Essay

//**__ ﻿Essay __**// __ **//﻿//** **//﻿//** **// Barrier Method //** __   By: Victoria Dubzak, Brianna Temler, Isabel Pilong Okay, so for our birth control essay, we are writing about the “Barrier Method.” What is a barrier method you ask? Well, barrier methods are Barrier birth control methods are forms of birth control that attempt to block passage of sperm into the uterus, so that the sperm cannot reach the fallopian tubes , fertilize an egg, and result in unintended pregnancy. All of these methods but one is intended for use by women. The only barrier birth control method for men is the male condom. We all know about those. So our group researched three types of barrier methods; Female Condoms, Cervical Cap, and an IUD. The first one we are going to discuss, is the Female Condom. Female Condoms are new forms of barrier birth control methods that are worn by the female. The female condom covers the interior of the vagina, it blocks access to the cervix and uterus. Some women do not like using this because some of the condom can be seen outside the vagina. It is less effective than the male condom, and only 79% effective in preventing pregnancy. The cost of female condoms is higher than male condoms and both types are only used once. The cost ranges from as little as $2.50 to $5.00 each. Condoms help prevent the transmission of STD's by reducing the likelihood of partner exposure through genital contact or fluid secretions. The typical use of female condoms, which is the average way most people use them, has a failure rate of 21%. This means that 21 people out of every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of use, which isn’t too bad. You may increase effectiveness by adding a Spermicidal foam, jelly, or cream in conjunction with the condom. You should take a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms. They are available over the counter. Two similar types of barrier birth control methods are the [|**diaphragm**] **and the** [|**cervical cap**]. Both methods require fitting by a gynecologist. The diaphragm had a spring-like ring backed by a thick layer of rubber, and it is filled with spermicide before being placed in the vagina. The cervical cap is also used with spermicide and fits over the cervix. Both the diaphragm and cervical cap are only worn during sex and a few hours before and after sexual intercourse. The highest risk of pregnancy occurs during the first few months women use cervical caps. Cervical caps are not recommended for women who have had Toxic Shock Syndrome. Some women may experience allergic reactions to the rubber of the cervical cap or the spermicide they use. If this happens and your spermicide has nonoxynol-9, try a spermicide without this chemical. Cervical caps may offer some limited protection against HIV/AIDS and against some, but not all, sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can be found at clinics. It costs about $60–$75. Both of these barrier birth control methods can be less expensive over the long run than the female condom because they only need replacement about once yearly. Some women do have problems with the comfort factor of either of these methods. Occasionally women can also have allergies to spermicide, which makes wearing either of these barrier birth control methods difficult or impossible. The diaphragm and the cervical cap are both nearly equal to the female condom in effectiveness. The diaphragm is about 82% effective in preventing pregnancy, and the cervical cap has about an 80% effectiveness rate. **The IUD** is the most permanent, and most effective of the barrier birth control methods. Many IUDS now release [|progesterone], which prevents a woman going through her normal menstrual cycle, lessening pregnancy. This form of birth control is intended for a woman who plans to be sexually active for a long time without getting pregnant, since unintended pregnancy with an IUD in place often means miscarriage of an unborn child. Intrauterine means in the uterus; a gynecologist must implant an IUD device in a minor office procedure. The IUD may stay in place for 1-10 years, and has a 98-99% chance of preventing pregnancy. If the device proves uncomfortable, the procedure to remove an IUD is quite simple, but many women find IUDs infinitely preferable and more effective than other barrier birth control methods. It should be noted that IUDS, diaphragms, and cervical caps do not protect against STDs, and that no barrier birth control methods are completely effective in preventing pregnancy. An **IUD costs** about $200 to $400 plus the cost of having a doctor insert and remove it, as well as follow-up visits. Mood changes Acne Headaches Breast tenderness Pelvic pain Cramping (copper IUD) Increased bleeding during menstruation (copper IUD) Nausea Based on our research, the different methods depend on what you want. Meaning, if you don’t want to get prego at all, than use the IUD, for something that fantastic, it’s pretty cheap, and as far as we know, there are only a few side affects that we get regularly. But as far as Female condoms, NO I don’t recommend them. They are highly UNATTRACTIVE! No man will ever be attracted to rubber lying outside of your area. As for short term “methods”, use the cervical cap. Seriously, go for it. Nobody can tell it’s in, and besides, it is pretty effective. The only one that prevents STDs is the female condom. But like I said: UNATTRACTIVE!