Birth Control Hullabaloo!

With all this talk of contraception at the national level, it's a good time to clarify what birth control is and does and what methods are available to consumers. When the term "contraception" is mentioned, people are generally a bit confused. This is just a fancy name for birth control or-in even more basic terms-a method that prevents pregnancy. Pills generally come to mind, but there are a whole slew of options available to consumers. Some are hormonal, but many are not. The most important thing to remember is this: no form of contraception will end an existing pregnancy. Birth control is not an abortifacient. In fact, it helps couples avoid unplanned pregnancy and the tough decisions that accompany it.


First, let's look at barrier methods. These include male latex and polyurethane condoms and female condoms. These methods are non-hormonal and will also help to prevent HIV and other STIs. It is necessary to ALWAYS use a condom with each sex act because even women on birth control can contract and spread harmful STIs. The cervical cap, diaphragm, and sponge are also considered barrier methods, but they are generally not as widely used as condoms, and they do NOT protect against HIV and other STIs. These methods vary in effectiveness, but male and female condoms are the most effective barrier methods. They can prevent pregnancy up to 96% of the time when used correctly!

Now, we'll turn to hormonal methods. There are pills, of course, and consumers can choose from hundreds of brands. If someone is not satisfied with their birth control pill, there is ALWAYS another option. So, how do BCPs work? Generally, these emit hormones (synthetic estrogen and progestin or solely progestin) and prevent a woman from ovulating. If a woman doesn't ovulate, then there is no egg for the sperm to meet. The lining of the uterus may also be thinner, and cervical mucus may thicken. Both of these actions help to prevent pregnancy. Methods like the Nuvaring and the Ortho Evra Patch work very similarly to pills. They are simply "extended release" methods and contain more hormones which are slowly released over a week or month (patch and ring, respectively). These methods are over 99% effective if taken correctly and about 92% effective with human error.

What about those other things like inserts and IUDs? Implanon is a fairly new method available and lasts for three years. It's a small, plastic rod inserted in the arm which slowly releases progestin over multiple years. See? It's just like some of the other methods but for a longer time period. IUDs come in two types: hormonal and non-hormonal. The hormonal IUD is called Mirena, and it slowly emits progestin over five years, but, like Implanon, it can be removed whenever. Paragard is a non-hormonal copper IUD that can be inserted for up to ten years. It works by thickening the cervical mucus. An IUD allows a woman's body to identify a foreign object in the uterus, so, in turn, it will not let anything else in (i.e., sperm).

Finally, let's talk about emergency contraception. The "morning after pill" or Plan B does not cause an abortion or affect an existing pregnancy. It is simply a higher dose of a regular BCP. In fact, there are equivalency charts between Plan B and regular BCPs. That's right! You can take your regular BCPs as emergency contraception if they are one of the specified brands. When someone takes emergency contraception, it prevents their body from releasing an egg. The cervical mucus also thickens, which prevents sperm from entering (in case an egg has already been released). When taken as soon as possible (within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse), EC can be up to 89% effective. EC is most effective when take ASAP, except for a new brand, Ella, which has the same effectiveness for the full five days.

While there are other methods of contraception available (fertility awareness, sterilization, etc.), these are the "hot topics". Female sterilization is actually the most common form of "birth control" in the United States, but for individuals not done having children, some of the above methods might be a great fit. When condoms and another method-like BCPs-are combined, the user is benefitting from maximum protection. They are not only preventing pregnancy in two ways, but they are also protecting against STIs-some of which are life threatening. So remember, protect yourself and your future!

For more information on contraceptive methods, visit www.ppfa.org. PPCO provides presentations on all methods to schools, churches, community groups, and more. Please contact us at 405.528.0221 to schedule a program within central/western Oklahoma.

The condoms are coming! The condoms are coming!

Have you heard the news? National Condom Week 2012 is coming! Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma will be cruising around Oklahoma from February 10th to the 17th to hand out plenty of FREE condoms, lubricants, and more! Yea, yea, I can already hear it: “I don’t like condoms.” Have you asked yourself why they might not be pleasurable? Have you also thought of ways to make them fun and engaging? Believe it or not-there are hundreds of different condoms. Some are flavored; others have ridges, dots, or grooves. They come in crazy colors, and there are even glow in the dark rubbers! Did you know that you can get extra large or tighter fit condoms? There’s something for everyone!


Now, now, you might be thinking, “Well condoms don’t work.” This, my friend, is a popular misconception! When used correctly, male latex condoms can be up to 96% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you’re interested in spicing things up, try the female condom! It offers the same protection against pregnancy and is made of a soft material called nitrile. Both male and female condoms can provide protection against STI transmission (including HIV). If you’re allergic to latex, be sure to try a polyurethane male condom or the female condom. Just don’t use an animal skin condom; they are porous and will not protect you against some scary STIs!

