Abstinence
What is it?
The conscious decision to avoid sexual activity
100%
The ONLY 100% effective
method to prevent pregnancy
Brainstorming Bell Work
Think of as many reasons as you can why being
abstinent from sex is a good choice for you.
Think Holistically!!!
Physical Mental/Emotional Social Spiritual
Personalize this by evaluating your goals and values.
• Future goals
Why wait or stop?
• Reputation & gossip
• Lower chances of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection
(STI) such as HIV
– Won’t have to “break the news” to future partner
•
•
•
•
Satisfy parental wishes “My parents would kill me.”
Satisfy religious beliefs
Avoid feeling guilty & regret
Future relationships
– Future significant other might be looking for someone who has had
limited or no partners
– Save sex as a “gift” to your spouse
• No stress caused by worrying about pregnancy, disease,
or if someone will find out
• I want to be a good role model
• Money/child support
Already sexually active?
It’s NOT too late to turn to
abstinence TODAY!! Make a
commitment to yourself and make
sure to inform your significant other
of your wishes.
Contraceptive
Methods
Contraception:
attempting to prevent pregnancy
Our goal is to have accurate information. Many aspects of your
life need to be considered before having sex and possibly using
these methods. Such as, what would my partner and I want if
we experienced a pregnancy? Do my religious beliefs approve
of these methods? Is a possible pregnancy and STIs worth it?
Condom
• Thin sheath of tissue placed on erect penis
to catch semen
• Correct usage
1. Must be placed on erect penis, before any vaginal
contact
2. Space left between end of penis and condom to
allow room for semen accumulation (w/o space;
breakage is possible)
3. Penis (with condom attached) removed after
ejaculation before erection is lost (so semen
doesn’t spill out)
Condom
• Effectiveness
– NOT 100% for STIs or Pregnancy
• Depends on if it is used properly every time
• Disadvantages
– May prevent only some STI’s
• Condom doesn’t cover all places where transmission
occurs
• Condoms can be used for all 3 types of sex
– Vaginal, oral, anal
How it works: http://www.trojancondoms.com/quizzes/safer_sex/index.asp
•
Myths
– Myth: “Condoms are too small for me”
– Myth: Two at once increases protection
•
Fact: Friction increases risk of breakage
– Myth: Condoms can be used more than once or
flipped inside out
•
•
Fact: One time use product
Other Considerations
– Don’t store in glove compartments or carry in wallet
(heat is bad)
– Some people are allergic to some condoms
• Polyurethane condoms can be used instead of
latex if need be
– Look for expiration date
– Examine for hole in package
• Holes may indicate a hole in condom
– Some lubricated with spermicide: a chemical
compound that kills sperm
Expiration Date
Spermicide
Natural Family Planning
Several religions
accept this method
• Determine fertile days in menstrual cycle
and avoiding sex during this time
– Body temp. recorded daily for several months
• Temperature slightly decreases just before ovulation
and slightly rises after ovulation
– Cervix mucus changes also recorded
• Before ovulation mucus increases, become stringy,
less sticky, clearer in color
• Disadvantages
– Must have a regular cycle
• Ineffective for young people
Pill (oral contraceptive)
• Pill contains hormones (estrogen &/or progestin)
– Stop the release of eggs from ovary
– Thicken mucus from cervix
– Thins lining of uterus
• Must take EVERY day to be effective
– If missed: take 2 pills the next day, but chance of
pregnancy will increase
• It is a prescription, so you need to see a Dr.
• Disadvantages
– Protection only after a full month’s cycle of pills has been
taken
• Women still experience their menstrual period
Other Hormone Methods
• Birth Control Ring
– AKA: Vaginal Ring
– Kept in vagina for 3 weeks and
then taken out for a week
• Birth Control Patch
– Hormones enter body through
the skin
– Changed once a week
– Can shower & swim with it on
About.com:
http://video.about.com/contraception/Birth-Control-Patch.htm
Withdrawal (pulling out)
NOT AN EFFECTIVE METHOD
• Removing erect penis from vagina before
releasing semen
• Pre-ejaculation fluid (from Cowper’s Glands)
contains sperm
– Males have no warning of when this fluid is
being released
• Disadvantages
– Self control needed to remove penis during the
height of sexual pleasure
Can methods be used together?
• Pill + condom + withdrawal
– YES!!!
• 2 condoms at once
– NO!!!