Most of us learn about sex education in our freshman year, but for most seniors who are engaging in sexual activity, we don’t always remember what we learned four years ago. So, let’s have a little review on how to stay safe sexually!
Before we jump into talking about how to stay safe during intercourse, I just want to remind you about consent. When engaging in intercourse with another individual, remember that it is important to have their consent or permission to continue. Permission can be revoked just as quickly as it has been given. Just because someone said “yes” once, does not mean that their answer will always be yes.
There is only way that you can stay safe from contracting any STI, STD, or getting pregnant. What’s the rate of effectiveness? 100%! The cost? $0… and that’s abstinence. However, if you choose to engage in sexual activity, we have some contraceptive options to tell you about!
CONDOMS
A condom is a thin-fitted barrier worn during sexual intercourse to decrease the chances of transmitting infections, diseases, and pregnancy. There are both external and internal condoms. While interal condoms have a 95% effectiveness rate, external condoms have a 98% effectiveness rate. Internal condoms cost anywhere from $2-$3 each typically sold in packs of 12. On the other hand, external condoms are typically about $1 each and may come in a pack of 12 or more.
Another contraceptive that helps with the prevention of STIs and STDs is a dental dam. A dental dam is a thin latex square used during oral sex and have an 85% effectiveness rate. Dental dams do not prevent pregnancy.
PRESCRIPTION-BASED CONTRACEPTIVES
Next, we’re going to be talking contraceptives that require prescriptions. There are four kinds of birth control that are most available to high school students–oral contraceptives, patches, vaginal rings, and injections. While they do help prevent pregancy, they do not lower the risks of transmitting infections or diseases. They require a consultation with a pharmacist to an O-B-G-Y-N, or your primary care physician. Most health insurance plans or government programs may pay for or discount these services. Some are also available through the mail.
One of the most common forms of birth control is the prescription pill meant to be taken daily. Their effectiveness rate is 91% and the cost of ranges from $0-$50 dollars every month. Each package contains twenty-eight pills.
Birth control patches have the same effectiveness rate of 91% and are to be replaced everyweek for three weeks. After three weeks, you will leave it off for one week and continue the cycle. A pack of birth control patches range anywhere from $0-$150 every month.
VAGINAL RINGS
Like oral contraceptives and patches, vaginal rings have a 91% effectiveness rate. These rings are inserted inside the vagina before the uterus and are to be replaced every month. These rings range from $30-$200.
INJECTIONS
You will need to receive this shot every 12-13 weeks, or about every three months with appointment. Unlike the oral contraceptive and patch, the shot has an effectiveness rate of 94%. The injection will range from $0-$150.
IUDs
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small T-shaped plastic device inserted in the uterus as birth contol. There are two kinds of IUDs you can get, progestin or copper. Both progestin or copper IUDs have a 99% effectiveness rate and require a visit to see a doctor or a trip to a health center like Planned Parenthood. IUDs cost anywhere from cost anywhere from $0-$1,300, but can be discounted or free with specific government plans or health insurance. A progestin or hormonal IUD last for about 3-6 years. The copper IUD, on the other hand, last up to 12 years.
IMPLANTS
Implants are contraceptives in the form of a rod that can be intersted in the upper arm and lasts up to 4 years. Like the IUD, it has a 99% effectiveness rate and cost anywhere from $0-$1,300. If you’re younger than 18 years-old, you must have parental permission to receive the implant.
PLAN B
The last of our contraceptives is levonorgestrel, commonly known as Plan B. Plan B is an emergency contracpetive that is to be taken immediately within 24 hours of engaging in intercourse for the best possible effectiveness. Each day you do not take the contraceptive, the percentage of effectiveness decreases. Plan B typically ranges between $40-$50 at local drug stores. Within the first 24 hours, the effectiveness rate is 95%. After, from 48 to 72 hours, the effectiveness drops to 61%. You do not need a prescription to purchase this contraceptive.
Here we have listed some great resources recommened by Nurse Marci! http://teensource.org/, https://familypact.org, and Tea Consent.
Bibliography:
https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/sexual-health-safer-sex/dental-dams
https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/birth-control-pill-vs-shot
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bc-ring.html
https://www.medicineshoppe.ca
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/female-condoms/
https://planb.ca/en/
https://www.plannedparenthood.org
https://powertodecide.org
