Making Condoms Comfortable

Condoms are the only form of contraception that prevent unwanted pregnancy AND protect against STDs, so using them makes sense. Make a condom more comfortable for both of you by loving the lubricant! Coat both the inside and outside of the condom with lube before putting it on. Use a water-based brand, like Astroglide, or a silicone-based type, like Eros, both of which will increase sensitivity. Never use an oil-based lubricant, like petroleum jelly, as this can break the condomand THAT can make babies. Is he well-endowed? On the short side? Condoms come in various sizes and there IS a brand that will work for him. Is a condom not her favorite feeling? Ribbed brands will increase sensation two-fold! Getting comfortable with condoms is vital to the safestyet sexiestintercourse!

You know you should wear a condom. But how do you convince your penis of that? Putting on a condom can be scarywhat if she backs out, the mood is ruined, or you lose your erection? Relax. First, ensure that you keep condoms in an easy-access place thats not too obvious. For example, try a small, inconspicuous toiletries bag near the bed.If youre out, keep a condom in the chest pocket of your jacket where it will be safe and unnoticed. When its time to open the condom, make it easy by tearing from the center, not the corner. When putting the condom on, get on the bed and kneel on both knees, bending slightly forward. This is effective because blood will rush to your penis and offset any nervous shrinking. Of course, it has the added bonus of leaving you in position to,well, take the plunge!

Youre heard of the morning-after-pill and probably heard that its not fool-proof at preventing pregnancy. But another method is! If youve had sex without protection and need to be certain that you wont have to live with an unintended pregnancy, you may consider having a doctor insert an intra-uterine device, or IUD, into your uterus. This method is literally 99.9 percent effective when the IUD is inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex. An IUD is a T-shaped, plastic device that can be put into the uterus to prevent a pregnancy. ParaGard the type used for this purpose can prevent a pregnancy by encouraging the body to release leukocytes and prostaglandins, substances hostile to both sperm and eggs. The device can also stop an egg that has already been fertilized from implanting into the uterus. This type of IUD can stay in place and remain effective as birth control for 12 years, or it can be removed after the next menstrual period. A final note about IUDs: They are not recommended for women at a high risk for STDs following their sexual encounter. If this is you, talk to your doctor about other options.

Forget to use a condom last night? The morning-after-pill offers protection against pregnancy today. Emergency contraception, or EC, is a pill that contains hormones which can help stop a pregnancy from occurring. Many people believe that EC causes an early abortion, but that's not the case. Actually, the medication prevents or delays the ovaries from releasing an egg, or stops a previously released egg from being fertilized. These are the same ways in which other hormonal birth controls prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 72 hours from the time of intercourse. However, about half the women who take it experience nausea and vomiting due to EC's high concentration of hormones. If you're looking for EC, one form-called Plan-B- is available over-the-counter for women over 18. Other brands require a doctor's prescription. Know that, at best, EC drugs are only 89 percent effective...so ensure that it truly is a "Plan B" for you!

Oral contraceptives are the most popular method of non-permanent birth control in the United States. No wonder there are so many to choose from! Orthro Cept and Alesse are examples of a form of oral contraceptives called the "monophasic" pill. This birth control is over 99 percent effective when used correctly. A woman on a monophasic pill takes 28 pills during each cycle. Twenty-one of these are "active" and contain an equal amount of two synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin. The remaining seven tablets in a packet are placebos. During the time a woman takes these, she does not receive hormones and usually gets her period as a result. One newer form of monophasic pill, called Seasonale, allows a woman to go three months without her period. It does so by containing 84 active pills, followed by one week of placebos. The steady dosage of estrogen and progestin in all monophasic pills may produce fewer side effects, like breakthrough bleeding, than other Pills. For some women, the high dose of hormones can prove too much. If you're not sold on monophasic tablets, check out our other videos on picking your Pill!

