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When the topic of birth control comes up, most people think of the methods available to women. If the topic of discussion turns to men and birth control, almost everyone thinks of condoms. However, men can be more involved in birth control measures and take steps to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Some methods available to men are:

Condoms: These have long been the most popular means of birth control for men. Some couples use them even if the woman is using some other form of birth control to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

Withdrawal: While not the safest method for preventing pregnancy, coupled with the rhythm method, that is, timing ovulation, this does offer a measure of protection.

Outercourse: This refers to sex play without any form of penetration.

Vasectomy: This is a more permanent method where the tubes, the vas deferens, that carry sperm outside the body are closed off surgically by cutting and cauterizing.

For some couples, depending on various factors abstinence is a sure and safe method of birth contro for both sexesl.

Research is ongoing to find other means of birth control for men. A few of these are already in development and test trials are been conducted. Some of these methods may over time become standard, such as the male birth control pill.

Preventing pregnancy is important for many reasons. Teenagers generally are not ready financially or emotionally to become parents. Married couples may not be ready to start a family or may not be ready for more. Many people are not financially capable of taking care of a child or an additional child. For these and other reasons birth control is a necessity.

 

Organizations like Planned Parenthood have come under fire as being pro-abortion corporations. Indeed, many have balked at the fact that teenagers often do not even need a parents signature in order to get an abortion. Behind the rhetoric however is a real problem. Children very early on in teenage years are getting pregnant and then need to decide if they will become moms or terminate the pregnancy. Those looking to terminate the pregnancy will usually end up in small clinic for a day procedure. Here are a couple points in favor of keeping things the way they are and keeping abortion legal.

1.) Outlawing abortions could take the practice underground- No one like the idea of an abortion. Not the public as a whole and not the young women in stirrups about to get an abortion. But the fact remains there are a number of unwanted pregancies each year that require a solution. Closing abortion clinics would no doubt force the practice underground and increase the liklihood of things going wrong and the mom being hurt.

2.) A mother’s right to choose- The fact remains that there are many women who get pregnant and did not plan on those circumstances. It is a woman’s right to choose and control what happens to her body as well as to choose if she will be forced to raise a child when she knows she may not be competent and ready for the task. As individuals, it is important we be allowed freedoms over our body and not have decisions of this magnitude made without our input.

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There are many options for preventing the occurrence of pregnancy or what is more commonly known as birth control. A woman who engages in sexual relations and wants to use birth control should speak with her doctor to determine which method best suits her individual needs. She may be only interested in preventing pregnancy or may be additionally concerned about preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Some methods protect only against getting pregnant while others also perform the function of preventing sexually transmitted infections from being spread.

One method of birth control is to use hormones that prevent the release of en egg from the ovaries into the uterus. The hormones estrogen and progestin are used in this method and are released into the body by means of the birth control pill, the vaginal ring, a patch, hormone shots or with an IUD or intrauterine device. Any of these methods that use hormones require a doctor’s prescription.

One method that uses hormones is the birth control pill, known as an oral contraceptive because it is taken by the mouth. It needs to be taken every day in order for it to be effective. It typically helps to regulate the menstrual cycle of woman to having one period every four weeks.

Like most medications taken, the pill does tend to have some side effects. These may include headaches, nausea, an increase in blood pressure, tenderness of the breasts, weight gain, bloating and depression. Some women will experience no side effects at all. Different types of birth control pills may need to be taken in order to find the one that is the most effective with the least number of side effects. This is because each type of birth control pill contains different combinations of hormones. Other results from taking the pill include a reduction in cramping during the menstrual cycle as well as a shorter cycle with less bleeding. Smoking should be stopped while taking the pill as it can increase the risk of blood clots and more serious side effects.

One option for birth control is to use an IUD or intrauterine device. A doctor places this small device in the shape of a T inside a women’s uterus. There are two types of intrauterine devices, one of which has copper in it and the other has a small amount of progestin which gets released on a regular basis. The copper IUD has been in existence longer than the one with progestin and is effective for up to 12 years. Similar in shape and size to the copper IUD, the IUD with progestin has fewer side effects and is considered to be safer. It is effective for five years.

An IUD is typically inserted by a doctor within one week after the start of the menstrual cycle. Once the vagina and cervix are cleaned, a plastic tube that holds the device is pushed into the uterus by the doctor. The tube is then removed and the doctor checks to insure that the IUD is positioned correctly. There are strings on the IUD which the doctor cuts to the right length and which have to be checked on a monthly basis to make sure the IUD is in the proper place as sometimes the uterus will eject the IUD.

