Birth Control Types and Information

Sexuality… Is central to being human Includes: Gender identities and roles Sexual orientation Intimacy Sexual Intercourse Reproduction

What is Birth Control? “Things that are done to keep a woman from becoming pregnant” (Merriam-Webster, 2015) Also known as contraception Many reasons to use birth control Most Birth Control does NOT protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)  always use a condom! With the definition, make sure to state that it is the responsibility of BOTH partners, not just the female Different reasons to use it: Regulate a woman’s period cycle Reduce cramping and heavy period flows Control acne Prevent pregnancy It is important to emphasize here that many birth control methods don’t protect from STIs, this is a common misconception. The most effective way to protect against STIs is by using a condom and abstinence

Common Types of Birth Control Abstinence Birth Control Pill Birth Control Patch Birth Control Ring Birth Control Injection Intra-Uterine System Condoms It is important to note that theses are not the ONLY types of birth control, there are many more There is so many different types to fit couple’s preferences and needs

Abstinence What is Abstinence? Deciding to not participate in sexual activities It is the only type of birth control that is 100% effective Leave time for students to think of this question and then have them offer some answers Possible answers: Religion Reputation Pregnancy possibility Possibility of disease Lack of trust in partner Just don’t want to have sex Waiting for the right guy/gal Lack of trust in the relationship Just not ready yet

Abstinence It is okay to wait to have sex Over 60% of high schoolers are choosing to not have sex The decision to have sex is YOURS and no one else's Make sure to give/get consent

CONSENT is KEY!! The picture of tea is a video!! If the tea video does not work, go to www.youtube.com and Search “Tea Consent (Clean)”

Birth Control Pill What is it? The Birth Control Pill is a pill taken by mouth that contains one or two female hormones There are many different types of the pill

Birth Control Pill How does it work? Stops the release of an egg each month Changes the inside of the uterus so that it can’t hold an egg Thickens the cervix mucus so sperm can’t get in

Birth Control Pill How Effective is It? If taken everyday at the same time it is 97% effective Use an extra method of birth control (condoms or abstinence) for the first 7 days of pill use

Birth Control Patch What is it? The Birth Control Patch is a patch with hormones in it that is worn on the skin You can wear the birth control patch on 1 of 4 areas: buttock abdomen upper back torso (not the breasts) upper outer arm

Birth Control Patch How does it work? Stops the release of an egg each month Thickens the cervix mucous so sperm can’t get in

Birth Control Patch How effective is it? If used correctly, it is 97% effective It may be less effective in women whose bodies weigh over 198 pounds

Birth Control Ring What is it? The Birth Control Ring is a soft, flexible, clear plastic ring It comes in only one size and is inserted into the vagina once a month and slowly releases hormones It’s held in place by the walls of the vagina and a woman usually cannot feel the ring once it is in

Birth Control Ring How does it work? It stops the release on an egg Thickens the cervix mucus so sperm can’t get in It starts working once it’s in contact with the vagina, so it can be placed anywhere in the vagina that is comfortable

Birth Control Ring How effective is it? When used as directed it is 97% effective

Birth Control Injection What is it? The Birth Control Injection is given approximately every 13 weeks Called Depo-Provera

Birth Control Injection How does it work? Depo-Provera works the same as the birth control pill: Stops the release of an egg each month Changes the inside of the uterus so that it can’t hold an egg Thickens the cervix mucus so sperm can’t get in

Birth Control Injection How effective is it? If given every 10 – 13 weeks the injection is more than 97% effective

Intra-Uterine Device (IUS) What is it? T-shaped device containing hormones; sits inside the uterus You need a prescription for it It has to be inserted and removed by a trained health care provider May be referred to as an IUD

Intra-Uterine System How does it work? It slowly releases a hormone into the uterus Thickens the cervix mucus so sperm can’t get in Can be left in place for up from 3 to 5 years

Intra-Uterine System How effective is it? It is 98-99% effective in preventing pregnancy It does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections

Emergency Contraceptive Pill What is it? Emergency Contraceptive Pill helps stop you from getting pregnant after you have had unprotected sex Is not a substitute for regular birth control Does not provide any protection against STI Will not stop a pregnancy if you’re already pregnant

Emergency Contraceptive Pill When can you use them? Emergency Contraceptive Pill can be used up to 5 days after having unprotected sex The sooner you use it, the better it works If you have had unprotected sex, the pill is for you. See your Healthcare Professional (NP, Doctor, Nurse) as soon as possible to discuss birth control options and for STI testing and pregnancy testing (if needed)

Emergency Contraceptive Pill How does it work? It works by: Preventing the release of an egg Making the lining of the uterus thinner, so an egg cannot attach to it

Condoms A condom is a thin cover that fits over the penis during sex There are male and female condoms Condoms can help protect you from pregnancy Even if you are on some form of birth control, condoms should still be worn for extra protection

Condoms Other than not having sex, the most effective way to protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is by using condoms You don’t need a prescription for them They come in different colours, flavours, and sizes FREE at some high schools and clinics, AIDS NB office Emphasize that condoms should always be used during sex

References Merriam-Webster. (2015). Birth control. Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/birth%20control SexandU. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.sexandu.ca/