P.O.W.E.R. Learning - Robert S. Feldman

Try It! Essay - Do You Know the Types of Birth Control?

Many students will have sexual relationships in college. Relationships involving sex force students to make decisions—often in the heat of the moment—that require critical thinking and responsible behavior. Attitudes, beliefs, values, emotions, and body awareness all influence and are influenced by these decisions.

Unprotected sex can result in serious consequences, such as unwanted pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, many types of birth control are available to help prevent unwanted pregnancy, and some are effective against the transmission of STDs.

In this exercise, see if you can match the form of birth control with its description.

Description	Terms
This is a small piece of plastic inserted by a medical practitioner into a woman’s uterus. Although highly effective, some have been found to cause serious side effects, including infections and scarring that can make it impossible for a woman to get pregnant when she wants to.
This means refraining from sexual intercourse, which only works if practiced without fail. It is the only type of birth control that is effective 100% of the time.
This is a thin sheath that fits over the penis. By preventing sperm from entering the vagina, it is highly effective in preventing pregnancy and many STDs, if used properly and consistently.
Composed of artificial hormones, these are among the most effective contraceptives. Except for women with particular medical conditions, the side effects are minimal.
Each is a circular, dome-shaped piece of thin rubber that a woman inserts into her vagina, covering the cervix. A spermicidal cream or jelly should be used simultaneously, and it must be removed after sexual intercourse. Although side effects are few, the risk of pregnancy is somewhat higher than with other forms of birth control.
One of the newest forms of birth control, this is a small capsule surgically inserted into a woman’s upper arm. It lasts for five years, preventing pregnancy for the entire period. With few side effects, it is highly effective.
Shaped like a cap, this is inserted into the vagina. It can be left in place for 24 hours, during which time it can be used for multiple acts of intercourse. Although it has few side effects, it has a failure rate between 17 and 25 percent.

Previous Exercise

Chapter 12 Contents

Next Exercise