When first offered on the market to women, IUDs were believed to have serious health risks. Currently, some risks remain and IUDs are considered safer than they used to be. Cramping and pain when the IUD is first put into place are some of the side effects as well as spot bleeding during the first three to six months of use of the IUD. Heavier bleeding and stronger cramps are more typical of the copper IUD while irregular periods during the first three to six months of using the hormonal IUD may occur.

One method of using hormones for birth control is to use a patch. It is typically small, thin and flexible and is placed on the buttocks, stomach, chest or most commonly on the upper arm. The patch is worn for one week and then replaced with another over a period of three weeks. On the fourth week, the patch is not worn and a woman will get her period.

The side effects of wearing the patch include nausea, headaches, an increase in blood pressure, gaining of some weight and bloating. During the first two months a woman may experience tenderness in the breasts or overall breast discomfort. The skin around the patch can also show signs of irritation. The risks of side effects which are more serious such as blood clots can occur if women smoke while wearing the patch.

Another method of using hormones for birth control is to get a shot in the arm. This procedure is performed by a doctor once every three months. The side effects of this method are minimal and may include headaches and changes in the menstrual cycle, one’s weight and one’s moods.

A hormone implant can also be used and it is a piece of plastic that is thin and flexible and the size of a matchstick. It is placed under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor. One advantage of the implant is that it can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Irregular bleeding or spotting or periods that have lighter or heavier flows of blood are typical side effects of the implant.

Since the goal of birth control methods is to prevent pregnancy, it’s important to look closely at the risks involved. The Withdrawal Method is a widely used form of birth control that many couples use to avoid pregnancy. Although the method is common, the pregnancy risks are very high and the method often fails.

During sex and in using the Withdrawal Method, the man removes his penis from the woman’s vagina before ejaculation so as to avoid the sperm uniting with the woman’s egg, which can cause pregnancy if the two join. However, during sex, small amounts of sperm can (and does) leak from the man’s penis and through the semen, travels into the woman’s vagina without detection from either person. By withdrawing before ejaculating, the couple may think that the sperm does not have the chance to reach the woman’s reproductive organs, but it does.

Studies on the male’s reproductive system show that in a normal male’s ejaculation, there are generally about 300-500 million sperm contained in the 1 teaspoon of fluid that they emit. That means that there are over 300-500 million chances in 1 that a pregnancy is likely to occur by using this method. This doesn’t mean that a pregnancy will or won’t occur, just that it’s likely.

By contrast, there are couples who have and continue to use this method as their main means of birth control, although the risks are great. While it is a personal choice, being informed about the risks are necessary in order to make an intelligent decision.

Progesterone, the hormone in the birth control shot, works by preventing the egg’s release during the woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. Since a woman gets pregnant if she ovulates, without having this process, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced.

Birth control studies have shown that out of every 100 individuals who use this method, only 3 experiences an accidental pregnancy. So while the method is not 100% fool-proof, the averages are extremely high enough to encourage women to use the shot as their main means of birth control.

The shot is administered every three months through an injection into the buttocks. It stays in the person’s system for three months, and after that time, they need to have the shot administered again. It’s very important to get the shots as necessary to reduce any chances of pregnancy because the likelihood does increase if the person waits longer than the 3-month time period to get their injection.

Women who are interested in receiving the birth control injection should consult with their doctor to ensure that the shots won’t interfere with other medications they’re taking. They should also talk with their doctor about any associated risks or side effects (though minimal) that can occur with the injections as well. Some risks that may occur include weight gain, spotting, hormonal imbalance and of course accidental pregnancies.

For many women, the convenience of the birth control injection far outweighs the possible risks and offers them a lifestyle that is very flexible, especially for the busy woman. With a shot that is administered every quarter, they love the idea that they don’t have to think about birth control outside of 4 times a year.

Around the world, however, it is slightly less popular. The most popular method worldwide is the intra-uterine device, or IUD. IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. They remain in place for years, and are the most effective method of birth control outside of abstinence or permanent sterilization.

In many European and Asian countries, the IUD is the most popular method of birth control with pills as the second most popular. Yet in the United States, it is one of the least popular methods, well behind pills, surgical sterilization, hormone implants and barrier methods.

One reason for this might be that there are only two IUDs available for use in the US. There are over 10 models available in Europe. Also, the approval process for contraceptive devices is much slower in the US than for most other developed countries.

