Contraception: Self, Society, and Culture Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards covering terms related to the history, mechanisms, effectiveness, and ethics of various contraceptive methods based on lecture material.

Contraception

Any method that is used to prevent conception and unintended pregnancy, many of which also prevent the transmission of STIs.

Coitus obstructus

A method practiced in ancient India involving putting pressure on the testicles to cause sperm to be ejaculated into the bladder.

Coitus reservatus

A practice in Hindu medicine where the male completely avoids ejaculation.

Pessary balls

Contraceptive devices perfected by Japanese prostitutes made out of bamboo or other materials used to block the cervix.

The Comstock Act

Passed in $1873$, this federal law classified information about contraception as immoral and obscene and made its distribution illegal.

Anthony Comstock

A Connecticut social reformer (1844–1915) who was instrumental in the passage of the Comstock Act.

Margaret Sanger

A reformer (1879–1966) credited with coining the term "birth control" and founder of the first birth control clinic in the U.S. in $1916$.

Typical failure rate

The number of people who accidentally become pregnant while using a particular contraceptive method in everyday life.

Perfect-use failure rate

The failure rate when a contraceptive method is used regularly and correctly according to instructions.

Bodily integrity

The fundamental principle that every human being has the right to autonomy and self-determination over their own physical body.

LARC

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, a category including IUDs and hormonal implants that provide protection for years without requiring daily, weekly, or monthly action.

Radiopaque

A characteristic of the contraceptive implant, meaning it can be seen on an X-ray, which helps a provider locate it if it has migrated.

Emergency Contraception (EC)

Methods like Plan B One-Step or ella that prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse by inhibiting ovulation or fertilization.

Abortifacients

Substances or medications, such as mifeprizone and misoprostol, used to terminate an established pregnancy.

Continuous abstinence

A method of completely refraining from sexual intercourse which is $100\%$ effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.

Selective abstinence

Engaging in sexual behaviors that avoid sharing bodily fluids and exclude unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

Consent

An agreement to participate in sexual activity that must be informed, voluntary, revocable, and ongoing.

Reproductive coercion

Behaviors that interfere with decision-making about reproductive health, such as pregnancy coercion or birth control sabotage.

Stealthing

The non-consensual removal of a condom during sexual intercourse, which is recognized as a violation of consent.

Confidential Communication Request (CCR)

A request submitted to a health plan provider to ensure that sensitive health information regarding services like birth control is not shared with the policyholder.