Contraceptives, Abstinence, and Sterility

CONDOMS

Condoms are a barrier method used to prevent pregnancy and certain sexually transmitted diseases. DO CONDOMS WORK? If you are sexually active or are considering becoming sexually active, this is a critical question to consider.

First, let's address the question of STD prevention. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention convened a symposium in June of 2000 to determine the answer to the question about the effectiveness of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. This symposium included a condition that a study be "peer reviewed" by other scientists for publication in scientific journals. Those 138 studies were used to draw conclusions. Here is what they found. They found no clinical proof that condoms are effective in reducing the risk of infection from Chlamydia, genital herpes, HPV, syphilis, chancroid or trichomoniasis. Some protection was found for men against gonorrhea infection, but not for women. Condoms were found to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission during vaginal sex by 85% when used consistently (every time a person has sex, without exception) and correctly (following a specific 6 step procedure). Using condoms 100% of the time still leaves a 15% risk of HIV infection compared to not using condoms at all.

Studies also show that condoms break or slip 1.6 to 3.6 of the time. This represents a potential risk of pregnancy and transmission of STDs. Also, the Food and Drug Administration's recommended labeling for condom includes a pregnancy rate of 14% for condoms used "typically" and 3% if they are used exactly as directed every time without fail.

ABSTINENCE

     Abstinence is choosing not to be sexually active. By choosing abstinence, a single person can be free of many of the problems and worries that can change their future. It is possible to avoid the risks of sex without sacrificing the benefits of romantic relationships. In fact, many people find that their enjoyment of dating relationships is increased when sex is placed off-limits and reserved for a permanent relationship.
     Abstinence provides freedom from pregnancy, freedom from guilt, freedom from sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, and freedom from sterility.
     Relationships that don't work out have an opportunity to end gracefully, and those that endure develop a strong foundation for marital friendship, commitment, and a truly safe and satisfying sexual expression.

MORNING AFTER PILL

For information on the Morning After Pill, click on this link to access
"Just the Facts - Abortion"

STERILITY

     Sterility, the inability to conceive children, is a heartbreaking problem for many couples. Sterility means that the couple is incapable of achieving pregnancy. The number of couples consulting physicians regarding infertility is increasing.
     Many of the complications causing sterility can be prevented. Side effects of abortion can cause sterility. The sexual revolution has greatly increased the number of women who are sterile. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, have led to an increase in sterility.
     Voluntary sterilization has become a popular means of birth control for couples who have completed their families. This procedure is called tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.