Although it is not popular in the United States, IUD use is increasing. This could be because the latest device to be approved has the added benefit of lightening menstrual cycles. Also, the IUD was once only recommended for use by women who have already had children. This restriction seems to be lifting, and doctors are beginning to offer it as treatment for heavy periods.

The other IUD is copper-based rather than hormone-based. While it does not have the effect of lighter and shorter periods, it is hormone-free. As women become more aware of the effects of long-term hormone exposure, the copper IUD may become a more popular option as well. It can also be an acceptable method for women whose health history indicates that they should not use hormonal methods of birth control.

Search engine sites such as Canada 411 can help you find information resources, both online and “hard copy.” You can use these resources to help you find the information you need.

When researching information, you may come across a source that takes a stand on a subject that is different stand from your own. However, if the information you were looking for is there, and is presented in a fairly unbiased, neutral light, you may want to go ahead and use the source anyway. You can always save the discussion of your exact opinion for another time.

Unfortunately, as they get older, teenagers just don’t respond to the old, “Because I said so, that’s why” rejoinder that parents fell back on for generations. They’re too smart, plus they know where to go to find the information. If you will just be patient and use all the information resources that are available, both online and elsewhere, you should be able to compile enough information to prove your point to your teenager.

If they continue to argue after that, they may simple be “pushing your buttons.” It may be wise to then table the discussion until another time. Remember, however, that it is still your house, and you can expect them to abide by your rules for the present.

There are many ways that people can help others to remember how important they are as well, Advocating safe sexual practices is a useful way to keep these issues in the public consciousness, in addition to making an impact in a much more personal way. Talk to the people you know about safe sex and about protecting their own health, safety and well being. If you find that someone around you is in suffering from a high load of stress, take the time to talk to that person about self care. Turning to risky sexual practices is one cry for attention that can have long term consequences for more than just the person in pain. It can be devastating for entire families.

Family planning is another way to get involved on a local and personal level. Taking the time to plan your reproductive future is one of the best things you can do for your family and for your community. To truly take care of yourself, you need to have the confidence and self love to have a plan and to stay with it.

Practicing safe sex is very important for young people who are just starting to experiment with sex, or for anyone who inexperienced or has multiple partners. Many sexual diseases and infections can be avoided if individuals learn to practice safe sex and develop habits that will help them make good choices.

Developing safe sex habits can be achieved in several ways, depending on the person’s lifestyle and exposure to outside factors. For instance, knowing what kinds of habits can cause a sexually transmitted disease can help a person tremendously when they’re faced with making a decision to become sexually active. Other safe sex practices can include:

- Never have unprotected sex. Use a condom each time you have a sexual encounter and decrease your chances of becoming infected with a disease or illness.

- Continually educate yourself on sex education issues and related topics. Staying ahead on what’s going on in medical developments in sexual health will help you make good, informed choices.

- Seek counseling or medical intervention if you need to. Don’t wait until there’s an issue before you seek outside advice. Be proactive in your sexual medical health by getting regular checkups and asking questions about any sexually-related issues that concern you.

- Before engaging in sex with a partner, find out more about their prior sex life by asking questions and communicating. Although it may feel or seem awkward at first, it’s better to do that than it would be to encounter a problem later.

Many potential problems can be avoided by individuals when they adopt safe sex practices. It’s not a one-time task, but it is something that should be a big part of the person’s life. By taking the time to adopt safe sex practices, they are creating lifestyle that will be more healthier and satisfying to them in their future.

You’ve been wanting to improve your health for a while now, but you just can’t seem to find the time or the energy. Do you know that people who are more physically and mentally healthy actually have better sex lives? That’s probably a pretty good reason to get off the couch and start improving your health.

When you feel good about yourself and your appearance, you are much better equipped to feel better in your relationships and that includes your sex life. If you are exhausted or tired most of the time, that will effect your sexual energy in a negative way.

We all know that many of us find the road to getting a healthy body and mind is difficult. It is especially difficult if this goal involves starting to exercise, losing weight or reducing stress. All you have to do is grab your running shoes to get started! We know the rewards from exercise include the fact that you will feel and look better, both of which can only enhance romantic activities.

There is no proof that a good diet and sexual performance are linked; however a less than stellar diet can cause problems with your health that can affect your sex life in a negative way.

