1. The conscious decision to avoid sexual activity
Abstinence
What is it?
The conscious decision to avoid sexual activity
The ONLY 100% effective
method to prevent pregnancy
100%

2. Brainstorming Bell Work
Think of as many reasons as you can why being abstinent from sex is a good choice for you.
Think Holistically!!!
Physical Mental/Emotional Social Spiritual
Personalize this by evaluating your goals and values.

3. Why wait or stop? Future goals Reputation & gossip
Lower chances of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV
Won’t have to “break the news” to future partner
Satisfy parental wishes “My parents would kill me.”
Satisfy religious beliefs
Avoid feeling guilty & regret
Future relationships
Future significant other might be looking for someone who has had limited or no partners
Save sex as a “gift” to your spouse
No stress caused by worrying about pregnancy, disease, or if someone will find out
I want to be a good role model
Money/child support

4. Already sexually active?
It’s NOT too late to turn to abstinence TODAY!! Make a commitment to yourself and make sure to inform your significant other of your wishes.

5. Contraceptive Methods
Contraception:
attempting to prevent pregnancy
Our goal is to have accurate information. Many aspects of your life need to be considered before having sex and possibly using these methods. Such as, what would my partner and I want if we experienced a pregnancy? Do my religious beliefs approve of these methods? Is a possible pregnancy and STIs worth it?

6. Condom Thin sheath of tissue placed on erect penis to catch semen
Correct usage
1. Must be placed on erect penis, before any vaginal contact
2. Space left between end of penis and condom to allow room for semen accumulation (w/o space; breakage is possible)
3. Penis (with condom attached) removed after ejaculation before erection is lost (so semen doesn’t spill out)

7. How it works: http://www.trojancondoms.com/quizzes/safer_sex/index.asp
Condom
Effectiveness
NOT 100% for STIs or Pregnancy
Depends on if it is used properly every time
Disadvantages
May prevent only some STI’s
Condom doesn’t cover all places where transmission occurs
Condoms can be used for all 3 types of sex
Vaginal, oral, anal
How it works:

8. Myths Other Considerations Myth: “Condoms are too small for me”
Myth: Two at once increases protection
Fact: Friction increases risk of breakage
Myth: Condoms can be used more than once or flipped inside out
Fact: One time use product
Other Considerations
Don’t store in glove compartments or carry in wallet (heat is bad)
Some people are allergic to some condoms
Polyurethane condoms can be used instead of latex if need be

9. Look for expiration date Examine for hole in package
Holes may indicate a hole in condom
Some lubricated with spermicide: a chemical compound that kills sperm
Expiration Date
Spermicide

10. Natural Family Planning
Several religions accept this method
Determine fertile days in menstrual cycle and avoiding sex during this time
Body temp. recorded daily for several months
Temperature slightly decreases just before ovulation and slightly rises after ovulation
Cervix mucus changes also recorded
Before ovulation mucus increases, become stringy, less sticky, clearer in color
Disadvantages
Must have a regular cycle
Ineffective for young people

11. Pill (oral contraceptive)
Pill contains hormones (estrogen &/or progestin)
Stop the release of eggs from ovary
Thicken mucus from cervix
Thins lining of uterus
Must take EVERY day to be effective
If missed: take 2 pills the next day, but chance of pregnancy will increase
It is a prescription, so you need to see a Dr.
Disadvantages
Protection only after a full month’s cycle of pills has been taken
Women still experience their menstrual period

12. Other Hormone Methods Birth Control Ring Birth Control Patch
AKA: Vaginal Ring
Kept in vagina for 3 weeks and then taken out for a week
Birth Control Patch
Hormones enter body through the skin
Changed once a week
Can shower & swim with it on
About.com:

13. Withdrawal (pulling out) NOT AN EFFECTIVE METHOD
Removing erect penis from vagina before releasing semen
Pre-ejaculation fluid (from Cowper’s Glands) contains sperm
Males have no warning of when this fluid is being released
Disadvantages
Self control needed to remove penis during the height of sexual pleasure

14. Can methods be used together?
Pill + condom + withdrawal
YES!!!
2 condoms at once
NO!!!