Types of Male & Female Contreceptives

How is a cervical cap used?

The cervical cap is inserted in the following manner. If you plan to use spermicide, one third of the cap should be filled with spermicidal jelly. It is important that no jelly gets on the inside rim which could interfere with the seal. Separate the lips of the vagina with one hand; and with the other squeeze the rim of the cap and insert it agaist the back wall of the vagina as far as you can. Check the rim of the cap to make sure that the cervix is covered. Squeeze the dome to increase the seal. Finally, push the cap back into place.

How is the birth control pill used?
The pill is either administered on a 28-day or 21-day cycle. The 28-day pill is given for each day of the period. In the 21-day pack, there are 7 days a month in which you do not take a pill, and the woman must remember to resume the dose schedule after the 7 day break. In the last week of the dose schedule there are no hormones ingested. If the pill is going to become an effective birth control method for you then it must become part of your daily routine.

How is the female condom used?
To insert the condom, squeeze the ring at the closed end of the tube. Use one hand to spread the lips of the vagina, and insert the squeezed condom into the vaginal canal. The inner ring should be pushed past the pubic bone and over the cervix. After the condom is in, make sure it is not twisted. After sex, squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep all fluids, including sperm, inside the condom. Gently pull it out and throw it away.

How is the male condom used?
Once the penis is erect roll the condom down on to the penis. Make sure to leave a little space at the top too hold semen. After sex hold the condom from the base and step away from the vaginal area. Pull off and disard in the trash.

How is the morning-after pill used?
The morning-after pill must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse. Normally you are given two pills which are to be taken immediately and two to be taken 12 hours later. If you experience vomiting within 2 hours of taking the pills, then two more pills should be taken. If your do period does not arrive within the next three weeks then be sure to have a pregnancy test done.

How are dental dams used?
Some people prefer that the person performing oral sex should hold the dam so that the receiver can just sit back and relax. Others think that the receiver should hold the dam so the other partner has his/her hands free for other stimulation. Either option pprovides the same ammount of protection. As an alternative, some dental dams are now made with an sticky strip which will hold the dam in place.

How are vaginal spermicides used?
Creams or jellies are often used with another form of birth control. A woman may apply spermicidal cream or jelly to the inside of her cervical cap or diaphragm. For creams or jellies simply screw the applicator onto the tube and fill it. Filling a foam applicator is a similar process. Then insert the applicator and push the plunger down.

How is a diaphragm used?
Before intercourse, you must cover the diaphragm with spermicidal jelly and then insert it. After intercourse, the diaphragm must remain inside the vagina for six to eight hours. If intercourse occurs again within the six to eight hours then add another applicator full of spermicide. After it has been removed, the diaphragm should be washed with mild soap and water, dried, dusted with cornstarch (not talcum powder because it destroys rubber) and replaced in its container. Check regularly for holes. This can be done by holding it up to water.Types of Contreceptives

What is a cervical cap?
The cervical cap is a rubber cap shaped like a thimble which fits over the cervix stopping the sperm from entering the uterus.

What is a Female Condom?
A female condom is a thin, and flexible plastic tube worn inside the vagina. A soft ring at the closed end of the tube covers the cervix during intercourse and holds it inside the vagina. Another ring at the open end of the tube stays outside the vagina. A female condom prevents sharing bodily fluids like semen, blood, or saliva.

What is a male condom?
A condom is a thin cover that is rolled over and down an erect penis. It is usually made of latex, but can also be found made of lambskin or polyurethane.The condom works by blocking the sperm from entering the vagina. It catches the sperm in the condom, until you carefully remove it and throw it away.

What is a diaphragm?
A diaphragm is a rubber cap that looks like a cervical cap. It is inserted in the vagina and placed over the cervix. The diaphragm prevents pregnancy by holding spermicidal jelly or cream against the cervix and preventing the sperm from reaching the uterus. The diaphragm is a popular and effective birth control method, but does not protect against many STDs.

What is the morning after pill?
The morning-after pill is just a strong dose of birth control pill. The morning-after pill is a high-dose combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, and should only be used in an emergency situation for a woman who has had unprotected intercourse or in the case where the chosen contraception has failed. These high dosages may change the menstrual cycle and cause extremely uncomfortable side effects .

What are vaginal spermicides?
Vaginal spermicides typically come in three forms: foams, jellies and creams. Spermicides are best when used with a condom, otherwise they are a relatively ineffective method of birth control and do not protect against the transmission of STDs. These chemicals essentially attempt to kill the sperm before it can enter the cervix.

What is a dental dam?
A dental dam is basically a small sheet of latex which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and the mouth. Due to the possible infectious secretions from both the vagina and anus, the dental dam is becoming a more popular safer sex tool and due to the introduction of different colors, shapes and sizes.

What is the pill?
The pill is comprised of synthetic hormones which are used to prevent ovulation and produce other changes which prevent pregnancy.

By Adolescence Educator