birth control/contraception

Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy. Some methods offer the added advantage of preventing STDs as well. There are many different methods of birth control available, some of which include: Barrier Methods (prevent sperm and egg from making contact) Condoms catch the sperm and prevent it from entering the vagina. You can buy latex condoms at the pharmacy or grocery store. They are inexpensive (about $2.00 for a package of 3) and very effective (97% effective) in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Spermicide in the form of jelly or foam is inserted into the vagina and kills sperm before it makes contact with an egg. When used alone, spermicides are about 94% effective. When spermicide is used with a condom it the most effective protection you can get. A tube of spermicide costs about $11 to 13, and you can buy it in the pharmacy or grocery store.

The diaphragm and cervical cap are used with spermicide and are inserted into the vagina and block the sperm from making contact with an egg. You need a doctor's prescription to get a diaphragm, and they cost about $25.

Hormonal Methods

The Birth Control Pill is a synthetic hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). The pill is about 98% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, but it provides no protection against STDs. It costs about $14 a month, and you need to get a prescription from your doctor.

Depo-Provera is a hormone shot that you get every 3 months at the doctor's office. Like the pill, Depo prevents the egg from being released from the ovaries each month. It is 99.6% effective in preventing pregnancy, but does not protect you against STDs. It costs about $30 to $40 per injection.

Just plain dumb methods

Withdrawal is when the male pulls out before he ejaculates into the female. This method is not effective because some sperm can escape during intercourse even before ejaculation.

The rhythm method is when you only have intercourse on days when you think that you are not ovulating (an egg is released from the ovary). This method does not work because you can never be sure when you are ovulating, and there are no safe days.

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Prenatal care

This is when a doctor (an obstetrician or family practitioner) monitors the mother's health and the baby's growth all the way through the pregnancy, and educates the mother about a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. The pregnant woman goes to the doctor once a month for the first eight months to get weighed, have her blood pressure taken, and hear the baby's heartbeat. This is to make sure that the baby is growing and that everything is going well. During the last month of her pregnancy, a woman goes to see the doctor once a week to make sure that she and the baby are healthy.

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