Birth Control leaves couples facing a myriad of choices
by Brenna Rapp

Birth control, the interesting world of pills, diaphragms, spermicide, and much, much more. The mention of birth control conjures up images of seventh grade health teachers trying in vain to explain how a condom is used. And those health books that never exactly answered all your questions about sex. Don’t forget about the slide shows from the eighties, the ones with the teenage couple sitting on the couch discussing whether or not to “go all the way”.

My how things have changed for birth control. No longer are we limited to just the pill or condoms. We now have choices to fit every lifestyle and health concern. While all of these new options are for women, there is one new method for men that will hopefully become available in the next five years.

The male pill works by “blinding” sperm, preventing them from joining the female egg. It is presently being tested on bull and human sperm.

The newest method for women is the emergency contraception or the day after pill. It prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. This pill is commonly used after rape cases or when the condom breaks or has slipped. But the pill dosage only works if taken within 72 hours. A second dose is also taken, 12 hours after the first dose. The only way to get these pills is to go to a clinic where they are sold, such as Planned Parenthood at 5441 Virginia Beach Blvd., or by calling 1-800-584-9911 for the clinic nearest to you.

True or False: The male condom is the only thing that offers protection against STDs. False. The female condom with the effectiveness rate of 79% to 95% offers protections against STDs, including HIV. (Of course abstinence is 100% effective.) You don’t need a prescription for female condoms and they cost about $2.50.

There are enough choices of male condoms to make your head spin. Condoms come in a variety of styles from non-lubricated, ribbed, ultra fit, to the super thin; and colors, ranging from flesh tones to neon to glow in the dark. Prices vary from 25 cents for a single condom to $17.99 for the economy pack containing 36. Condoms with an 86% to 98% effectiveness are easy to buy and use, making them one of the most commonly used types of birth control.

With a 99.9% effective rate when taken properly, the pill is popular among high school and college women. Pills cost from $14 to $25 a pack and can be purchased at clinics and drugstores, with a prescription. Pills are taken daily and appeal to a lot of women because they are so easy.

The diaphragm and cervical cap are birth control methods that must be applied before having sexual intercourse and are left in the body for six hours after intercourse. The diaphragm is 80% to 94% effective, while the cervical cap is 80% to 90% effective. Both of these methods have to be fitted and purchased at a clinic. The prices range from $13 to $25.

Norplant is a long term birth control method. Six small capsules are injected under the skin of the upper arm and last for five years. It is 99.95% effective and is also one of the most expensive birth control methods, ranging from $500 to $600 for the exam, implants and insertion. Norplant is almost worry free, allowing women not to think about taking pills or applying contraceptives for a long period of time.

Depo-Provera is similar to Norplant because women receive a hot in their arm. This method lasts for 12 weeks at a time and costs from $30 to $75 per injection. Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective.

The Intrauterine Device (IUD), a copper plastic device implanted in the uterus, has the longest time span of use from six to ten years. The IUD costs $150 to $300 and has a 97.4% to 99.2% effective rate.

Abstinence is another birth control method that is used by many women and men. It doesn’t cost anything and is 100% effective against pregnancy and STDs. All of these methods require more than just reading them on a piece of paper. They require not only talking to a physician and your partner, but also the realization of the way you feel about sex and birth control.

This goes way beyond seventh grade health class.

NOTE: The source for all facts and figures contained in this article is the 1998 brochure “Your Contraceptive Choices,” published by Planned Parenthood.