So how do you go about achieving more healthy lifestyles so you can enhance your romance and sex life? Simply eating a balanced diet and exercising each day is a simple road to follow. The two are basically the ying to each others yang -  they work together in tandem.

Individuals who engage in regular exercise actually find that they have a high level of desire according to studies. These people exhibit high levels of confidence and often have a greater ability to achieve orgasm and greater satisfaction. Even a moderate level of daily exercise, say between 20 and 30 minutes per day, can help boost your sexual desire.

It’s understandable that health insurance companies elect to pay for Viagra for men, as a lack of Viagra can be quite distressing for those particular men who need the . . . er, assistance. However, for health insurance companies to willingly pay for Viagra, a recreational drug, and then deny drugs that are much more necessary for women, seems sexist. Taking birth control, for some women, is a matter of sexual health, whereas for others it is merely a tool in the process of having safe sex. Birth control can be used for medical reasons that are much more serious and necessary than Viagra, yet, even in these cases, insurance will not cover the cost of the medication.

For women with cystic, or poly cystic ovaries, birth control is not just a matter of sexual health, but a matter of overall well being. If a woman needs birth control in order to be reproductive, in order to keep herself fertile, then her insurance company should pay for these cheap pills, rather than forcing her down a road that ends with $15,000 sperm injections in the vain hopes of having babies from an infertile womb. The average birth control costs $420 per year. If a health insurance company pays for birth control for the average duration of medication for an average female in the United States, it would equal $10,080 (based upon the typical 24 years of use). Even women who hit menopause late in life would be less expensive to insure via birth control, rather than invitro fertilization, and that’s assuming that a woman would only require one attempt (typically, three attempts are required to induce pregnancy).

The dollars and cents don’t add up in the case of potentially infertile women as a result of no birth control. Though Planned Parenthood offers birth control to poor women at reduced rates, there is still no recourse for women who resent their placement, firmly beneath Viagra users on the totem of importance.

Another common misconception is that sex is necessary for young people in their developmental stages. Though it may be fun to experiment, abstaining from sexual relationships is actually a good choice for individuals who enjoy developing a fundamental sense of self worth and patience. Waiting for marriage may be out dated, but waiting for college is not. Sleeping around before a college age can lead to distraction from coursework, rumors at school, and STDs.

Information about sex, birth control, and general sexual health, can all be found at your local Planned Parenthood. The resources in Planned Parenthood are meant to aid and assist young people who are too embarrassed to seek more information alone. Birth control can be purchased at reduced rates, and sometimes it can be obtained for free. Also, condoms and other necessary tools are available, including STD tests and informational pamphlets.

If you or one of your friends is in a confusing situation and would like to discuss it with adults, Planned Parenthood can also assist young people in finding qualified medical professionals, therapists, and in arranging private conversations with police officers in cases of rape or incest. Even if it is intimidating, you should always value yourself enough to obtain the information that you need to make informed decisions about your own life. Planned Parenthood can help, as can your school counselors in most cases, but don’t count on your friends for sound advice!

Everyone has to acknowledge that relationships are a vital aspect of sexual health and healthy lifestyles. Whether romantic of familial, casual or passing, relationships help us to identify who we are in contrast to others. Planned Parenthood is a great resource for teenagers who are in confusing situations, and who need support with difficult interpersonal decisions. Advice online ranges from determining if a given relationship is good for you, to figuring out if you are safe in a relationship, and relationship responsibilities.

The following is a list of common concerns that teenagers have about sexual health, and whom to consult:
Sex, birth control (Planned Parenthood)
Divorce, abuse (School counselor)
Rape, sexual abuse (Police, or Planned Parenthood)

Any issue can be resolved for teenagers if they are willing to address it with the correct authorities on the topic. Though everyone would like to be happy in relationships, and to build trust and intimacy, some people have a lot of questions and barriers that need to be addressed with therapists before they can safely open up to new partners. People must learn what makes any relationship unhealthy, or healthy, for them on a personal level. Something that could be construed as abuse to one person might be welcome by another, but in general, healthy and unhealthy relationships are easy to determine, even if ‘abuse’ is not.

Relationships come with certain obligations and responsibilities that partners must acknowledge if they are to be successful. Following through with commitments is an important aspect of interpersonal and sexual health. Though STDs and birth control are easy to research online, a true authority on sexual health, like Planned Parenthood or a trusted counselor, is necessary to determine relationship boundaries if a teenager is uncertain of his or her role. With a little luck and a lot of work, most relationships can work out and be happy, that is, if they have the initial spark!

