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| What is the only fool-proof method of contraception so that unwanted pregnancy and STD's are avoided? | Total abstinence. |
| How does the "morning after pill" work? | If taken within 3 days of unprotected sex, it prevents 75% of preganancies; it stops pregnancy from occurring by interfering with ovulation & implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. It does NOT protect against STD's! |
| What is RU 486? | It is an abortion pill that terminates a pregnancy. |
| What are the chances of pregnancy in a sexually active female who doesn't use contraception? | 90% during a year!!! |
| In addition to using other birth control methods, why is it important to also use a condome? | The condom can help protect against STD's, where other methods do not. |
| What is a condom? | It's a balloot-like latex rubbert sheath that fits snugly over a penis on the male; on the female, a condom is liek a latex tunnel that lines the vagina...it hsa small closed ring that fits inside & a larger ring that hangs outside the vagina. Many are lubricated. |
| What function does a condom perform? | It forms a barrier between your body & your partners to protect against pregnancy and STD's. |
| What are some negatives of condoms? | They can only be used once; they can't be stored in warm places; they can break during use (so use a spermacide, too!); some people are allergic to latex (use sheepskin then, but STD's can get through; polyurethane ones are new). |
| What's the failure rate of condoms? | 3-16% |
| How do you get condoms? | Purchase at a drug store. |
| What is a birth control pill? | A daily oral contraceptive that delivers varying amounts of hormones estrogen & progestin in 4-week cycles. |
| How do birth controls work to prevent pregnancy? | 1. Hormones trick body into thinking it's pregnant, so ovulation stops. 2. If an egg is produced, the mucus of teh cervis thickens to block sperm from entering the uterus, and it also changes uterine lining to prevent implantation. |
| Birth control pills can do more than prevent pregnancy; for what other purposes are they prescribed? | To regulate periods, reduce painful cramps, help prevent acne, reduce risk of ovarian & uterine cancers, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease & iron-deficiency anemia. |
| What are the drawbacks of birth control pills? | They lose effectiveness if you don't take them at the same time each day; there are side effects; women with high blood pressure or who smoke can't use them; if on an antibiotic, you must be careful--some antibiotics negate the birth control effects. |
| What's the failure rate of birth control pills? | 1-6% |
| How do you get birth control pills? | From a gynecologist, Planned Parenthood, or clinics |
| What is Depo-Provera? | It's a synthetic version of progesterone; it's administered in the backside or arm every 12 weeks. |
| How does Depo-Provera work? | It prevents ovaries from releasing eggs and also thickens cervical mucus. |
| What are the advantages of Depo-Provera? | You don't need to think about it all the time; periods are usually lighter & less regular; it reduces risks of endometrial and ovarian cancer. |
| What drawbacks are there to Depo-Provera? | Many women stop getting periods; weight gain is possible; spotting between periods may occur. |
| What's the failure rate of Depo-Provera? | Less than 1%. |
| How do you get Depo-Provera? | From a doctor. |
| What is Norplant? | It's six matchstick-thin flexible plastic rods containing synthetic progesterone; a doctor inserts them in the arm (takes about 10 minutes). |
| How does Norplant work? | For up to 5 years, it releases progesterone into the body, preventing pregnancy. |
| What advantages does Norplant have? | It lastsfor 5 years; it starts working within 24 hours; stops working right after removal. |
| What drawbacks does Norplant have? | Sometimes it can be hard to remove; it takes about 20 minutes to remove and may require more than 1 visit. |
| What is the failure rate of Norplant? | Less than 1%. |
| How do you get Norplant? | You need to see a doctor. |
| What is a vaginal ring? (not yet available) | It's a skinny doughnut-like contraption that's about 2" in diameter and 3/8" in thickness; it's left in the vagina for 3 weeks. |
| What is the projected failure rate of a vaginal ring? | About 2%. |
| What is the Protectaid sponge? (not available yet) | It's a polyurethane foam about 1.5" in diameter and is loaded with spermicides. It is inserted near the cervix, where it acts as a physical barrier. |
| What is the projected failure rate? | 9-10% |
| What is Lea's shield? (not available yet) | It is a diaphragmlike device that fits over the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus & fallopian tubes; it's one-size-fits-all (eventually can be bought w/o prescription). |
| What is Femcap? (not available yet) | It's a barrier device fitting right over the dervix; it stops semen from entering the uterus. |
| What's the projected failure rate of Femcap? | About 6-8 % |
| What's the projected failure rate of Lea's shield? | About 6-8 % |
| What is a nonlatex condom? | Its is made of polyurethane, which is thinner & stronger than latex. |
| What's the failure rate of a nonlatex condom? | About 7-15 % (if used properly). |
| What is a spermicide? | It's a sperm- and germ- killing substance; it comes in the formof foam, cream, jelly, or suppository. It's used alone or with a diaphragm, cervical cap, OR condom. |
| What does a spermicide do? | It reduces the potency of sperm. |
| What's the advantage of a spermicide? | Used with a diaphragm or cap, it provides extra protection with a condom. It kills germs such as gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. |
| What are potential drawbacks of spermicide? | If used alone, it's not too good; it really needs to be used in conjunction with other methods. |
| What's the failure rate of spermicide? | 6-30% if used correctly with another method |
| Where do you get spermicide? | In a drugstore |
| What is a diaphragm? | It's a rubber barrier. The diaphragm is larger & more flexible that fits in the vagina to bloc the cervix...MUST be used with a spermicide. It's inserved 2 hours or less before intercourse & stays in 6-8 hours after; MUST be removed within 24 hours. |
| What is a cervical cap? | It's a barrier method that's thimble shaped and adheres directly to the cervical opening. It MUST be used with spermicide, is left in for 6-8 hours after intercourse, removed within 48 hours. |
| What's the drawback of diaphragms & cervical caps? | They're not one-time disposable items; can be difficult to insert; if having sex more than once while diaphragm in, you must reuse spermicide; diaphragm might be felt during sex and can irritate the bladder. |
| What's the failure rate of diaphragms & cervical caps? | 6-18% |
| How do you get a diaphram or cervical cap? | You need to see a doctor to be fitted. They need to be replaced annually. |
