By Jane Doe, Collegiate Correspondent
If you are on the journey to having children, this article is not for you.
This is a call to action for all sexually active adults who want to feel closer to their partner(s) and not contract a disease or birth a child.
Many people believe birth control is just for women. Some might also believe that if they are in a same-sex relationship, they cannot learn anything from this article. Both would be wrong. Birth control includes everything from pulling out to IUDs (intrauterine device, which is NOT a bomb that goes in a vagina).
Come to the bedroom prepared: here are just some of the best STD and birth control methods, from most effective to least effective.
The best: the birth control implant and the IUD
According to Planned Parenthood, there are two types of birth control that are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The birth control implant and the IUD are both implanted into a woman’s body by a doctor to regularly release hormones into the body that prevent pregnancy.
The birth control implant is injected into the arm and can stay there for five years. An IUD is put into the uterus and changes the direction of sperm cells so they cannot reach the egg and can last for 3-12 years.
Both the birth control implant and IUD are best for those who want to have unprotected sex without constant reliance on taking a birth control pill.
The pill
The pill is a hormonal way to keep sperm from reaching the egg. It prevents a woman’s body from reaching ovulation and, according to Planned Parenthood, it is 91% effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy.
It is only this effective if the pill is taken every day at its scheduled time. Faltering from this schedule can result in a hormonal imbalance within women, which can lead to spotting, two periods in a month, cramping and/or an unwanted pregnancy.
The pill affects every woman differently so it is important that you consult an expert before trying birth control. The pill does not prevent STDs, so it is best to pair this protection with a condom.
There is a male birth control pill being developed. This pill has passed human safety tests, but does not have a release date yet. It will be a hormonal pill that stops sperm production in men – something the future has to look forward to.
Quick tip: set a daily alarm so you can remember when to take your birth control. Keep up with ordering your packets and do not skip any pills. If you do miss a pill, refrain from having unprotected intercourse until you are back to a consistent pill schedule.
Condoms/dental dams
These are the easiest forms of contraception to get a hold of at Meijer, Walmart, the gas station (only in dire situations) – even Amazon has them in bulk.
There are two types of condoms: the traditional male version and the internal condom for females. An internal condom is a little pouch put into the vagina that creates a barrier so sperm does not reach the egg. According to Planned Parenthood, the male condom is 85% effective and the female internal condom is 79% effective.
Dental dams are not just for dental majors – they are used to keep a barrier between the mouth and the genitals during oral sex. All of these methods help prevent the spread of STDs and other germs during intercourse.
The worst: pulling out
Do not roll your eyes; this is one of the cheapest ways to avoid negative repercussions from sex. According to Planned Parenthood, the pull-out method alone is only 78% effective at preventing pregnancies – pair that with a great condom and dang, you could be somewhat sperm-proof.
Also, to all the women: do not let your guy tell you he does not know when he is going to ejaculate. Men, pay attention to the build-up of pressure in your penis. When you think you are about to ejaculate, pull out. Stay cautious.
Quick tip: double-up birth controls with the pull-out technique if you truly want to avoid diseases or unwanted pregnancy. Just because she is on the pill, or he is wearing a condom, does not mean those are all 100% protective (because they are not).
These are only six of the 18 reliable and known birth control methods. Don’t be afraid to research all your options and find the best one for you on Planned Parenthood’s website. Having fun does not have to come with negative outcomes, as long as you and your partner are safe and take the necessary precautions.
Stay thirsty, my friends.
