Sex at a Cafe

ilovebubblegumpop:

but what makes it perfect is when you still want to be there when everything sucks

Hey everyone!

I just want to give a quick update. Em and I are in the middle of preparing for finals. That being said it’s very likely that we will not be posting anything until the middle of next week. So, why don’t all of you lovely people leave something in our ask box so we have something to look forward to when we come back!

If you’re also in the middle of finals then we wish you luck!

-J.

We talk about relationships and sex a lot here, but we haven’t touched too much on the subject of safe sex. I think it’s very important to discuss because the more a person is educated the better off they will be in making a decision about sex.

I want to talk about the different methods of birth control. There are several—not just condoms and the pill, but those are the two I will start off with. 

** Links have an instructional video on how to use these birth control methods.

• Condoms: These are the most effective when used correctly. Make sure you know how to use them because not using them correctly may lead to an unwanted pregnancy (if you click on the link there is a video on the right hand side that shows how to put on a condom correctly). There are many different types of condom and it is up to you and your partner to decide which ones to use. Also, make sure that you get the right size. Not all manufactures make the sizes exactly the same. One way to make condoms even more effective is by using a spermicide. Spermicide are gels, foams creams and suppositories that stop sperm from moving.  

• Female Condoms: This is a plastic pouch, whose rings at each end are flexible. This condom is inserted deep in the vagina just before intercourse (instructional video when the link is clicked). These have a slight higher rate at an accidental pregnancy than condoms do. Once again, these condoms can be even more effective if a spermicide is used. You can purchase them here.

• Diaphragm: “The diaphragm (DIE ah fram) is a shallow, dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim. It is made of latex. You insert it into the vagina. When it is in place, it covers the cervix.” Diaphragms prevent the sperm from meeting with the egg, therefore preventing pregnancy. Spermicide has to be used along with a diaphragm. You must leave the diaphragm in for at least six hours after intercourse happens, but may not be left for more than 24 hours.

• Cervical Cap (FemCap): A silicone cap and is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix. The FemCap prevents the sperm from joining the egg. For the FemCap to be effective it must be used with a spermicide cream or jelly. This doesn’t protect against STI’s. To get a FamCap you must visit your local Planned Parenthood or talk to your physician.

• IUD: “The letters IUD stand for “intrauterine device.” IUDs are small, “T-shaped” devices made of flexible plastic. A health care provider inserts an IUD into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy.” IUD’s prevent the egg from joining the sperm. One type of IUD, Mirena also contains progestin which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. This does not prevent against STI’s. To get an IUD you must visit a Planned Parenthood or your physician

• Birth Control:

              - The Pill: A small pill that has to be taken every single day. The most  common pill that women take contains both estrogen and progestin. The pill keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the woman’s cervical mucus. If you are a woman who is taking progestin based pills only the pill must be taken at the same time every day. The pill may be less effective if you are overweight. You can get the pill by prescription only. The pill does not protect against STI’s. You can visit a Planned Parenthood or talk to your physician.

             - The Shot (Depo-Provera): The shot releases progestin into the body and again keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. Each shot is good for 3 months and is most effective if you regularly get it every 3 months. The shot does not protect against STI’s. Again, you can get this type of birth control from Planned Parenthood or your physician.

            - The Patch (Ortho Evra): The patch is placed on your skin, a new one every week for three weeks, then one week patch free. The patch contains estrogen and progestin and like the Pill and the Shot prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. The patch does not prevent against STI’s. To obtain the patch visit your local Planned Parenthood or talk to your physician.

           - Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing): The NuvaRing is small and flexible that is inserted into the vagina once a month. This ring releases estrogen and progestin and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. It will not protect you against STI’s. You also need a prescription for the NuvaRing. You can visit your local Planned Parenthood or talk to your physician.

          - Sponge (Today Sponge): “The sponge is made of plastic foam and contains spermicide. It is soft, round, and about two inches in diameter. It has a nylon loop attached to the bottom for removal. It is inserted deep into the vagina before intercourse.” The sponge prevents the sperm by joining the egg by covering the cervix and the spermicide keeps the sperm from moving. The sponge does not protect against STI’s. You do not need a perscrition for the sponge. It is available from Planned Parenthood, your local drug store or online.

         - Implant (Implanon): “Implanon is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It protects against pregnancy for up to three years.” Implanon releases progestin which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. There are certain medication that may make Implanon less effective. This doesn’t protect against STI’s. You can visit your local Planned Parenthood or talk to your physician.

• Morning After Pill (Emergency Contraceptive):The Morning After pill should not be used as a regular form of contraceptive. If you happen to have sex without any protection, the condom breaks, or you forgot to take your birth control get yourself to your local pharmacy to purchase Plan B or Next Choice (brands of the Morning after pill). It does not require a prescription (unless you are younger than 17), but you will have to get it from the pharmacist. The Morning After Pill can be started up to five days after unprotected sex, but keep in mind that the sooner it is taken the more effective it will be. Like the pill, this stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. This will reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89% if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Remember, the Morning After Pill is a form of birth control, not abortion. It does not protect against STI’s.

This is a very brief overview of many of the forms of contraceptive. I encourage all of you to click on the links to get a detailed report of these contraceptives. Also, do your own research if you feel that the links have not given you enough information. If you aren’t capable of talking about safe sex and taking the necessary steps to keep yourself and your partner safe (IE—buying condoms, getting on the Pill) then you shouldn’t be having sex. Everyone should be able to enjoy the joys of sex, but make sure you are being smart about it. We sincerely hopes that this helps get you started on the path of information to safe sex. If you want to know more about these subjects and wish to speak to someone you can always make an appointment at you local Planned Parenthood. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.