Birth CONTROL

Project
Contents
Methods of birth control ………………………. 1-7
The most effective birth control method………. 8
Transmission and Prevention of STDs…………8-10
Done by: Brianna Smith and Raheim Henry

What are the different methods of birth control?

❖ Condoms
➔ A condom Is a latex rubber or polyurethane sheath placed over the erect
penis or into the female before intercourse to reduce the probability of
pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection.
➔ Condoms act as a physical barrier. They prevent semen and other bodily
fluids from passing between people during sexual intercourse.
➔ Examples of condoms are internal female condoms which consist of a
synthetic non-latex material called nutrile.
Another example is external male condoms made from polyurethane (a type
of plastic).
NB. Latex condoms are made from a substance that comes from the rubber
tree.
➔ Effectivity:
Condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if they are used
correctly every time however they are only 82% effective when misused.
condoms are also effective in preventing the transmission of STIs which
makes them very versatile.

➔ Advantages

● Condoms are easy to use and do not require special skills.

● Condoms are available at many places including grocery stores
pharmacies and online.
● Condoms are an effective way to prevent STIs like HIV gonorrhea
chlamydia syphilis genital herpes and HPV.
➔ Disadvantages

● Break tear or slip off during sex exposing you to bodily fluids and
increasing the risk of pregnancy or STIs.
● Some people are allergic to latex the material most commonly used to
make male condoms.
● Condoms can break if stored for too long, or if exposed to too much
heat, sunlight, or humidity.

Male Condoms Female Condoms

❖ Abstinence
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 ➔ Abstinence is a birth control method that involves not having vaginal oral or
anal sex,
➔ Abstinence requires dedication willpower and self-control while other
methods involve barriers that prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
➔ An example of abstinence is waiting for marriage as it means intentionally
choosing to refrain from sexual activity until marriage.
➔ Effectivity :
Abstinence is the only form of birth control that's 100% effective at
preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections(STIs).

➔ Advantages
● Abstinence can help build trust and respect in relationships.
● Abstinence is free, doesn't require hormones or medical devices, and
can be started at any time.
● Abstinence helps you to focus on your school career or extracurricular
activities.
➔ Disadvantages
● Abstinence can cause sexual frustration and feelings of missing out on
sexual experiences.
● abstinence can make it difficult to maintain romantic relationships
especially if your partner is not also abstinent.
● It can be difficult to maintain abstinence over time.

❖ Diaphragm
➔ A diaphragm is a dome-shaped latex rubber disc inserted over the cervix
before intercourse.
➔ It should be used with a spermicide.
➔ it acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
➔ Examples of diaphragms are the arching spring, coil spring, and flat spring.
➔ Effectivity:
A diaphragm uses spermicide is 84 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy
depending on how it is used. The effectiveness of the diaphragm depends on
its insertion, removal, and condition.

➔ Advantages
● You can use a diaphragm while breastfeeding.
● it can be reused and can last up to 2 years.
● A diaphragm doesn't affect your body's natural hormones.

➔ Disadvantages
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 ● The diaphragm can cause toxic shock syndrome though it's very rare.
● The diaphragm doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
● The diaphragm needs to be inserted and removed each time you have sex.

The Types of Diaphragms

❖ Spermicides
➔ Spermicides are a type of birth control that contains chemicals that kill
sperm.
➔ They are creams, gel, film, suppositories, or foams inserted into the vagina
before intercourse.
➔ These spermicides include spermicidal creams and gels, spermicidal jelly,
contraceptive inserts tablets or suppositories, contraceptive sponges,
conceptive film, and spermicidal foam.
➔ Effectivity:
Spermicides are about 70% effective at preventing pregnancy when used
alone but they are most effective when using other forms of birth control.

➔ Advantages
● It is affordable and convenient to purchase.
● It is easy to use and hormone-free.

➔ Disadvantages
● Spermicide can cause irritation itching redness or pain in the genitals.
● Some people may have an allergic reaction to spermicide.
● It does not protect against STIs.

