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:
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.
