Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile and physically
able to become pregnant, she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?"
If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control
(contraception).
Terminology that is used to describe birth control methods
includes contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and
family planning. But no matter what
terminology, sexually active people can choose from a number of
methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no
method of birth control available today offers perfect protection against
sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), except abstinence.
In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing
a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or
preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb)
and starting to grow. New methods of birth control are being developed and
tested all the time. And what is appropriate for a couple at one point may
change with time and circumstances.
Unfortunately, no birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to
be 100% effective.
Barrier methods of contraception
Barrier methods of contraception work by creating a physical barrier between sperm and egg cells so that fertilization cannot occur. The most common forms of barrier contraception are condoms (male and female), diaphragm, cervical cap, and contraceptive sponge.
Spermicides, a form of chemical contraceptive that work by killing sperm, are often combined with barrier methods of contraception for greater effectiveness.
While barrier methods of contraception generally do not have the side effects of hormonal contraceptives, some forms of barrier contraception (contraceptive sponges and condoms) may be obtained without a prescription.
The only medical contraindication to the use of barrier contraception is latex allergy (when using latex condoms). However, with the exception of male and female condoms that can provide protection against infection with sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), most methods of barrier contraception are not effective in preventing STDs.
Spermicides
During sexual intercourse, hundreds of millions of sperm are normally
released into a woman's vagina. The large majority of these sperm die. They die
because of the unfriendly environment of the vagina, which is acidic, and
because the mucus in the cervix above the vagina acts as a selective filter for
the sperm. Only about 1% of all the sperm released in an ejaculation
successfully pass through the woman's vagina and cervix to reach the uterus (the womb). However, it only takes one sperm to fertilize the ovum (the egg) and to achieve
conception.
Spermicides are a type of contraceptive agent that work by killing sperm.
Spermicides need to be in place in a woman's vagina before intercourse if
they are to prevent viable sperm from reaching her uterus. Spermicides come in a
wide variety of forms, including jellies, creams, foams, films, and
suppositories. The active ingredient in essentially all spermicides is
Nonoxynol-9. This is a detergent-like chemical that kills sperm.
Once placed inside the vagina, the spermicide melts into a liquid that coats
the vagina in order to set up a chemical barrier between the sperm and the
cervix. Spermicidal foams are more effective than creams or jellies. Not only is
it possible to achieve a better distribution with foam, but foam adheres better
to the vaginal walls and cervix.
Suppositories are solid or semi-solid and need to be inserted in the vagina
15 minutes before intercourse in order to liquefy with vaginal moisture.
Vaginal contraceptive film needs to be in place in the vagina about 5 minutes
prior to sexual intercourse in order to liquefy and become effective.
Spermicides are like all other methods of birth control in that they must be
used properly in order to prevent pregnancy. Each type of spermicide has a
unique method of use. For example, spermicidal creams, gels, and foam need to be
deposited high up in the vagina near the cervix. Spermicidal suppositories must
be unwrapped and inserted in the vagina. Squares
of spermicidal film should be inserted into the vagina with a woman's finger. It is important to follow exact instructions on
the package for each different type of spermicide.
A spermicide should be placed in the vagina prior to the man's penis getting
anywhere near the vagina. It is a common mistake for a couple to wait too long
before using the spermicide.
There are two basic concerns with any given spermicide. 1) How long the
spermicide stays in the desired place; and 2) how long the spermicide is
active in killing sperm. Therefore, the timing of spermicide use must take into account
both of these factors.
In general, spermicides tend to be effective soon after their application.
They can be inserted 15 minutes or more before intercourse. However, if there is
a significant delay before intercourse (for example an hour), more spermicide
must be added.
A fresh application of spermicide must also be used for each act of
intercourse.
Douching should be avoided for at least 8 hours after the last intercourse.
The effectiveness of spermicides in preventing pregnancy varies from 70 to
90%. This depends on the amount of spermicide and how it is used, the timing of
use prior to intercourse, and how well the instructions on the package are
followed.
Spermicides should not be used as protection for the
woman or man against sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted
diseases, or STDs). While spermicides may be partially protective against
certain organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections, including
chlamydia and
gonorrhea, they also do not protect against the
human
Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
The main objection voiced about spermicides is that they
are "messy." A small percent (2% to 4%) of people may have an adverse reaction
to Nonoxynol-9, which is experienced as an irritation or a burning
sensation.
Spermicides, however, have some positive features. They
are relatively inexpensive and they are available over-the- counter (OTC)
without a prescription.
Note that some lubricating jellies also available over-the-counter do not
contain spermicide and are not meant to be used as a form of birth control. It
is important to check the information on the package to be sure that the product
contains spermicide or that the word "contraceptive" appears on the label.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia have no symptoms. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for chlamydia.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge, burning or frequent urination, and redness, swelling, burning and itching of the vaginal area. Gonorrhea can be treated with injectable (penicillin) or oral medications.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite passed from person to person. Trichomoniasis can be picked up from contact with damp, moist objects like towels, wet clothing, or toilet seat. Symptoms include yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge with a strong odor, painful intercourse or urination, genital irritation and itching, and lower abdominal pain. Medication is the only treatment for trichomoniasis.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by a microscopic, wormlike bacterial organism called a spirochete. There are three stages of syphilis. The first involves the formation of the chancre. The second stage often includes hair loss, a sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, headaches, and a skin rash. The third stage can cause extensive damage to the internal organs and the brain, and can lead to death. Though early infection often resolves on its own, treatment usually varies based on the stage of the infection at the time of diagnosis.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to grow.
Premature ovarian failure (POS) is the cessation of normal functioning of the ovaries in women under the age of 40. Premature ovarian failure may be caused by follicle depletion or dysfunction. The most common symptom of premature ovarian failure are irregular periods. There is no "treatment" that will restore the ovarian function, but there are treatments that my relieve symptoms.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
There are four phases to the sexual response for men and women. Couple do not usually reach each phase at the same time, and they are dependant from individual to individual. The four phases of the sexual response cycle include phase 1, excitement; phase 2, plateau; phase 3 orgasm; and phase 4 resolution.
Reproductive health encompasses the beginning of menstruation for women, choosing the right birth control method for you and your partner, preventing contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and for women, ending with the menopausal transition.
If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile and physically
able to become pregnant, she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?"
If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control
(contraception).
Terminology used to describe birth control methods
include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what
the terminology, sexually active people can choose from an abundance of
methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no
method of birth control available today offers perfect protection against
sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), except abstinence.
In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing
a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or
preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's ute...
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