Contraception
Birth Control Methods
Condoms: The condom is a latex sheath that fits over the penis or in case of a female condom, it fits in the vaginal opening. Condoms are relatively effective in preventing pregnancies, but not against sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). There is no clinical data supporting the value of condoms in preventing the spread of a range of sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Naturally occurring defects in condoms are 5 microns, or 50 times larger than the HIV virus. One out of 5 condom batches fails to meet U. S. standards. If condoms are used properly, they may be 90% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Depo-Provera or “the shot”: a long-acting synthetic hormone, which is injected in a woman’s arm or buttocks every three months. It attempts to block an egg from being released; however, ovulation does occur 50 - 65% of the time. It thickens a woman’s vaginal secretions, making it difficult for sperm to travel up the reproductive tract. It also makes the lining of the uterus “slippery” so that a fertilized egg cannot attach itself and therefore it dies. Short-term side effects may include irregular menstrual bleeding, heavy and unpredictable bleeding or no bleeding at all. Depression, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and delay in fertility after discontinuance of the drug are all possible side effects. The long-term side effects are severe fetal abnormalities. If you become pregnant while on the shot, increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, and increased risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.
Spermicide: This is a chemical that kills sperm. It comes in foams, creams, jellies, vaginal tablets, suppositories, and sponges. They all contain the ingredient Nonoxynol-9. A spermicide can be used alone as a method of birth control, but because its failure rate is so high, it is often used with a condom. This, however, compromises the effectiveness of the condom. A spermicide must be used no more than an hour before intercourse if it is to be effective in killing sperm. Some of the side effects of spermicides include vaginal or penile irritation, itching, and soreness. They can also result in vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, painful urination, toxic shock syndrome, and possible birth defects in future children. Spermicides offer no protection against STD’s. (American Life League, Condoms and Spermicides, pamphlet; they can be contacted at 540-659-4171).
The Pill:
The birth control pill works by:
- attempting to block an egg from being released from the ovary which prevents conception.
- thickening the women's vaginal secretions, making it difficult for sperm to travel up the reproductive tract.
- changing the lining of the uterus so that the embryo cannot attach itself and as a result dies (causing an early abortion).
As explained above, the birth control pill can cause an early abortion. If there is a break through ovulation and conception occurs, the new life dies because he/she can't implant itself into the wall of the uterus.
Side Effects of the Pill:
- nausea/vomiting
- weight gain
- headache
- depression
- spotting
- missed menstrual periods
- high blood pressure
- blood clots
Natural Family Planning: is based on the signs and symptoms of fertility and infertility which occur naturally in a woman’s cycle. The most commonly used signs are the normal discharge of cervical mucus and changes in a woman’s waking temperature. Other signs include changes in her cervix and a feeling called “ovulation pain”. Cervical mucus is nature’s way of helping a man’s sperm reach a woman’s egg. Her flow of cervical mucus generally starts in a small way several days before she ovulates (releases an egg); it is a very positive sign that her fertile time has started. About the time she ovulates, her mucus may be abundant and have a consistency something like raw egg-white. After ovulation, her mucus normally disappears. A woman’s waking temperature is lower before ovulation and rises slightly but distinctly after ovulation. After it has been well elevated for several days (while her mucus has been disappearing), it is a very positive sign that she is infertile.
If you would like more information about Natural Family Planning please contact: The Couple to Couple League, P. O. Box 111184, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211, Phone – 513-471-2000 (link http://www.ccli.org/nfp/)
Morning After Pill
The Morning After Pill is a high dosage of the birth control pill, Preven. The first two pills must be taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, followed by two more pills 12 hours later.
Each pill contains high doses of estrogen and progesterone. The drugs attempt to prohibit an egg from being released from the ovary, alter tubal transport of a sperm or egg, and alter the lining of the wall of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching. Thus, Preven can cause an early abortion. Side effects include nausea/vomiting, menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, headaches, abdominal pain, cramps, and dizziness. (Preven, Joan Appleton, R.N. )
The Morning After Pill works in one of 2 ways. It may prevent you from ovulating or if you have and your egg has been fertilized and a new life has begun, the drug prevents the new life from implanting into the uterus.
Many women call for the Morning After Pill or Plan B when they are not in a fertile time of their cycle and therefore do NOT need to take this pill. It is also important that you take a pregnancy test before you take the Morning After Pill to make sure you are not pregnant from a pervious sexual encounter.
Call today and talk with one of our caring staff about your situation and about how the Morning After Pill works. Call 513-321-3100.
For more information go to www.polycarp.org/postfertilization_polycarp_1.htm