The birth control Pill was invented in 1960, and has exploded in popularity since then. Today, you can choose from 40 kinds of oral contraceptives! The most common type of birth control pill is the muliphasic form, which contains different levels of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progestin each week. Multiphasic pills are over 99 percent effective when used correctly. Some multiphasic pills, like Mircette, change hormones once during a woman's cycle. Other multiphasics, like Orthro Tri-Cyclen, alter hormone levels once a week. These are also known as triphasic Pills. Both forms of multiphasic pills contain 21 active tablets and seven placebos. While taking placebos, a woman will usually have her period. Multiphasic pills are a good choice for women who are sensitive to the steady doses of hormones delivered by other forms of oral contraception. But multiphasic pills won't work for women who can't take estrogen, or for those who are bothered by light breakthrough bleeding. If you're not sure about multiphasics, check out our other videos on picking the ideal birth control Pill for you!

Eighteen million women worldwide pop a Pill once a day to avoid pregnancy! How do they work? Oral contraceptives generally all work in the same manner: They prevent a woman from ovulating, or releasing an egg, each month. The Pill is over 99 percent effective if used correctly! At the beginning of a woman's menstrual cycle, levels of the hormone estrogen rise for about 14 days, which is when they peak. At this point, the body's ovaries react to the high estrogen level by releasing an egg to be fertilized. After ovulation has occurred, another hormone, called progestin, begins to increase, preparing the uterus to allow a fertilized egg to implant. Oral contraceptives contain synthetic versions of both the hormones progestin and estrogen. They prevent ovulation from occurring by keeping hormone levels from fluctuating. That means that excess estrogen isn't made to release an egg and excess progestin doesn't cause the uterus to prep for a fertilized egg to implant.

Behavioral methods of birth control rely on couples adjusting their sexual practices to reduce the chances of an unplanned pregnancy. These methods are advantageous in that they are free and require no prescription. Withdrawal is a method of birth control whereby a man pulls his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. This can prevent pregnancy by keeping a sperm from meeting the egg. Unfortunately, 30 percent of people who rely on the withdrawal method conceive anyway. This is because even pre-ejaculate can cause a pregnancy. It also takes a LOT of self-control for a man to pull out at the height of pleasure, particularly if he is prone to premature ejaculation. Some couples rely on behavioral "fertility awareness methods," or FAMs. These depend on a woman tuning in to her body's ovulation cycles and refraining from sex on days when she is likely to release an egg. Before a couple can use FAMs, they must understand that a man's sperm can live in a woman's body for five or six days. A woman's egg, meanwhile, survives for one day after release. There are several ways to determine if a woman is ovulating, one of which is called the temperature method. A woman's body temperature rises minutely-between 0.4 to 0.8 degrees-on the day she ovulates, and remains elevated until her period. A couple is less likely to conceive between three days after the temperature rise to the day it falls again. A woman's body temperature rises minutely-between 0.4 to 0.8 degrees-on the day she ovulates, and remains elevated until her period. A couple is less likely to conceive between three days after the temperature rise to the day it falls again. Other couples use the calendar method, where the woman charts her menstrual cycles and abstains from sex on the days she's likely to be fertile...usually the five days prior to, day of, and day after, ovulation. Other FAMs include the standard days method, whereby a woman uses a special string of beads to chart ovulation, and the mucous method, where she monitors vaginal discharge to determine when conception is likely. While each of these FAMs can work, they are only about eighty percent effective, assuming the methods are followed strictly. Human error and other common factors can contribute to the failure rate. This is because ovulation can be altered by even slight stressors, like illness or diet alterations. In addition, most women don't ovulate at the same time every month, and charting fertility patterns consistently requires much dedication! Because behavioral methods other than abstinence have such a high margin of error, they are NOT recommended as primary means of birth control. In addition, none of the behavioral birth control methods (with the exception of abstinence), offer ANY protection against another common result of intercourse: sexually transmitted diseases. Intercourse can easily result in conception, so couples who don't wish to have a child should use birth control when being intimate. Talk to your doctor about the method that's best for YOU.