Planned Parenthood clinics also have counselors available to parents to help them through the conversations with their children. Additionally, some clinics offer group classes which parents and children can attend together to have questions answered in a comfortable and non-threatening setting. Without this crucial knowledge, children and teenagers may not ever learn the potential implications of having unprotected sex. Even parents who try to simply teach abstinence only may be surprised to find that their children are still engaging in unprotected sex. All parents should emphasize that unwanted pregnancy and many diseases can result from sex, and should offer the tools necessary to prevent their children from being unsafe

For a more one-on-one experience, or for questions that are not answered on the Planned Parenthood website, teens can visit a clinic where someone on staff can discuss more personal matters privately and confidentially. Most clinics do not require parental consent, where state law allows, for counseling and contraception, so teens do not have to worry about bringing a parent or getting a lecture. While the clinic policy does encourage honesty between parents and teens, their confidentiality policy protects the information discussed and will not allow anything to be released without the consent of the patient. Planned Parenthood is a great resource for teens to get straightforward answers to difficult questions in a very comfortable and open-minded setting.

Women usually begin menopause between the age of 40 and 50, and it signifies the end of menstruation. Women first begin to notice gradual changes, such as changes in emotions and desires, mood swings, hot flashes and excessive sweating, and vaginal pain. It can be a difficult change for many since it can cause unwanted changes in the body. Infertility can affect women of any age, and can be a frustrating experience for those wanting to conceive. Planned Parenthood clinics offer testing and procedures to help couples with conception problems. Cancer screenings are crucial because they can help detect irregularities early, so cancer is able to be treated quickly and effectively. Women can also watch for signs and symptoms of these cancers with at-home checkups as well, such as checking for breast lumps frequently, or watching for irregular vaginal discharge. Problems with menstruation can be controlled, and Planned Parenthood clinics have services available to assist women who are having trouble with their monthly cycles. Additionally, a yearly pap smear can detect problems with the cervix, so maintaining a routine with this screening is also very important to women’s health. The cervix is an important part of the reproductive system, so watching for abnormalities is crucial to maintaining the ability to have children. All issues related to women’s health are important, and can be managed and treated effectively at Planned Parenthood clinics.

In 1936, 18 years after the first clinic opened, Sanger was arrested for obtaining contraceptive products illegally. However, the judge on the case reviewed the data and ruled that the benefits of contraception were helping to avoid unwanted pregnancy as well as protect women’s health. A year later, the American Medical Association began to recognize contraception as a crucial part of health care, and women were then able to receive birth control without worry of legal repercussions. In the 1960s, with help from government funding, Planned Parenthood played a key role in the creation of intrauterine devices and the birth control pill, both of which are widely used for contraception by women. In fact, just four years after its creation, 25% of married women under age 45 had used the birth control pill to assist in family planning. Planned Parenthood was one of the first voices in women’s sexual and health rights, and continued to offer services to women that many physicians would not.

Many Planned Parenthood clinics can bill private health insurance plans, or state or federal programs. Additionally, some clinics are now able to offer discounted services based on income, or assist patients in applying for Medicaid or similar state-funded health insurance programs to those who will qualify. This allows all individuals, regardless of income or financial situation to receive quality sexual healthcare, as well as contraception to protect themselves and others from spreading sexually transmitted disease or causing unwanted pregnancy.

All women will go through menopause at some point in their lives, and it can be a frightening and difficult experience. Having a counselor to discuss these feelings and emotions with, as well as obtain treatment for the symptoms associated with menopause can give women relief and help them to understand and even embrace the change that their bodies will undergo. Many clinics offer breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancer screenings and treatment. The best part is that many of these services are offered at a discounted rate to individuals who are not insured. Patients of any age or with any income can utilize the health care services offered at their neighborhood Planned Parenthood clinic, and begin to understand the necessary steps that must be taken in order to ensure sexual and reproductive health.

Visiting a Planned Parenthood clinic will help ease the mind, as the staff will go over each type of birth control, how exactly it should be used to ensure full effectiveness, and which option might be best for each situation. Once all information has been given, it is up to the patient to decide which option they would like to begin using. Planned Parenthood offers contraception to those who are insured and those who are not, and often will offer discounted products so that everyone is able to obtain birth control at a reasonable price. This helps to control the number of unwanted pregnancies as well as helping to keep men and women safe from sexually transmitted disease, so birth control is a vital part of sexual health.