Sexually transmitted diseases are something that should be considered a major concern whenever sex education is the topic. These diseases can vary from the mild to the life-threatening, and while most people are aware of their existence, most are unaware of just how much risk they might be in. For the most part, unexpected and unwanted pregnancies are the foremost concern, such that birth control methods can sometimes be heavily emphasized. In the effort to prevent STDs from spreading, this does not always have to be a negative thing. Some birth control methods can help reduce the risk of STDs, though not all of them can do so. It is then important that people be made aware of which birth control methods reduce the risk of STDs and which ones don't, allowing them to make better informed decisions.
Birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and the so-called Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods all do not reduce the risks of STD transmission. In the first two cases, the distinction is absolute, as neither of them blocks the exchange of bodily fluids that may carry the diseases. In the case of NFP, the distinction is less all-encompassing, since these methods generally involve a complete lack of exchange of bodily fluids for certain intervals. However, NFP's main flaw is that it only provides protection while there is no direct sexual contact with an infected person's genitals, blood, and bacteria or virus-carrying body fluids, but it leaves a person exposed to possible infection the moment any sexual contact is made. So while there may be a reduced risk of pregnancy, the risks of STD infection are no lower than if NFP had not been used.
Spermicides are generally effective at preventing conception, but not for removing the risk of STDs. Risk for STDs is still present since by the time the average spermicide has been used, STD infection may already have spread. According to some studies, there is actually an increased risk of STD infection from using spermicidal products in comparison to other known forms of birth control. These studies have not yet had their results confirmed beyond reasonable doubt. However, most doctors prefer to err on the side of caution.
Condoms, diaphragms, and other forms of contraception that involve blocking the release of bodily fluids and sexual secretions from one person to another are the methods that help prevent STD infection. Most STDs are transferred via bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and the like. Birth control methods that prevent the transfer of such substances during intercourse, or block the fluids from reaching the partner's body, can therefore reduce STD risk. Absolute abstinence also prevents STD infection, but only for as long as the abstinence is maintained. It should be noted that, aside from abstinence, most birth control methods that rely on blocking the exchange of fluids do not have the ability to prevent pregnancy completely at the same time. It is therefore advisable to use a more effective form of birth control as additional security.
Procedures such as vasectomies and tubal ligations do not prevent STD infection, even if they do prevent the onset of pregnancy. This is because, while both procedures block the ability of sperm and egg cells from making contact with one another, they do not prevent the release of other fluids. Not all STDs are carried through body fluids, so preventing them from escaping the body alone is not enough to prevent an infection.
Natural birth control is considered as natural since these methods are non-mechanical and non-hormonal in nature. They are not barrier methods that kill the sperm or prevent it from reaching the egg. Adding to this, they do not involve the use of hormones. Instead, natural birth control requires a man and a woman to not have sexual intercourse during the time when the egg is available to be fertilized by the sperm.
On the average, eggs are released about 14 plus or minus 2 days before a woman's next monthly period. But since the egg survives for up to 4 days, and the sperm can live for up to 72 hours, the actual time in which a woman may become pregnant is measured not in hours or days, but in weeks. Several natural birth control methods are made, depending on which the woman is comfortable with. Calendar rhythm method relies on calculating a woman's fertile period on the calendar. Based on her 12 previous menstrual cycles, a woman subtracts 8 days from her shortest cycle to determine her first fertile day, and 11 days from her longest cycle to determine her last fertile day. She can then calculate the total number of days during which she may ovulate. This method is about 80% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, there are many factors that can still make this method open to error, foremost of which is human error in the counting of days.
The Basal Body Temperature Method is based on the fact that a woman's temperature drops 12 to 24 hours before an egg is released, and increases again once the egg has been released. But this temperature difference is not very large, almost less than one degree Fahrenheit when the body is at rest. This method requires a woman to take her own temperature every morning with a sensitive and accurate thermometer. To be able to use BBT as form of natural birth control, a woman should refrain from having intercourse from the time her temperature drops until at least 72 hours after her temperature increases again. The Mucus Inspection Method depends on the presence or absence of a certain cervical mucus that a woman produces in response to estrogen. A woman will generate a larger amount of mucus than usual, just before the release of her egg. She can learn to recognize differences in the quantity and quality of the mucus by examining its appearance on her underwear, pads, or toilet tissue.
Sympto-thermal Method combines the three previous methods mentioned above. Not only are all these factors taken into consideration, but so are other symptoms such as slight cramping and breast tenderness. Some women experience lower abdominal discomfort during ovulation. There are also ovulation indicator testing kits, withdrawal, lactational infertility, and douching. Of course, abstinence may be the best option for any woman who does not wish to get pregnant. Be sure to ask a gynecologist for further information regarding these natural birth control methods.
Both Harvey D. Ong & Cristel Lumabas are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Harvey D. Ong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Health and Birth Control. Harvey Ong is currently employed as a writer-researcher for an online multimedia company. He specializes in pen and paper gaming, video games, and consumer-oriented software reviews.He also has done extensive research in the medical field, with particula. Harvey D. Ong's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Cristel Lumabas has sinced written about articles on various topics from Birth Control, Health and Birth Control. Cristel Lumabas is an in-house writer for an online media company, specializing in pharmaceutical products and medical news. She is also a devoted gardener and part time florist with in-depth knowledge in hibiscus flowers and coconut trees. She is also an. Cristel Lumabas's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.