Want to learn more and get free stuff? Come check us out at our NCW table! You can grab all the freebies that your heart desires, play “Guess the Number of Condoms in the Jar” for an awesome prize, and even do some condom trivia! Want a sneak peak? What year can the first condom be traced to? Drum roll please…1850 BC! Bet you didn’t know that one!

DATES/LOCATIONS:

February 10th, 13th, 14th-University of Oklahoma Student Union (by the bookstore and Wendy’s)
-9 AM-4 PM each day

February 14th-University of Central Oklahoma
-Women & Gender Studies will host a table stocked by PPCO!

February 15th-Oklahoma City University (by the cafeteria)
-11:30 AM-1 PM

GET READY for NCW 2012!

"What will it take to end Cervical Cancer?"

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of this, we post an article that asks this important question. The author makes practical suggestions that we support on the Get R.E.A.L. blog, like emphasising a comprehensive sexual education curriculum for all students, and ending the stigma that surrounds cervical cancer, and that also colors the way we think, feel and talk about sexuality, our bodies and our genitals . The article also addressed the importance of bringing everyone to the table, since we all have a role to play in ending cervical cancer: parents, friends, boyfriends and husbands, cervical cancer survivors, lesbian, gay and transgender individuals, doctors, nurses, immigrants, young people and students, older people, low-income communities, communities of color, public health officials, teachers, and politicians.

What do you think, readers?

Happy New Year All!

Here is the best article of the year we have seen so far on the topic of young people, their sexuality and why these issues will be so important in the coming year. We love it. Here is an excerpt:

The radical shift from an abstinence-only framework to a comprehensive one loses its transformative potential if our previous generation is still setting the rules. This is why we desperately need a youth-centered and youth-led struggle for comprehensive sex education. Young people have to lead the way in shaping sex education policy. Otherwise, we’re destined to replicate the same morally bankrupt narrative that youth sexuality is an epidemic of global proportions.We have to change the very way we think about sex and sexuality. Instead of treating it as a social parasite, we should embrace it. We need to teach young folks that when treated with maturity, reciprocity and awareness, sex can be an exciting, fulfilling, and even empowering aspect of our lives. Learning to love our bodies is one of the most radical things we can do in a culture sustained by oppressive power structures. However, as long as we’re taught to feel shameful about our bodies, and denied the right to sex-positive comprehensive sex education, we’re doomed to replicate the very systems of domination that thrive on our ignorance and complacency.

Condoms are okay! (just make sure to use them correctly)

Here's a good article about condoms. In particular, it addresses that ever-present myth that condoms break easily, and explains exactly how to use them correctly. For the record: although it seems like condoms break all the time on television soap operas and reality tv, the actual failure rate is .4%. Or to put it another way, the condom failed only 4 times out of every 1,000.

More pro-tips:

• First, check the expiration date! Condoms are safe for about 5 years after manufacture- after that the latex starts breaking down.
• Make sure the condom hasn't been exposed to extreme heat or cold.
• If the condom fits, wear it. (Sorry we had to say that). Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands and styles to find one that feels good and is easy to use. After all, there are LOTS of different kinds out there: in every size and color of the rainbow, with dots, ribbed, and in a plethora of flavors like chocolate, strawberry and banana. Studies also show that a person who finds condoms difficult to use is less likely to use them at all. So don't be afraid to experiment until you find a style that works for both you and your partner.
• When you're using condoms for oral sex, don't forget to watch those teeth. (And don't open the package with your teeth, either).
• Don't be afraid to add more lubricant if things feel a bit dry. Did you know nowadays you can get lube that comes in lots of flavors, including passionfruit and pina colada? Just remember: DON'T USE OIL-BASED LUBE (or Vaseline) with latex condoms.
• Leave a bit of room at the top of the condom (about a half inch), both for the ejaculate and to make it more comfortable.
• Withdraw and throw the condom away promptly after ejaculation.

And most importantly, don't forget that PPCO gives away all of the products listed above. If you're curious about ribbed or flavored condoms, or lubricant, stop by to pick some up. Because bubblegum lube tastes even better when it's free :)

Another thing to be thankful for :)

Here's a hopeful article from Texas about the oft-elusive status of comprehensive sex education there. The best quote:

"The truth is, responsible, comprehensive sex education just isn't all that controversial among most parents. Our poll last year showed that 80 percent of likely voters in Texas support teaching about condoms and other forms of contraception as well as abstinence."

Signs of change in the Lone Star state? That is something to be thankful for!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!! Enjoy your turkey, or your tofurkey, if you prefer :)

New Birth Control Ads

The Ad Council just launched a new ad campaign addressing unplanned pregnancy and birth control; the ads are *gasp*actually funny! Watch here:

http://blisstree.com/live/sex/new-birth-control-ad-reminds-us-just-how-awkward-sex-is-450/

We also like the central message. “You didn’t give up on sex. Don’t give up on birth control either.” Remember, the U.S. has one of the highest rates of unplanned pregnancy in the developed world. Maybe humor is the most effective way to deliver serious (but possibly boring) messages.

Do you agree or disagree?