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Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

By Sheila Shimko

Today there are a lot of college students who are having sex.  It seems to be the newest trend.  If you are not having sex then you are just not with it.  Because of this trend, knowing about different types of contraception and knowing about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) is very important.  Knowing the different types of contraception and how to use them is extremely important so mistakes can be eliminated.  It is also important to know how to prevent and detect STDs, so the spread of STDs can be kept to a minimum.

Types of Contraception

Contraception is the prevention of the fertilization of an ovum.  This is also known as birth control to prevent pregnancy.  There are many types of contraception and it is important to know the difference between them all.

  • Condom - A condom is a covering that is put over an erect penis. Most are made of latex rubber and some have spermicide on them.  Spermicide is a cream that kills sperm.
  • Female Condom - The female condom is similar to a male condom in that it is a sheath, but this goes into the female's vagina. 
  • Diaphragm - A diaphragm is a rubber cup that fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix.
  • Spermicides - Spermicides are foams, creams, jellies, films, suppositories and tablets that are put into the woman's vagina before sex and they kill sperm to prevent pregnancy.
  • The Pill - The birth control pill is made up of several hormones that you take every day at the same time to prevent from getting pregnant.  (National Women's Health Information Center Website, 2000; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 1997)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

      Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact that can be caused by viruses or bacteria.  Bacteria STDs can be cured but viruses cannot be cured; they can only be treated. 

  • Bacterial STDs- Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichmoniasis and syphilis.
  • Viral STDs- HIV/AIDS, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts and Cytomegalovirus. 
Ways to Prevent STDs
  • Do not have sex.
  • If you do have sex:
  • Use A condom
  • Ask your partner if they have any STDs or AIDS or if they have any suspicious marks on them
  • Get regular check ups for STDs (National Women's Health Information Center, 1999)
    • It is extremely important to know what different types of birth control there are and how to use them.  It is also extremely important to know how to prevent STDs and how to recognize how to treat them.
     
     

    References

    1) The National Women's Health Information Center. (2000). Birth Control 
            Methods.  http://www.4woman.gov/faq/Easyread/birthcont-etr.htm [2002, Feb. 19].
    2) The National Women's Health Information Center. (1999). Sexually Transmitted 
            Diseases.  http://www.4woman.gov/faq/Easyread/std-etr.htm [2002, Feb. 19].
    3) U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (1997).  Protecting Against Unintended 
            Pregnancy:  A Guide to Contraceptive Choices. 
    http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/397_baby.html [2002, Feb.19]. 
     

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