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Safe
Sex: Birth Control
Deciding on a method of contraception
Contraception
is used for both birth control and/or protection from sexually
transmitted disease (STD). All contraceptive and
protective methods have advantages and disadvantages.
A full understanding
of all aspects of contraception is important in making the right choices for
individual needs. Heterosexual intercourse may combine both contraceptive
(birth control) effectiveness and STD/HIV prevention,
while for homosexual sex STD/HIV protection will be the primary concern.
It
is important to remember that AIDS is much more dangerous
to your health than pregnancy, and unlike
pregnancy, there is no way that the disease can be terminated.
Choosing
a method for contraception and/or STD prevention means choosing a method which
is right for a person's personal preferences and needs at a given point, but
may change with different situations, relationships, etc.
There are many well,
written informative books that can be useful to read when searching for the
right method of contraception.
Choosing
a method of birth control is not always easy as in addition to thinking about
the effectiveness, benefits, and possible side-effects, you also need to think
about what you feel comfortable using.
Talking about birth control with a
partner can be hard. It may help to try to sort out your own feelings before
you bring up the subject with your partner. Try to find a time and a way to
talk about it that feels comfortable to you.
Your
main concern may be with preventing pregnancy when you choose a method of
birth control, but if you or your partner has ever had sexual contact with
anyone else, you may be at risk of contracting an STD.
Using condoms and spermicide
provides the greatest protection against STD's. Different Condoms, spermicides
and lubricants are readily available at most pharmicies, and if you feel uncomfortable
ordering from your local chemist there are many online pharmicies that can
deliver your sexual health products by mail-order.
The message is clear: anyone who engages in casual
sex or is having sex with a new partner should use a condom
even if contraceptive protection is provided by the Pill. Women as well as
men are recommended to carry condoms with them.
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Effective Rates of each method (efficacy)
The
effectiveness rate is important to consider when choosing a birth control
method.
Current
information on effectiveness rates:
-
Abstinence 100%
- Depro-Provera
99.7%
- Diaphragm
or Cap with Spermicide 85 to 96%
- Female
Condom 85 to 98%
- IUD
(Intrauterine Device) 98 to 99%
- IUS
(Intrauterine System) impregnated with progestogen almost 100%
- Male
Condom & Spermicide 85 to 98%
- Male
Condom
Only 88%
- Norplant
99.9%
- Oral
Contraceptives 97% (Combined Pill almost 100%; Progesterone Only Pill
about 97%)
- Spermicide
Only 79%
- Tubal
Ligation almost 100%
- Vasectomy
almost 100%
Contact your local health care practitioner, the Family Planning Association
or a local Family Planning Clinic. Visit our support
page for a clinic in your area.
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