❖ Contraceptive Pills
➔ Contraceptive pills are hormone pills, taken daily, that consist of estrogen and
progesterone, or progesterone only.
➔ Contraceptive pills prevent ovulation and make cervical mucus thicker and
harder for the sperm to swim.
➔ There are many types of contraceptive pills including combination pills,
progestin-only pills, and emergency contraceptive pills known as Plan B.
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 ➔ Effectivity:
The pill is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy but only if you take it every
day, forgetting to take the pill at a scheduled time increases your chances of
pregnancy.

➔ Advantages
● Contraceptive pills can help make your periods lighter, more regular,
and less painful.
● Contraceptive pills are easy to take and come in small packets that you
can carry with you-convenient.
● They can help improve acne.

➔ Disadvantages
● What can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness,
mood swings, and breakthrough bleeding.
● What does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
● The pill may not be effective for people who are over the age of 35,
smoke, have heart disease, are prone to blood clots, are obese, or have
repeated migraine headaches.

❖ Surgical Sterilisation(Vasectomy or Tubal Ligation)

★ Vasectomy
➔ This is a form of male birth control that cuts off the supply of sperm
from the semen. To do this, the sperm ducts of the man are usually cut
and tied.
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 ➔ Effectivity:
Vasectomy is more than 99% effective at preventive pregnancy and it's
considered a permanent form of birth control.

➔ Advantages
● It's usually less expensive than other forms of birth control or the
long-term cost of contraceptive pills.
● A vasectomy does not affect your ability to enjoy sex.
● It takes the stress of preventing pregnancy off your partner.

➔ Disadvantages
● A vasectomy is intended to be a permanent method of birth
control. However, it is possible to reverse a vasectomy.
● In the rare case of vasectomy, there's a risk of pregnancy.
● Having a vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted
infections (STIs).

★ Tubal Ligation
➔ Tubal ligation also known as “getting your tubes tied” or female
sterilization is a type of permanent birth control.
➔ During the surgery, the fallopian tubes most often are cut and tied to
prevent pregnancy for the rest of your life.
➔ Tubal ligation prevents an egg from moving from the ovaries down to
the uterus through the fallopian tubes. it also blocks from traveling up
the fallopian tubes to the egg.
➔ Effectivity:
It is 99.5% effective at preventing pregnancy.

➔ Advantages
● Tubal Ligation does not affect your hormones or menstrual cycle.
● It does not interfere with sexual activity.
● Study shows that it can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by about
40%.

➔ Disadvantages
● It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
● It is difficult to reverse.
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 ● There is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy.

❖ Inter-uterine Device (IUD)

➔ This is a small t-shaped plastic device commonly containing progesterone
inserted into the uterus by a medical professional to prevent pregnancy.
➔ IUDs are long-acting reversible contraception(LARC) method that can be
effective for up to 10 years.
➔ Examples of IUDs are hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.
➔ Effectivity: IUDs are over 99% effective less than 1% of women with IUDs get
pregnant each year.

➔ Advantages
● IUDs can last for 3 to 10 years depending on the type.
● You don't need to think about using an IUD every day
● You can have your IUD removed at any time that a doctor or nurse and
your fertility will return to normal.
➔ Disadvantages
● It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
● They can result in heavier and longer periods, cramping, and spotting
between periods caused by copper IUDs as well as Irregular bleeding
and spotting for the first few months and PMS-like symptoms caused by
progestin IUDs.
● There is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy if the IUD fails.

❖ Injectable Contraceptive
➔ This is an injection that injects the hormone progestin into the body.
➔ They work by stopping ovulation and making it less likely that the egg will be
fertilized.
➔ Depending on the type of injection, they can last 8 to 13 weeks.
➔ Effectivity:
Injectable contraceptives are more than 99% effective. However, in real-
world use, they are about 94% effective because people may forget to get their
next injection.

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 ➔ Advantages
● You only need to get the injection every few months so you don't have to
remember to take a daily pill.
● You can start using the injection right after giving birth.
● Injection can make periods later or stop them altogether.

➔ Disadvantages
● It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections(STIs).
● The injection can change your period pattern and it might take a while
to get pregnant after you stop using it.
● It can result in weight gain, headaches, mood changes, breast
tenderness, acne, and decreased sex drive.

What is the most effective method of birth control?

