Difference between revisions of "Birth Control"
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In general, the [[Catholic Church]] is officially opposed to contraception, but the great majority of Catholics ignore the prohibition. Other [[Christian]] denominations vary. [[Islam]]ic and [[Jewish]] views are quite diverse. | In general, the [[Catholic Church]] is officially opposed to contraception, but the great majority of Catholics ignore the prohibition. Other [[Christian]] denominations vary. [[Islam]]ic and [[Jewish]] views are quite diverse. | ||
| − | + | ==See also== | |
| − | + | * [[Fertility]] | |
| − | + | ==Further reading== | |
| − | + | * Reed, James. ''From Private Vice to Public Virtue: The Birth Control Movement and American Society Since 1830.'' 1978. | |
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[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthcontrol.html Information on Birth Control] | [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthcontrol.html Information on Birth Control] | ||
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[[Category:Medicine]] | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Reproduction]] |
[[Category:Demography]] | [[Category:Demography]] | ||
Revision as of 12:46, March 23, 2009
Contraception (Lat. against conception) generally refers to methods of preventing pregnancy (birth control). There are many different methods, each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The safest and most effective form of birth control is abstinence. The argument could be made that this is not actually "birth control" as there was never a risk for a pregnancy, but in common parlance, abstinence is the first line of protection. Except for condoms, most methods offer little protection against sexually transmitted diseases.[1] Many conservatives are opposed to teaching minors about contraception in the fear that it will encourage promiscuous behavior or sex before marriage. [2]
Contents
Barrier Methods
- Male condom: latex condoms are the most effective method of preventing STDs. 85% effective against pregnancy, increased to 95% if used with intravaginal spermicide - higher effectiveness (99%) when used as directed.
- Female Condom
- Sponge: 85% effectiveness
- Cervical cap: about 85% effectiveness
- Diaphragm: about 84% effectiveness
- Shield: 85% effectiveness
Hormonal Methods
- Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs): 92-99% effective when used as directed
- Depoprogesterone (Depo-Provera): 97% effective
- Vaginal ring (Nuva Ring): 92% effective
- "Rhythm method" (also sometimes referred to as a method of "timed abstinence"): low effectiveness
- Patch: 99.7% effective
Other
- Copper Intrauterine device (IUD): 99% effectiveness
- Hormonal Intrauterine device: over 99% effectiveness
- Withdrawal: low effectiveness
- Spermicide: about 70% effectiveness when used alone
- Male Sterilization
- Female Sterilization
Religious Perspectives
In general, the Catholic Church is officially opposed to contraception, but the great majority of Catholics ignore the prohibition. Other Christian denominations vary. Islamic and Jewish views are quite diverse.
See also
Further reading
- Reed, James. From Private Vice to Public Virtue: The Birth Control Movement and American Society Since 1830. 1978.
