Deciding to have sex for the first time or “losing your virginity” can be an important moment in a person’s life. For many people, it does not turn out exactly as planned. If your first time was not how you imagined it or if you are nervous about it happening, we want to ensure you…
Tag: protection
The History of the Condom
Background Condoms are a barrier method of contraception that can prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. A male condom is a thin sheath that is placed over the user’s erect penis before sexual activity to prevent direct contact of the penis with the partner’s skin, mucosa, and genital secretions.1 Though not…
Asking Parent(s) or Guardian(s) About Contraception
For many, the stage of life known as adolescence or puberty can be a difficult and complicated time. Our bodies undergo a number of changes– all of which create unique concerns, anxieties, and confusions. The combination of hormonal fluctuations and the maturation of interpersonal relationships made throughout middle and high school make puberty an especially…
Survival Guide for Young Women in College
For many young adults, college can be a shocking and drastic transition from high school. College students must navigate a host of changes in their lives, such as challenging classes, living free of parental supervision, and meeting new people. The college dating scene is another area of life that is completely new for incoming students….
Douching
Douching is the practice of flushing out the inside of the vagina with water or a solution that consists of water mixed with vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. Often times the mixture comes in a bottle or bag and is paired with a tube or nozzle that can be used to direct the solution into…
Internal Condom
The internal condom, like the external condom, is a barrier method of contraception. When worn during sex, the internal condom lines the entire interior of the vagina, preventing semen from entering the uterus and potentially fertilizing an egg. By shielding the walls of the vagina or anus from semen and other bodily fluids, the internal condom also helps…
Contraceptive Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable polyurethane foam device that contains absorbed spermicide. It is soft, circular, and concave in shape, and it has an attached cotton loop used for insertion and removal.1,2 Before intercourse, the sponge must be inserted deep into the vagina and placed over the cervical opening in order to prevent pregnancy by killing sperm before…
External Condom
External condoms are a barrier method of contraception used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). An external condom is a thin sheath that is placed over the user’s erect penis before sexual activity. This barrier protects against the spread of STIs by preventing direct contact between the penis and the partner’s skin, mucosa, and genital secretions. The external condom also…
Birth Control Pill Overview
Birth control pills are one of the most effective contraceptive methods for preventing pregnancy. Commonly referred to as “The Pill,” this type of birth control comes in a variety of forms and can be taken in a variety of different ways depending on the method that works best for the individual. There are two main types of…