LESSON 7.3: CONTRACEPTION

What is Contraception?
“Contraception is the use of various devices, drugs, agents, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent conception or impregnation (pregnancy)” (Section 7.3 page 7).

BIRTH CONTROL

• Birth Control are methods that can be used by you or your partner to prevent pregnancy.
• “Keep in mind, even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose always is used correctly and every time you have sex” (Section 7.3 page 9).

Abstinence
“Abstinence is defined as not having any kind of sex play with a partner” (Section 7.3 page 8).

ABSTINENCE

• Being continuously abstinent is the only way to be absolutely sure that you won't have an unintended pregnancy or get a sexually transmitted disease, or an STD.
• “Used continuously, abstinence is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It also prevents STDs” (Section 7.3 page 8).

CONDOMS

• Only condoms have been proven to reduce the risk of getting some STDs.
• According to the HHS Office on Women's Health, the male la- tex condom is the best method for protecting against STDs, in- cluding HIV/AIDS. Polyurethane condoms are an effective al- ternative if either partner has a latex allergy. Natural/ lambskin condoms do not prevent the spread of STDs because of the presence of tiny pores (holes) that may allow viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes to spread.