Millions of people who choose to engage in sex use over-the-counter, or OTC, methods of birth control, including male and female condoms, the sponge, and spermicides. Over-the-counter methods are appealing because they are available without a prescription, are inexpensive, and don't alter a woman's hormones. The most commonly used method of birth control is the male condom. A condom is a latex or plastic sheath that is worn on the penis to collect semen. If used perfectly EVERY TIME, condoms are 98 percent effective against pregnancy, but with typical use, they are about 85 percent effective. In addition, condoms are most effective when used with a separately applied vaginal spermicide. To put on a condom, unroll it over an erect penis to the base, leaving about a half- inch of space in the tip for semen. The female condom is another OTC method, effective 95 percent of the time when used perfectly, or 80 percent effective with typical use. It offers some protection against STDs and is a good alternative for people who are allergic to latex. The female condom is a plastic pouch with rings at both ends. It is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. To use it, insert the closed ring into the vagina like a tampon. Let the outer ring hang an inch outside the vagina. While using a lubricant can make both the male and female condom more comfortable, NEVER use an oil-based brand with latex, as this can cause breakage. Condoms are more effective when combined with another method of birth control, like spermicides. Although spermicides can be used alone, they only reduce pregnancy by 85 percent, and are ineffective at protecting against STDs. Spermicides, which are available in cream, foam, jelly, and suppository form, block the entrance to the uterus and immobilize sperm. Although each preparation is a bit different, a spermicide should generally be inserted into the vagina about ten minutes before intercourse. Spermicide should be reapplied before each additional sexual encounter. Another birth control method that utilizes spermicide is the soft, plastic female sponge. The sponge covers the cervix to block sperm, and generally reduces pregnancy risk by 70 to 90 percent depending on a woman's conception history and accuracy of use. The sponge continuously releases a spermicide. The sponge can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and must remain in place for at least six hours afterward. Before inserting the sponge, activate the spermicide by moistening it with water and squeezing gently. Then, fold the sponge upward from the loop at the bottom and slide it deeply into the vagina. While each of these OTC methods offers protection against pregnancy, none of them are 100 percent effective, and only condoms offer any protection against STDs. Sex is fun, but it does come with risks. Remember to talk to your doctor AND your partner about the birth control method that is right for you, and to use it correctly every time!

Hormonal birth control is extremely successful at preventing an unwanted pregnancy, but some women find taking daily oral contraception to be an inconvenience. For these people, other hormonal methods may be useful, including the patch and the shot. The shot, which is more commonly known under its brand name, Depo-Provera, is an injection of hormones that prevents pregnancy. Depo-Provera stops conception in several ways, mainly by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens a woman's cervical mucous and reduces motility of the fallopian tubes, making it less likely for a sperm to join an egg. In addition, the shot thins the lining of the uterus, which may make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. Some people consider this an early form of an abortion and therefore find it unethical. In addition to the hormonal changes which help to prevent pregnancy, most women experience a reduction in their menstrual flow, or a complete cessation of periods altogether. A woman using Depo-Provera receives the injection in a doctor's office every twelve weeks. It works to prevent conception for the full three months afterward. The shot is 97 percent effective and usually costs between $30 and $75 U.S. dollars, per injection. This, in conjunction with the fact that Depo-Provera does not contain estrogen, (a common ingredient in many hormonal methods), makes it popular with the women who use it. However, use of the shot beyond two years is not advised as it is associated with bone density loss and osteoporosis. For this reason, some women may prefer a newer method of hormonal birth control: the patch. The patch is a thin, beige-colored device that adheres to a woman's skin like a band-aid for a week at a time. After receiving a prescription for the patch, a woman will apply the sticky part to the skin of her buttocks, stomach, upper arm, or upper torso. On the same day a week later, the patch should be removed and replaced. This continues for three weeks, with a one week break during which a woman has her period. This device works in the same manner as Depo-Provera. With correct use, the patch is more than 99 percent effective and is usually quite affordable at about $30 U.S dollars per month. However, women who are over 180 pounds or who have a body mass index greater than 30 may experience less success with this method. In addition, the patch is not recommended for people who take certain medications, like those used to treat seizures. In general, both the shot and the patch are quite effective at preventing pregnancy; however neither offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases. For this reason, some women use condoms to reduce STD transmission and for back-up pregnancy prevention. If you're considering a hormonal method of birth control, carefully weigh your options and talk to your doctor about which may be right for you!

