|
Contraceptives |
|
|
|
|
|
Today, there are a wide variety of contraceptives or birth control methods on the market. Both women and men should discuss the availability and potential side effects from any type of contraceptive you are considering, with their physician. Contraceptives should be utilized in an attempt to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Methods available to prevent unwanted pregnancies take much less effort than the repercussions that may occur from that unwanted pregnancy. It is a personal decision and your personal preference as to which type of Contraceptive works best for you.
Be sure what ever method you select has FDA approval and monitor potential side effects which may occur. Contact your physician immediately if you experience any potential side effects that were discussed prior to using your choice of contraceptive.
Spermicides are a type of Contraceptive which comes in the form of gels, suppositories, foams and jellies. These type of Contraceptives are intended to form a chemical barrier against sperm and should be inserted into the vagina no less than one hour before engaging in sexual intercourse. Be sure to follow instructions provided on the package as well as review and understand the failure rate of spermicides prior to using this type of Contraceptive.
Barrier methods Contraceptives consist of condoms for males known as male condoms, latex condoms, female condoms, cervical cap, sponge and a diaphragm.
Condoms are an old familiar form of Contraceptive however; the rate of failure for Condoms tends to be much higher than most other Contraceptives on the market. You should never solely rely on Condoms as your only choice of a Contraceptive even though you may use one with a spermicide. At no time should Vaseline be used with any Condom as it can destroy latex Condoms.
The female Condom Contraceptive consists of a lubricated polyurethane sheath with a flexible polyurethane ring on each end. One of the rings is to be inserted into the vagina and the other remains outside the vagina. Read product packaging for failure rate for this type of Contraceptive. The use of a female Condom and a male Condom should not be used simultaneously.
The Contraceptive Sponge is a disposable Contraceptive. It is shaped like a small donut containing spermicide and made of white polyurethane foam. It is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse and remains there until after sexual intercourse is over. Be sure to read cautions on potential side effects as well as, the failure rate percentage for this type of Contraceptive.
Diaphragm Contraceptives are flexible rubber disks with a rigid rim ranging in size from two to four inches in diameter. They are to be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse and are to remain there several hours after sexual intercourse is over. To be effective, spermicidal jelly or cream must be placed inside the diaphragm. Talk to your physician for potential side effects as well as, the failure rate.
A dome shaped rubber cap Contraceptive that fits snugly over the cervix is a Cervical Cap. It must be inserted by your physician and should remain in place prior to sexual intercourse and for at least 48 hours after sexual intercourse. Spermicide must be used with this as well. Discuss potential side effects and failure rate, with your physician, prior to using this type of Contraceptive.
Birth control pills Contraceptives are daily pills that contain hormones, estrogen and progesterone that prevent pregnancy. The purpose of the *pill* is to prevent ovulation which means, a woman cannot get pregnant if there is no egg to fertilize. It also causes a thickening of the mucus around the cervix making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Most pills come in either a 21-day or 28-day pack. Women should take one pill each day, preferably at about the same time, each day. Normally, women will stop taking the birth control pill for 7 days at which time, she will menstruate. Some birth control pills reduce the frequency of periods, for example maybe one period every 3 months. The birth control pills should be taken as proscribed by your physician, regardless of whether or not you intend to have sex or not. Discuss with your physician the potential side effects of this type of Contraceptive as some may pose serious health threats and discuss the failure rate percentage as well.
Now on the market is the ‘Morning After Pill’ Contraceptive which can prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. This pill gives the body a short burst of synthetic hormones that disrupt the hormone patterns needed for pregnancy. Talk to you physician about the ‘Morning After Pill’.
Also available is the ‘Patch’. The Contraceptive is applied to various parts of your body. The Patch introduces hormones into your blood stream and can initiate serious health risks. Talk to your doctor about side effects as well as the failure rate percentage.
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, USP) is a Contraceptive that is injected once every three months. Depo-Provera does not contain the estrogen found in most oral contraceptives. Talk to your physician about side effects and failure rate.
A monthly Contraceptive injection is also available. This new Contraceptive combines hormonal methods with other benefits found in oral contraceptives. Talk to your physician about side effects and failure rate.
Contraceptives are not designed to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases; they are designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Talk to your physician regarding protection against STDs.
SexxTalk
|
|
|
|
|
