone decide what you do with your body!

Filed Under: Birth Control/Protection