Oral contraception, more commonly known as "the pill," is the most popular method of prescription birth control in the United States. It comes in two forms: combination, and progestin-only, which is often referred to as the "mini-pill." Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, two types of hormones similar to those made naturally by a woman's ovaries. This combination pill works primarily by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Some combination pills, like Yas and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, contain less estrogen for women who feel the effects of the hormone more strongly or those who prefer to take minimal doses. The mini-pill, which only contains progestin, works by thickening a woman's cervical mucous and thinning the lining of the uterus. It may also suppress ovulation, but not reliably like combination pills. For this reason, the Mini-Pill is less forgiving than the combination pill and MUST be taken at the same time each day. To start taking the pill, you must get a prescription from a doctor, who will decide which type and dose is best for you. After getting the prescription filled, a woman should begin taking the pill according to her doctor's instructions. For maximum efficacy, the pill should be taken at the exact same time every day. Combination pills come in 21 or 28-day packs. Both have 21 hormonally active days of pills, while the last seven days in a 28 pack are simply "reminder" pills, which do NOT contain any hormones. Progestin-only pills come in 28-day packs, every day of which contains hormones. Regardless of the type of combination pill a woman takes, menstruation occurs during the fourth week of her cycle. Women taking combination pills have the option of suppressing a period by skipping the "placebo" week and starting a new pack immediately. Meanwhile, with the progestin-only pill, the periods can be irregular, or even disappear altogether. The pill is such a popular method of birth control due to its price tag-about $15 U.S. dollars a month-and its high rate of effectiveness-over 99 percent when used perfectly. In addition, the combination pill has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer of the ovaries and uterus. Other benefits include a reduction in acne, osteoporosis, and premenstrual symptoms. Of course, the pill is not for everyone. It has been shown to slightly increase the risk of a blood clot in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. For this reason, it is NOT recommended for use by women with a history of blood clots, blood clotting disorders, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Nor is it recommended for smokers over the age of 35. In addition, women over 180 pounds, or who have a body mass index above 30, and those who take certain medications like St. John's Wort, may find the pill less effective. If you are taking oral contraceptives, remember that your birth control does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so you will want to use a condom as back-up. The pill is a very effective method of preventing an unwanted pregnancy, but it is not for everyone. Women that may have trouble remembering to take contraception should explore other methods.

