1. Effective Methods of Birth Control
Contraception
Effective Methods of Birth Control
Effective Methods of Birth Control

2. What are some reasons for
Abstinence
Means choosing NOT to have sex
It is the ONLY method that is 100% effective
It is your right to be in control of your body and say NO
What are some reasons for
choosing abstinence?
Reasons for choosing abstinence: religious beliefs, to avoid unwanted pregnancy, STI prevention, etc…

3. Male Condom A latex sheath that is rolled over an erect penis
Acts to prevent direct genital contact and the exchange of genital fluids
Should be used in combination with a spermicide (97-98% effective). Alone (85% with perfect use)

4. Male Condom (cont’d) Advantages Disadvantages
They are your BEST protection against STI’s
Easily accessible and inexpensive
Do not need prescription
No hormonal changes
May help to avoid premature ejaculation
Disadvantages
Reduced sensitivity
Must be stored & handled properly (expiry date)
Can slip off or break
Latex allergies
Should be used with a spermicide for better protection

5. Female Condom
A disposable polyurethane pouch, shaped like a round, upside-down baggie
Placed in the vagina before sex (a new condom should be used for each act of intercourse)
Prevents direct genital contact & exchange of body fluids
79-95% effective
Never use with a male condom

6. Female Condom Advantages
It's the only contraceptive controlled by girls that protects against pregnancy and STI’s
Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex
Can be used for anal sex
Do not need prescription
No hormonal changes

7. Female Condom (cont’d)
Disadvantages
Some girls may have trouble inserting it correctly
May make a ‘rustling’ sound during sex (add lubricant on inside)
More expensive than male condoms ($3 each)
Need to plan ahead
Hangs outside the vagina (unappealing)
May slip out or break

8. Spermicide Contain ingredients that disable sperm
Available in various forms: sponges, creams, jellies, tablets, foams, film and suppositories
Very effective when used with a barrier method (condom)
82% effective when used alone (perfect use)

9. Spermicide (cont’d) Advantages Disadvantages Easily accessible
In-expensive
Does not contain hormones
Do not need a prescription
Can be used by women who smoke or are breastfeeding
May provide some lubrication
Disadvantages
No STI protection
Needs to be used in combination with another form of birth control
Can be messy
Need to plan ahead
Possible irritation/allergy
May have to interrupt sex to apply

10. Emergency Contraception
Emergency methods of birth control used when sex was unplanned or forced, or the birth control method failed (condom broke, missed pills)
Reduces possibility of conception
Can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex
75-98% effective (the earlier, the better)

11. Birth Control Pills
“The Pill” is the most popular method of birth control
Pills contain estrogen & progestin
Taken daily to prevent unwanted pregnancy
Come in 21 or 28 day packs
Progestin-only pills also available
99.7% effective (perfect use)
Work by:
Suppressing ovulation (no egg released)
Thinning the lining of the uterus (egg cannot implant)
Thickening cervical mucous (difficult for sperm to penetrate)

12. Birth Control Pills (cont’d)
Advantages
Very effective
Regulates menstrual cycle
Reduces menstrual flow
Reduces cramping
Reduces acne & hirsutism
Decreases risk of ovarian & endometrial cancer
Reduces risk of PID
Completely reversible
No interruption of sex
Disadvantages
No protection against STIs
Possible side effects (nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, break-through bleeding)
Need a prescription
Must remember to take pills around the same time every day
Increases risk of blood clots
Cannot use if over age 35 and a smoker

13. Transdermal Patch - EVRA
A hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin (99.7% effective)
The patch continuously delivers estrogen & progestin through the skin
Works the same way as the birth control pill
Apply one patch/week for 3 weeks, then no patch on 4th week

14. Where to Wear the Patch

15. Transdermal Patch (cont’d)
Advantages
Effective & reversible
Once a week
Regular, lighter periods
Less PMS and cramping
Reduced risk of cancers
Less ovarian cysts and benign breast conditions
Disadvantages
No STI protection
Less effective if over 198 lbs (90 kg)
Possible side effects (breast tenderness, BTB, headaches, nausea)
Risk of blood clots
Possible skin irritation
Need a prescription
Patch may fall off (less than 2%)

16. Vaginal Ring - NuvaRing
A flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and stays there for 3 weeks
The ring releases estrogen & progestin that are absorbed through the vagina into the bloodstream
Works in the same manner as birth control pill
99.7% effective (perfect use)

17. Vaginal Ring (cont’d) Advantages Disadvantages
Effective and reversible
Once a month
Makes periods more regular, lighter
Does not interfere with sex
Similar benefits as the birth control pill (acne, cancer, cysts, etc.)
Disadvantages
No STI protection
Possible side effects from hormones (spotting, nausea, headache, etc.)
Need a prescription
Ring may fall out (uncommon)
May cause vaginal discomfort or irritation

18. Depo Provera
A hormonal method of birth control that contains progestin only (no estrogen)
Given by injection every 3 months (12-13 weeks)
99.7% effective (perfect use)
Works by:
Suppressing ovulation (no egg released)
Thinning the lining of the uterus (egg cannot implant)
Thickening cervical mucous (difficult for sperm to penetrate)

19. Depo Provera (cont’d) Advantages Disadvantages Only 4 times a year
May stop having periods
Can be used by people with estrogen sensitivity
Can be used while breastfeeding
Reduces risk of endometrial cancer
Improves symptoms of endometriosis
Effective & reversible
Disadvantages
Causes decrease in bone density
No STI protection
Delayed return of fertility
Need a prescription
Need to see doctor/nurse for injections
Possible side effects (irregular bleeding, weight gain, headaches, mood changes)

20. Female Sterilization “Getting your tubes tied”
A surgical procedure to permanently block the fallopian tubes
Prevents sperm and egg from meeting
99.5% effective

21. Male Sterilization Also called “vasectomy”
A surgical procedure to permanently block the vas deferens
Stops sperm from being released into the man’s ejaculate, so the egg cannot be fertilized
99.9% effective

22. Myths & Realities A girl can’t get pregnant if she doesn’t orgasm.
A guy can’t get a girl pregnant if he doesn’t orgasm.
The birth control pill is effective as soon as you start taking it.
Withdrawal is an effective method of birth control if the male has good self-control.
Sperm that has been deposited in the vagina 2 days before ovulation are incapable of fertilizing the egg.
Douching after intercourse will help to prevent pregnancy.

23. Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
The most common date-rape drug is not rohypnol – it is…..
Drug facilitated sexual assault may happen a lot more often than we think
Most sexual assaults are committed by a person the victim knows or trusts
Most victims are women between the ages of 16-24

24. Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
What can you do to
protect yourself?
See next slide for safety tips.

25. Safety Tips
Watch for signs that your drink has been spiked (tastes or looks weird, feeling giddy, drowsy, light-headed or way “too drunk”)
Limit how much alcohol you drink
Avoid punch bowls
Watch your drink
Be wary of opened drinks offered to you
Use a buddy system

26. Final Remarks
BE PREPARED! Protecting yourself against STI’s and pregnancy is a shared responsibility
Know your partner’s sexual history
Alcohol & drugs can impair your decisions
If you think you might have sex, make sure you have condoms… and know how to use them correctly!
Irresponsible choices you make now can affect your health, and the health of your partner, for a long time
Not protecting yourself is a HUGE RISK