Step1
Actual testing of spermicides to see if they inhibited sperm motility didn’t begin until the 1800s. The highly effective Nonoxynol-9 was developed from this line of research. Other dubious contraceptives were also marketed during this time. Manufacturers weren’t held to any standard of effectiveness. Worse, many recommended using the products as a douche after intercourse, which was, of course, too late. As recently as the 1930s, the failure rate of spermicides was estimated at 70 percent.
Step2
Today, as many as 20 to 30 percent of women using spermicides as contraception get pregnant. And while spermicides increase one's protection against gonorrhea and chlamydia, they don’t offer protection from all Sexually-Transmitted Diseases, including HIV/AIDS. In fact, some studies show that Nonoxynol-9 creates abrasions in the vaginal and rectal walls, which may make transmission of HIV and other STDs more likely.
Step3
Since the onset of HIV/AIDS, condoms have become the most popular contraceptives, and they are about 98 percent effective when used alone. However, in combination with Nonoxynol-9, a latex condom offers nearly 100 percent protection against pregnancy and STDs. Other combined methods (spermicides with diaphragms, cervical caps and sponges) and the pill (or Norplant, Depo Provera and Lunelle) also offer nearly 100 percent protection against pregnancy, but not against STDs.
Step4
You should buy and apply your own spermicide for maximum effectiveness. Condoms that come already lubricated with a small amount of nonoxynyl-9 provide no additional protection against pregnancy or disease transmission, according to Consumer Reports. Condoms pretreated with spermicide also have a shorter shelf life and may cause urinary-tract infections in women.
Step5
If you have unprotected sex, there is a "Morning After" or “Plan B” pill to prevent pregnancy. It works be releasing a burst of synthetic hormones that disrupt the body’s ability to begin a pregnancy. Some types of regular birth control pills will also work. Emergency contraception of this kind is most effective 24-48 hours after unprotected intercourse but it can work for several days.
Step6
To find a clinic, doctor or pharmacy close to you, call the nationwide Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-800-584-9911, 24 hours a day in English or Spanish (also at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE and ec.princeton.edu). If you have birth control pills, ask the hotline if and how to use them as emergency contraception. You may also buy the medication in advance ($35-40) to have on hand should you need it.
Step7
Only abstinence offers fool-proof protection. That’s the bad news as well as the good. Sex without intercourse isn’t nearly as frustrating as it sounds. There are ways of sharing intimacy and affection that don’t involve the exchange of bodily fluids and the risk of an unwanted pregnancy or STDs.
Step8
Sex without intercourse is a wonderful way to get to know your partner, talk about what you like and develop an intimacy that will intensify intercourse when you do decide it’s time. Recent studies show that many young people are refraining from sexual intercourse these days, but still taking part in sexual activities. Maybe we should take a lesson.
Step9
The term “outercourse,” which means lovemaking without penetration, still allows both parties to achieve sexual satisfaction. This can include talking, touching, bathing together, massages and dry sex.
Step10
During dry sex or “dry humping,” partners go so far as rubbing their genitals together with clothing on, or rubbing their genitals on other body parts with their clothing off. For those who want to go a bit further, blow jobs can be given with condoms, and cunnilingus performed with a dental dam. It’s an exciting and erotic practice, which provides closeness, sexual stimulation and even orgasm, all without the risk of pregnancy or disease.
Since the onset of HIV/AIDS, condoms have become the most popular contraceptives, and they are about 98 percent effective when used alone.
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