Anytime you're getting busy in the bedroom, there's a chance you'll conceive. So, if you're not ready for that kind of a threesome, consider contraception carefully. Before you get hot and heavy, you should know that only abstinence provides a 100% guarantee that you won't get pregnant. Since you probably won't choose that option, you should know how good your birth control method really is at preventing conception. The effectiveness of any form of birth control is measured by something called the birth control failure rate, which tells us, on average, what percentage of couples using that birth control method will get pregnant during a full year of use. For example, if a contraception method is 90% effective, 10% of all women using that form of birth control would become pregnant over the course of a single year. But effectiveness is a tricky word, because many people make mistakes when they use birth control-like forgetting to take the Pill, or pulling out too late while using the withdrawal method-that can reduce the success of their contraception method. That's why the effectiveness of most birth control methods is reported in two ways effectiveness when used perfectly, and a real effectiveness rate, which is based on how people actually use it. According to the FDA, hormonal methods of birth control have the best rates of success. The Pill, for example, has a 99.1-percent effectiveness rating with perfect use, and a 95% rating with standard use. An intrauterine device, which is place in a woman's uterus by a doctor and therefore has not standard use, has over a 99% effectiveness rating. The hormonal shot, which is also administered by a doctor is 97.7% effective. Similarly, the hormonal implant, like Norplant, which is inserted by a doctor, is always 99.9% effective. The male latex condom is 97% effective if used perfectly, but only 86% effective with typical use. The diaphragm is 94-percent effective with perfect use, and 80-percent effective with standard use. When used alone, spermicide is 94-percent effective if applied correctly, but only 74-percent effective based on actual use. Natural methods, like withdrawal, are not particularly effective at preventing pregnancy. The withdrawal method is 96-percent effective with perfect use, but only 81-percent effective with typical use. And, if you choose to forgo birth control altogether for a full year, there is an 85 percent chance that you'll become pregnant! Measuring the effectiveness of birth control in a single use is harder, because the likelihood of a woman getting pregnant varies dramatically throughout her menstrual cycle. Nonetheless, you can get an estimate of how effective one of these methods is for a one-night stand, by taking the annual failure rate and dividing it by 50. For example, if you use a male condom, here's the math: The male condom is 86% effective annually, so it has a 14% annual failure rate. Divide 14% by 50, and you get .3%. So, all other things being equal, if you use the male condom the way it's typically used, your chances of getting pregnant are less than 3 in 1,000. Whichever method of birth control you choose, there is still a chance that you'll get pregnant; and remember many forms of birth control offer no protection against STDs.

You got carried away in the heat of the moment, and now you can't stop worrying... could you be pregnant? Anytime that you have vaginal intercourse, pregnancy is a possibility - but how likely you are to get pregnant depends on the specific circumstances. There are a couple of situations that people frequently worry about. Say, for example, that you're having sex with a condom and it breaks. According to the Canadian Society for OBGYNs, about one in twenty-three broken condoms, or 4.5%, actually results in pregnancy. This makes sense, given that having unprotected sex once, results in pregnancy, on average, about 4% of the time. Some people also worry about becoming pregnant when using the withdrawal method, which is when a man pulls out before ejaculation. The most frequently quoted statistics on contraceptives are the "birth control failure rates." The birth control failure rate tells you what percentage of women, using a particular method of birth control, will get pregnant over a full year. When the withdrawal method is used perfectly, the birth control failure rate is just 4%. The failure is due to pre-ejaculate, the fluid released prior to orgasm, which still contains up to 300,000 baby-making sperm. However, based on how the withdrawal method is actually used, the birth control failure rate is really over 25%, according to the CDC. The precise risk of pregnancy from just one sexual encounter using the withdrawal method depends on where you were in your menstrual cycle. However, on average, if you used the method correctly your chances of pregnancy are less than .05% - that's 5 in 10,000. Sometimes, when a man orgasms from an activity other than intercourse, a woman may still worry that she accidentally touched the semen and then inserted it into her vagina. While it is possible to get pregnant this way, it's very unlikely. Nonetheless, sperm can live for an hour outside of the body, so be careful about touching your vagina with wet semen. I's important to remember though, that your actual chance of getting pregnant varies greatly, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. You're most likely to get pregnant each month during the several days when your body is ovulating, or releasing an egg into your fallopian tubes. Ovulation usually occurs from twelve to sixteen days after your period begins, but it can happen earlier or later as well, and can vary from month to month based on factors ranging from antibiotic use to stress. Just because you're not ovulating doesn't mean you can't get pregnant! A man's sperm can live in your body for up to seven days-which means, that if he ejaculates in you when you're not ovulating, conception is still possible.This means that, while it is unlikely, you can get pregnant if you have sex during your period. If you find yourself worrying about being pregnant, remember to always use birth control. If you need help picking the best contraception for your sex life, check out the other videos in this category.