epublishing store: Intro
Sexual Health eBook Volume4
Chapter 10Understanding Family Planning, Birth Control, and Contraception, Carey Roth BayerA variety of definitions exist for the terms family planning, birth control,
and contraception. Regardless of which definition one uses, each of the terms
refers to methods of planning for whether or not to have children. Some of
the methods protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For clarity,
the term, family planning, will be used throughout this chapter.
Family planning methods have been in existence throughout history. A few of
the early methods used included coitus interrupts or penile withdrawal before
ejaculation; wiping out the vagina after intercourse; inserting honey, pepper,
and/or animal dung in the vagina as barriers to semen; women holding their
breath at the time of ejaculation; women jumping backwards seven times after
intercourse; men donning condoms made of animal intestines; and, women inserting
oiled paper or beeswax into the vagina as cervical caps (Wikipedia 2005; Potts & Campbell,
2002). As myths were debunked
and scientists discovered more about the biology of the human body, family
planning methods were refined. Scientists began to understand the menstrual
cycle at the beginning of the twentieth century, which revolutionized family
planning altogether. By the early 1900s, rubber condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms,
spermicides, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) were being used to prevent pregnancy,
and Ludwig Haberlandt was collaborating with a pharmaceutical company in Budapest
on the possibility of an oral contraceptive (Potts & Campbell, 2002).
The first oral contraceptive pills came on the market in the United States
in 1960 (Crooks & Baur, 1999). The late 1900s and early 2000s gave rise
to a variety of other family planning methods including injectable hormones,
hormonal implants, intrauterine systems, vaginal rings, transdermal patches
or patches placed on the skin, and different types of oral contraceptive pills.
Family planning methods continue to be revised and refined as scientists make
new discoveries in the human body. New methods such as hormonal contraceptives
for men, as well as microbicides or agents used to kill bacteria, protozoa,
viruses, and fungi, particularly those causing STIs such as the human immunode•
ciency virus (HIV), are currently under development (Sitruk-Ware, 2005).
Family planning methods are complex. With all the methods available today,
it is easy to see how one can get confused. The effectiveness rates reported
in this chapter are the percentages of women in the United States experiencing
an unintended pregnancy while using a particular method both typically and
perfectly. The goal throughout this chapter is to provide you with an easily
understandable breakdown of the family planning methods currently available
in the United States. Methods differ around the world due to science, politics,
religion, research, finances, availability, and values. In this chapter, only
those approved in the United States will be addressed due to space limitations.
The next sections are broken down in order from least invasive methods to most
invasive methods, starting with fertility awareness methods and ending with
sterilization. The chapter concludes with a discussion of potential future
methods, as well as discussions on partner communication, method choice, and prevention of STIs. With all the methods currently available, communication among partners, discussion of STI prevention, and consistent method use are all vital components of family planning method selection. Sexual Health eBook Volume4 Chapter 10 $20 http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=104436&ProductID=3537204
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