Contraceptive Methods
Homework Project – Contraception Methods
Part 1
Barrier Methods
Male and female condoms1
Condoms are a form of barrier contraception. They are usually made out of latex but you can get them made latex-free and plastic (e.g. polyurethane) instead, though it can affect the effectiveness of the condom slightly. They are the only form of contraception that prevents both pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases, like HIV.
The male condom fits over an erect penis before sex. A teat at the end holds the sperm once ejaculated, and is then thrown away. This makes sure no sperm comes in contact with the female genitals.
The female condom is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb. Again, after sex the condom is thrown away.
The advantages of this method are that they are inexpensive. They can be bought in boxes, and also young people can get free condoms from sexual health clinics and sometimes where they study, like their college if they have a sexual health scheme. Condoms are easy to dispose of, and are the only type of contraception that protect from both pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. When used correctly, they have a good percentage of effectiveness, ranging from 95-98%.
The disadvantages of the condom are that they can break, releasing sperm into the female, which could cause pregnancy. They also have an expiration date, as they deteriorate with age, and so the latex may break, again causing pregnancy.
Religion can be a big issue with contraception. They believe it is unethical and morally wrong to use them, because you are ‘killing a life’. Buddhists believe sex should be for creating life, not pleasure3. The Catholic Pope, Benedict XVI, banned condoms from being used in Vatican, one of the holy cities in Italy. This can cause conflict with other countries as sexually-transmitted disease cases rise from lack of contraception. Some religions however, allow some methods of contraception. If the method just prevents
Part 1
Barrier Methods
Male and female condoms1
Condoms are a form of barrier contraception. They are usually made out of latex but you can get them made latex-free and plastic (e.g. polyurethane) instead, though it can affect the effectiveness of the condom slightly. They are the only form of contraception that prevents both pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases, like HIV.
The male condom fits over an erect penis before sex. A teat at the end holds the sperm once ejaculated, and is then thrown away. This makes sure no sperm comes in contact with the female genitals.
The female condom is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb. Again, after sex the condom is thrown away.
The advantages of this method are that they are inexpensive. They can be bought in boxes, and also young people can get free condoms from sexual health clinics and sometimes where they study, like their college if they have a sexual health scheme. Condoms are easy to dispose of, and are the only type of contraception that protect from both pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. When used correctly, they have a good percentage of effectiveness, ranging from 95-98%.
The disadvantages of the condom are that they can break, releasing sperm into the female, which could cause pregnancy. They also have an expiration date, as they deteriorate with age, and so the latex may break, again causing pregnancy.
Religion can be a big issue with contraception. They believe it is unethical and morally wrong to use them, because you are ‘killing a life’. Buddhists believe sex should be for creating life, not pleasure3. The Catholic Pope, Benedict XVI, banned condoms from being used in Vatican, one of the holy cities in Italy. This can cause conflict with other countries as sexually-transmitted disease cases rise from lack of contraception. Some religions however, allow some methods of contraception. If the method just prevents