Birth Control
Vaginal intercourse is a wonderful and stimulating experience for both the man and the woman, if performed properly. Sex may be performed as a means to an end - in order to procreate (have children) - or, simply as an end in itself (just for the fun of it). However, an unwanted pregnancy (or catching an STD) can be an absolutely devastating experience.
It is very wise to consider with your partner the various forms of contraceptive available and to ensure that you jointly choose a method that will protect you both. NEVER assume that birth control is being taken care of by your partner – this is the responsibility of BOTH partners!
Half of all unplanned pregnancies happen because a couple does not use any birth control - and the other half because the couple uses it incorrectly!!
We at Sexual Information 101 would like to remind you that we have done our best to provide you with accurate and the most current information, but we ourselves are not doctors. We urge you to use our information to get a basic understanding, then to follow up with your medical or family planning practitioner.
(Note: percentages given in these articles regarding the effectiveness of various methods of birth control are estimates only.)
Abstinence Method A lot easier said than done! But if you have lots of will-power or strong religious beliefs then this might be the one for you!
Birth Control Pill VERY effective if taken as directed. Also prescribed to relieve severe periods & also has other medical benefits, but some serious side-effects possible.
Birth Control Shot Basically the Pill, but injected once a month; therefore has the same benefits and drawbacks, except harder to forget taking.
Diaphragm Internal vaginal barrier that is more effective in theory than practice as it is relatively easy to mis-apply or dis-lodge. Not an STD protector.
Female Condom Just what it sounds like - except it goes inside the female instead of over the male. Very effective against pregnancy and STDs if used correctly.
How Pregnancy Odds Work So you think you know how easy it is - or isn't - to get caught? You might be surprised! Here are the facts about your chances...
IUDs Very long-lasting and highly effective device to stop fertilization. Must be professionally inserted into the female. Looks more ominous than it is.
Male Condom Effective only if instructions followed correctly, so follow them! Best used with Spermicide for extra protection. Also, great for protection from STDs.
Morning After Pill Should be reserved for when normal methods have failed. Requires swift intervention to be effective and should only be taken under medical supervision.
Progestin Implants Very effective long-term contraception based on the science of the Pill. Requires minor medical precedure so must be professionally administered.
Rhythm Method A viable option only for women with regular periods & the iron will to calenderize and abstain at certain times of the month. Not typically recommended!
Spermicide Chemical warfare on sperm! Only effective if instructions followed carefully & best used in conjunction with other methods (such as condom or diaphragm).
Sponges Not the most effective method of birth-control and not recommended if pregnancy would be a disaster! Can be fiddly to use - and not inexpensive.
Sympto-Thermal 'Natural' method based on Temperature & Ovulation. Effective if practiced diligently, requires time & effort. Abstinence or condom also required.
Vasectomy A.k.a. "The Snip". Virtually 100% effective & ideal once the desire to child-rear is past. Normally painless with no adverse effects on sexual prowess.
Withdrawal Method NOT reliable as a method of birth-control, no matter how reliable the male. Should not be used if pregnancy considered to be more than an inconvenience.