Abstinence
➔ Abstinence is the best form of birth control because it completely prevents
pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is the only
method that prevents both. It prevents pregnancy and STIs because there is no
sexual contact. Abstinence can lead to stronger relationships because you can find
peace in knowing that your partner is with you for the right reasons-they love you.
It has various benefits in areas of religion, for teenagers, for those who want to focus
on more important things in their lives at the moment, and for those who simply are
just not ready. It provides freedom from worry.

Transmission and Prevention of STIs

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 What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
● Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs are infections passed on during
sexual intercourse.

❖ AIDS
➔ Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is an infection caused by HIV(human
immunodeficiency virus). HIV damages the immune system so the body is less
able to fight infection and disease.

➔ Transmission of AIDS:
● Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.
● Using infected hypodermic needles or cutting instruments.
● Transfusions of blood products.
● Infected mother to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is important to note that it is not transmitted through kisses, hugs, or food sharing.

➔ Control Measures/Prevention of AIDS:

● Protect yourself during sex- Every time you have sex it is important to
use a condom as it is good at preventing the transmission of bodily
fluids hence reducing the risk of getting HIV. It is also an option to
abstain from sexual intercourse or to keep to one, uninfected partner.
● Protect yourself if you inject drugs- It is essential never to share your
equipment with others if you inject your drugs and only to use sterile
injection equipment.
● Protect others if you have HIV: Those with HIV should take the
medicine prescribed by their doctor.
● Prevent perinatal Transmission: Those with HIV should take HIV
medication prescribed by their doctor throughout their pregnancy and
childbirth. This is to reduce the chances of transmitting HIV to the baby
which is 1%.
● Arranging seminars to educate people of all ages about STIs.

❖ Gonorrhoea
➔ Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a type of
bacteria.

➔ Transmission of Gonorrhoea:
● Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.
● From mother to baby during childbirth which leads to blindness if not
treated as it affects the baby’s eyes.

➔ Control Measures/Prevention of Gonorrhoea:

● Use a condom every time you choose to have sexual intercourse. Not
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 partaking in sexual activities is the best way to prevent gonorrhea but if
one chooses to have sex a condom should be used.
● Having one uninfected partner is important to prevent the spread.
● If you have symptoms of gonorrhoea get tested and have your partner
and previous partners get tested as well.
● Mothers who are infected should have prenatal screenings and
treatment to prevent transmission to the baby.
● Arranging seminars to educate people of all ages about STIs.

❖ Chlamydia
➔ Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that occurs in both
men and women. it is caused by a bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis. it
is easily treated and cured with antibiotics.

➔ Transmission of Chlamydia:
● Unprotected sexual contact - vaginal anal or oral sex without any
protection barriers like condoms can lead to the transmission of the
infection.
● Mother to child - dream childbirth a mother can pass the infection to
the child which can cause illness.

➔ Control Measures/Prevention of Chlamydia:

● Using condoms every time you engage in sexual intercourse can prevent
the transmission of chlamydia as well as abstaining from sexual activity.
● Limiting sexual partners - having sex with one partner could prevent
the risk of contracting chlamydia as well as spreading it.
● Get regular screenings if you are sexually active especially if you have
multiple partners.
● If you're pregnant you should receive prompt treatment to reduce the
chances of transmitting chlamydia to your baby.

❖ Syphilis
➔ This is a preventable and curable bacterial sexually transmitted infection. If it
is untreated, it can cause serious health issues.

➔ Transmission of Syphilis:
● Direct contact with a syphilitic sore during sexual intercourse. It can be
transmitted even if a condom is used, as sores can sometimes occur in
areas not covered by the condom.
● Syphilis can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their fetus
through the placenta.
● Syphilis can also be spread through blood transfusions.
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➔ Control Measures/Prevention of Syphilis:
● Avoid sharing needles - do not share needles or other injection
equipment as it is known that syphilis can be transmitted through
blood.
● Avoid sexual intercourse with infected people.
● Condoms- Limit the risk by using condoms but not that it can still be
transmitted as sores may appear in areas that are not covered by the
condom.
● Get prenatal treatment or care - pregnant woman should get tested and
if positive get treatment to reduce the chances of transmitting the
infection to their baby.

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