Safer Sex

SAFER SEX

This generation of youngsters are being exposed to sex from a very tender age. It is glamorized in the media and not much is being done to explain the undesirable effects of living promiscuously or how to protect themselves if they choose to hop from bed to bed.  I’ve discussed various contraceptive methods and how each is used.

Gone are the days where premarital sex is simply unheard of and the open discussion of the sexual practises and orientations of adults ‘hush hush’. We live in an age where everything is in the open and quite accessible to all through the print media, the television and especially the internet. It’s gotten to the stage where sexual health education has to be introduced to children as young as four years old! There are many parents who protest against this, but the reality is, if you don’t educate them properly, someone else will and this may not be in the most tasteful manner.

It is quite noticeable that young adults the world over are engaging in more casual sex than ever before and since abstinence is not the favourite option, it has become very necessary for the constant promotion of the varying methods of contraception. We will begin by looking at the most common form of protection, the male and female condom. Condoms are a barrier preventing the sperm meeting the egg.  Statistics show that they are 98% effective, but only if used properly and female condoms 95% effective. The condom fits over an erect penis before penetration. Once the man has climaxed it is imperative that he withdrawals before his penis gets soft, firmly placing his hand over the shaft to avoid any spillage.

The female condom is placed in the vagina with the closed end of the condom inserted high inside, the open ring lies right outside the vagina. The outer ring is removed by twisting it and pulling out. Both methods are very effective, easily available and help in the prevention against most STIs. The disadvantages are it may slip off or rip if used incorrectly, may interrupt sex and some may experience a reaction to the chemicals found in latex condoms.

The pill, known as the progestogen pill is taken orally. It can be used up to the fifth day of a period. It needs to be taken the same time each day, everyday until the pack is finished. A new pack is started immediately without breaking the pattern which means you will be taking pills during your period. The effectiveness of the pill depends on how carefully it is used as consistency is key. If used properly it is 99% reliable. The down side to the pill is it has to be taken the same time each day, you may experience light or more frequent periods and they may be irregular. Cysts may develop on the ovaries which are rarely harmful and will disappear usually without treatment. The greatest disadvantage is whereas it may prevent against an unwanted pregnancy, it does not protect against other STIs, namely HIV and others that are transferable through sexual contact. The advantage of the pill is it doesn’t interrupt sex. It may be used while breast feeding and can help to relieve painful periods. Personally I think the pill should only be used in a monogamous relationship where both partners are truly faithful to each other and would not at all risk the health of their loved one.

Another famous method is the contraceptive injection. The most common injections are the depo-provera and the noristerat. The former provides contraception for three months and the latter for two months. Both contain the hormone progestogen. These injections stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month. Additionally, it thickens the mucus of the cervix making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg and makes the lining of the womb thinner so it’s unlikely to accept a fertilised egg. It is more than 99% effective. The hormone is injected into a muscle in the buttocks. It can also be given in the leg or arm. It may be started up to and including the fifth day of your cycle. If stated any other time other contraception has to be administered for up to seven days.

It is very effective, doesn’t interrupt sex and helps with heavy painful periods. May protect against cancer in the womb and is not affected by other medicines. The downside is your period may be affected in that they become irregular or may stop all together. There is the possible weight gain, headaches, mood swings, acne and tender breasts. Finally, periods and normal fertility may take sometime to return, which could be up to more than a year. Not everyone can use it so be sure to check with your GP or pharmacist for further advice.  

   The contraceptive coil or intrauterine device is commonly used as well in the prevention of an unwanted pregnancy. It prevents the sperm from reaching the egg as it is inserted inside the neck of the womb. It alters the secretions in your cervix (womb) creating a barrier for the sperm. The IUD is 98% effective to protect against pregnancy. There are a few side effects including heavier longer and more painful periods. Not all females can use this method, be sure to consult your physician before making a final decision on it.

    So you see both males and females have the option to protect themselves and engage in responsible sex. Women are feeling much more comfortable than ever before to walk into the pharmacy and purchase a packet of condoms or whichever birth and disease controlling method they prefer. For further information visit http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptivecoil.htm. which served as my primary source.

Please also visit: http://first-time-mom-baby.blogspot.com/ and http://itsyourlifetolive.blogspot.com/

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