The Panther Prints @

February 18, 1997

Birth Control: A Users Manual

When making the decision to become sexually active there are many factors that have to be considered. One of these factors is how you planon preventing pregnancy — and sexually transmitted disease. There are many methods of protectionavailable. Th decision made onthisis based on the methods effectiveness, convenience and cost. is auser friendly guide to some of the methodscommonly used.

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The Pill

The birth control pillisa combination oflow dose hor- mones whichprevents ovula- tion in the female. In order for the pill to be effective it has to be taken at the same time every day . If it is missed, a backup form of contracep- tion must be used. The Pill offers no protection from STD’ sanditis recommended that acondomis used with it toincrease effectiveness. The Pill hasa failure rate ofabout 2-3% and is not recom- mended for smokers. It costs about $100 a year.

The Sponge

The Sponge works by trapping and absorbing sperm before it gets the chance to enter. You don’t have to be specially fitted forthe sponge. It is over the counter and it recommended only for women who are comfortable enough with their bodiesto be sure of proper insertion. It can be worn for up to 30 hoursand is only good for one use. The sponge carries the threat of rare Toxic Shock Syndrome and can inhabit spontaneous sex. Thecostis about $3 each and the failure rate of the sponge is be- tween10-14%.

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is made of rubber and fits over the opening to the cervix to block the sperms entry. It is often used with spermicide and when used properly offers protection against both preg- nancy and STD’s. As withthe sponge itis only suitable for women who are comfortable touching their bodies. The dia- phragm needs to be fitted by a doctor and must be left in place for six hours after inter- course. The cost is about $25 eachand youshouldentneed more then one new one ina year. The failure rate of this methodis betweenS5 and 10%

IUD (Intrauterine Device) Thereason why the [UD works is still unclear but itis believed that the device causes a hostile environment for sperm to prevent pregnancy. Whatisknownisthatthe [UD ishighly effective witha failure rate of only 1-5%, and there are few negative side effects. The only warning is its ten- dency to slip out of place occasionly so itis important that it be checked regularly. The IUD must be inserted by a doctor and the cost of the device is about $50.

Morning After Pill Many people hesitate to call this method birthcontrol, as it is designed to be used only in emergencies. The morning after pill usually con- sists of four pills, the firsttwo of which mustt betaken within 72 hours of intercourse and the other two to be taken 12 hours later. The earlier the pill are taken the more effective they are. The morning after pillmustbe prescribed froma doctor and must be taken immediately foreffectiveness.

Abstinence

This is the only fool proof method to preventing pregnecy and STD’s and more and more people who do not feel ready for actual intercourse are finding some great substitutes which are safe for themselves and their partners.

The Condom

The condom is by far themostcommonly used con- traceptive, especially by young people. It is easily accessed in most stores and offers protection from both pregnancy andSTD’s. Acon- domisathin sheath ofrubber which is fitted over an erect penis. Most come with sper- micide whichoffers additional protection. Theproblem with condoms is they have to be worn properly and every time whichmany people feel ruins the “mood”. Condoms are cheap, about $8 for a box of 12. The failure rate of Con- doms used alone is about 8%.

1. Squeeze air out of the tip of the condom,

2. Hold the tip while unrolling the condom all the way down

3. Hold onto the rim of the condom while pulling out after sex.