Chp. 6c: Sexual Health and Contraception

Contraception methods: unreliable methods

• lactation amenorrhea: breast feeding as birth control

• withdrawal (pull-out method): removing penis from vagina before ejaculation

• douching: liquid squirted into vagina

Barrier methods: condoms

• used to prevent sperm from reaching uterus

• 2 types: female and male (male can expire)

• 95-98% effective in preventing pregnancy when used properly

• can prevent some STI transmission

Barrier methods: diaphragms

• inserted into vagina, up against cervix (block sperm from getting there)

• suggested to be used w/ spermicides

• important to insert w/ clean hands to prevent infection

• inserted up to 2 hours prior to sexual contact and then remain in vagina for up to 6 hours after having sex

• make sure effectively clean it every time

• effectiveness: 92-95% effective when used correctly

Barrier methods: spermicides

• immobilizes and destroys sperm

• can be inserted in vagina before intercourse

• can be use w/ barrier method like a diaphragm or condom

• can be foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or translucent film

• 85% effective with perfect usage

Female hormonal contraception

Reduce female fertility by: preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, altering uterine lining

• combined hormone methods (progestin and estrogen) vs. progestin-only methods

• most research finds that hormonal birth control does not impact long-term fertility (depends on method and person)

• up to 99% effectiveness when used correctly and consistently (doesn’t prevent STIs)

6 types of female hormonal contraception

• pill: oral contraceptive (taken daily)

• contraceptive patch: patch on skin (replaced weekly)

• vaginal ring: inserted in vagina around cervix (replaced about every 3 weeks)

• shots: given by doctor or nurse (given about every 3 months)

• implant: small stick-like implant in arm (good for 3 years)

• intrauterine device: device inserted into uterus (good for 3-10 years)

Effects of hormonal contraception

• vary from person to person

• can last during duration of taking/using or can go away after a few months

• common side effects: mood changes, headaches, nausea, weight gain, acne, decreased sex drive/libido, may not have any side effects

Male hormonal contraception

• not currently available

• uses hormones to suppress production of sperm

• potential types: pill, gel applied to shoulders

• multiple types are in testing/research phases

Fertility awareness methods

• abstaining from intercourse during time of fertility

• not typically effective for people w/ irregular menstruation

• standard days method: no sex on days 8-19 of menstrual cycle

• calendar method: tracking days

• basal body temp method: tacking body temp (ovulating temp is different than normal)

• 90-98% effective in preventing pregnancy when followed properly (doesn’t protect against STIs)

Vasectomy

• cutting and sealing of vas deferens

• least invasive and least expensive of the 3

Tubal ligation

• surgery to close fallopian tubes

• “getting tubes tied”

Hysterectomy

• full or partial removal of the uterus (most invasive)

• more common as a necessary medical procedure than as contraception

• 3 types

Emergency contraception

• used after unprotected intercourse has occurred to prevent pregnancy (need to take within certain number of days/hours after

• hormone pills (e.g., PlanB)

• use sometimes results in changes to next period, but impact is typically short-term

• PlanB effectiveness can depend on BMI

• Ella for people w/ any BMI

Other non-contraceptive methods: dental dams

• thin sheet of material (often latex) that’s used to reduce risk of STIs during oral sex (barrier between mouth and partner’s genitals)

• primary goal is to protect against STIs

• reduces risk (doesn’t get rid of risk)

3 types of abortion: medical abortion

• typically 2 medications

• mifepristone and misoprostol in 2 doses (24-48 hours apart)

• stops production of progestin

• 97% effectively before 9 weeks

• can be done at home

• is most common type

3 types of abortion: therapeutic abortion

• pain medication, cervix dilated, cannula inserted into cervix, gentle suction to remove contents of the uterus

3 types of abortion: late-term abortion

• similar to therapeutic, sometimes a tool is used to be sure everything is removed (no injury to uterus)

• very rare

• usually for medical reasons (save life of birthing person)

• or because fetus will have significant problems or die if carried to full-term

Abortion myths

• most abortions happen in a doctor’s office

• most abortion take place in later pregnancy

• abortions are a dangerous medical procedure

• most AFAB people regret having an abortion

• abortion rates have increased since Roe (1973)

Couples and contraception

• both partners in a sexual relationship are responsible for contraception

• 2 methods provides more protection than just one

• unmarried couples

• married couples