Contraceptives

So, now that we have established what STIs are and how they are contracted, we can look at how to prevent them and take a look at contraception.

What is Contraception?

  • Contraception is a method one uses to prevent pregnancy it is commonly referred to as birth control it does not always prevent STI infection.

We will go over the most effective methods to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

  • The only way to 100% protect yourself from STIs and pregnancy is to not engage in sexual contact.
    • There are two types of birth control:
      • Hormonal birth control where the person takes hormones. This is only currently available for females.
      • Non-hormonal birth control, where the person does not take any hormones, but a barrier is typically and should be used.
  • The Implant
    • This is a matchstick sized rod inserted by a doctor into the arm of females that distributes hormones. The hormones thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting inside the uterus and prevent eggs from being released.
    • Pros:
      • 99% effective, lasts for up to five years, does not require maintenance, lightens and shortens periods (may even stop them)
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, a doctor must remove it before the five years are up, it does not protect against STIs, side effects from taking hormones typically this is irregular spotting but can include nausea, gained weight, migraines, cramping and breast pain. In extreme cases ovarian cysts may occur.
  • Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device):
    • This is a T-shaped plastic material that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor that distributes hormones. The hormones thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting inside the uterus and prevent eggs from being released.
    • Pros:
      • 99% effective, lasts for up to seven years, does not require maintenance, not permanent, lightens and shortens periods ( may even stop them)
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, a doctor must insert and remove it which is painful, pain can last for days after, it does not protect against STIs, it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding.
  • Birth Control Shot:
    • This is a shot given to a female by a doctor every three months that distributes hormones. The hormones thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting inside the uterus and prevent eggs from being released. When given regularly and on time the shot is 99% effective though because it is misused it is 94% effective.
    • Pros:
      • effective, does not require a lot of maintenance ( 4 shots a year ), not permanent, lightens and shortens periods ( may even stop them), can help prevent ectopic pregnancy and some cancers.
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, must get the shot regularly which may involve travel, it does not protect against STIs, it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding. Side effects from taking hormones (typically this is irregular spotting but can include nausea, gained weight, migraines, cramping, depression and breast pain.)
  • The Ring:
    • This is a small ring that is inserted into the vagina that distributes hormones. The hormones thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting inside the uterus and prevent eggs from being released. Every three weeks you remove the ring and get a period then insert a new one after a week.
    • Pros:
      • 91% effective, must be changed once a month, you can insert it yourself, can be worn during sex, not permanent, lightens and shortens periods, you can even choose to skip your period by leaving the ring in. Positive side effects may be: reduced acne, less bone thinning, prevention of cysts and cancers, premenstrual symptoms and anemia.
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, you must insert it on time, you must be comfortable inserting it, it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea and does not protect against STIs.
  • The Patch:
    • This is a small patch worn on the skin that distributes hormones. The hormones thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting inside the uterus and prevent eggs from being released. You wear the patch for 3 weeks (changing it every week) then remove it to get your period.
    • Pros:
      • 91% effective, you only need to change it once a week, you can change it yourself, not permanent, lightens and shortens periods (may even stop them), Positive side effects may be, reduced acne, less bone thinning, prevention of cysts and cancers, premenstrual symptoms and anemia.
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, you must put it on on time, it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea and does not protect against STIs.
  • The Pill:
    • This is a pill that you take on time every day that distributes hormones. At the end of the month you take sugar pills and get your period. The hormones thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting inside the uterus and prevent eggs from being released.
    • Pros:
      • 91% effective, not permanent, lightens and shortens periods, makes periods more regular, may reduced acne, less bone thinning, prevention of cysts and cancers, premenstrual symptoms and anemia.
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, you must take it everyday on time and remember or it will not work, it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea and does not protect against STIs.

Now, we will move on to non hormonal methods of contraception.

  • Non Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device):
    • This is a T shaped copper material that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor that repels sperm.
    • Pros:
      • 99% effective, lasts for up to seven years, does not require maintenance, not permanent.
    • Cons:
      • You will need a prescription, a doctor must insert and remove it which is painful, pain can last for days after, it does not protect against STIs, it may cause spotting or irregular bleeding.
  • Diaphragm:
    • This is a silicone cup that you fill with spermicide and insert into your vagina that covers the cervix and prevents sperm from entering the vagina.
    • Pros:
      • 88% effective, effective when you start using it and easy to start and stop using it, you can carry it around, you can wear it before and during sex,  not hormones.
    • Cons:
      • You must be comfortable with inserting the device, not as effective, must be used every time you have sex, must be used with spermicide, this may cause urinary tract infections, does not protect against STIs.
  • External Condom:
    • Typically a latex pouch worn on the penis during sex
    • Here is a link on how to properly use a condom https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom/how-to-put-a-condom-on
    • Pros:
      • 85% effective, inexpensive, protects against pregnancy and STIs, easy to use, easy to get you dont need a prescription.
    • Cons:
      • You will need to use it correctly, use a new one every time, and not everyone feels comfortable using one.
  • Internal Condom:
    • This is similar to a regular condom except it is inserted into the vagina or anal cavity. It protects against STIs and pregnancy, do not use two condoms at once.
    • Here is a link that provides information on how to use a condom: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/internal-condom/how-do-i-use-an-internal-condom
    • Pros:
      • Latex free and comfortable, 79% effective, and you don’t need a prescription, protect against STIs and pregnancy.
    • Cons:
      • You must correctly use one every time you have sex
  • Spermicide:
    • This is a sperm killing chemical that is inserted into the vagina before sex it can also be used in combination with other methods.
    • Pros:
      • Protects against pregnancy, convenient and cheap, does not interrupt sex.
    • Cons:
      • Only 71% effective, does not protect against STIs, potential allergies.
  • Sterilization:
    • Tubal ligation (cutting the fallopian tubes) for females and a vasectomy (sealing the vas defense) for males. This prevents eggs and sperm from being produced.
    • Pros:
      • 99% effective, convenient, one time and lasts forever.
    • Cons:
      • This involves surgery, is permanent, and does not prevent STIs.

Methods that are NOT  shown to be effective are:

  • The Pull Out Method:
    • Removing the penis before ejaculation in an attempt to prevent pregnancy this method does not work as semmen is released before ejaculation
  • Breast Feeding:
    • Some people think that breastfeeding is a good way to prevent pregnancy it is not a reliable option
  • Fertility Calendars:
    • These are ways to track a female’s fertility and engaging in sexual activity at times when they are least likely to become pregnant. This method also is not reliable.

Other methods of protection against STIs include:

 

Make sure you have a barrier!

https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/sterilization/what-are-benefits-sterilization

https://www.teenplaybook.org/what-if/lgbtq-guide/#trans