Contraceptives and Safe Sex Practices

What is the difference between contraceptives and birth control?

Contraceptives prevent an egg from being fertilized; birth control prevents a birth from occurring.

Is abortion a form of contraception?

No, abortion is a form of birth control but not contraception because conception occurs.

What are behavioral contraceptives?

Abstinence, outercourse, pull out method, and fertility awareness.

What are external condoms used for?

They prevent STIs and pregnancy with 82% effectiveness.

What are internal condoms?

They line the interior of the vagina/anus and have 79% effectiveness.

What are spermicides?

Chemicals inside the vagina that disable sperm, with 72% effectiveness.

What are cervical barriers?

They obstruct sperm from entering the cervix and must be used with spermicide, with 88% effectiveness.

What is the three-pronged approach to hormonal contraception?

It suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and alters the uterine lining.

What are combined hormonal contraceptives?

Pills that contain both estrogen and progestin.

What are progestin-only contraceptives?

They include pills, injections, hormonal IUDs, and implants.

What is perfect use of contraceptives?

The percentage of people who would not get pregnant in a year using the method without mistakes.

What is typical use of contraceptives?

The percentage of people who would not get pregnant in a year, accounting for human error.

What are common symptoms of hormonal contraception?

Loss of sexual desire, negative sexual relationships, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, blood clots, fatigue, negative mood, decreased interest in usual activities, and anxiety.

How does hormonal contraception potentially cause depression?

Progesterone inhibits glutamate transmission, increasing monoamine oxidase and lowering serotonin levels.

How do you properly put a condom on?

Ensure it's not expired or damaged, tear with fingers, rim should be on outside, leave space at tip for semen, place on head of penis and roll down, use lube.

What are ways other than intercourse to get an STI?

Sex with sex toys, oral penile sex, and oral vaginal sex.