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Spelman Spotlight Page 9 February 1982 Guide To A Better You: is Yours A Healthy Relationships Facts On Contraception by Sharon Y. Jones Junior Reporter With the publication of many reports on the health risk women face when using many of the contraceptive agents availableto them, many couples are opting for male methods of birth con trol. At present, the primary methods of male contraception are vasectomies, withdrawal, and condoms. According to family planning expert Christopher Tietz, condoms, also known as rubbers and prophylactics, are the third most popular method of contraception, with the Pill and IUD (intrauterine device) first and second, respectively. A condom is a sheath of very thin rubber or animal membrane which covers the man’s erect penis during intercourse and prevents sperm from entering the vagina. The Tietz survey reports that condoms are third in terms of use effectiveness, with the Pill and IUD ranking first and second in that order. While the condom is approximately 97 percent effective if used correct ly and consistently, it is even more effective when used with spermicidal foam, jelly, or cream. Test results reported in Vogue (April, 1980) show that the condom-foam combination is close to 100 percent effective if both foam and condom are used with each act of intercourse. As with any method of con traception, there are problems and risks involved in condom use. One of the most common complaints is that using a con dom interferes with the spon taneity of sex, and dulls sensation for the male. Other problems are as follows: the condom must (^e put on before the penis comes in contact with the vagina because drops of semen that spill from the penis may cause pregnancy. The condom must be withdrawn from the vagina immediately following ejaculation. The con dom may break. Condoms must be stored away from the heat so as not to weaken the rubber. When lubricated with petroleum jelly, the rubber may be weaken ed. Allergic reactions may develop with either partner in which case a different brand should be used; and condoms may not be used more than once (unless in dire emergencies). Available in many shapes and colors, condoms not only help to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also lessen chances of con tracting,, sexually transmitted diseases, and eliminate post coital drip in the woman. While there are numerous precautions one should take when using a condom, they remain one of the safest and least expensive means of contraception. <5b The IUD by Lisa Hobbs The Intrauterine Device, com monly known as the IUD, is a prescribed method of birth control. It is a small, plastic, T- shaped device inserted by a physician. Because the IUD is an internal form of birth control, it is most convenient. There is no worrying or thinking about birth control. The only thing that the user may think about is checking the string periodically to make sure that the IUD is properly in place. The IUD prevents pregnancy by causing a mild irritation of the uterine lining thus hindering fertilization. The IUD is ninety- seven to ninety-nine percent effective if inserted properly. Unfortunately, the IUD has its disadvantages. It has been recently reported that the IUD causes a high risk of pelvic inflammatory disease which in some extreme cases can lead to sterilzation. As stated in the February 1982 issue of Clamour Magazine, “IUD users run a three to five times greater risk of infection than nonusers.. Because of this problem, it is suggested that women using this method visit their gynecologist^ regularly to prevent serious in fection. GBY: Conducts Survey Understanding The Barrier Method by Carla D. Johnson In 1971, Kantner and Zelik did a survey of unmarried women between the ages of 15 and 19. The results of their survey show ed than an average of 28 percent of women in this age group have had sexual intercourse. This ranges from 14 percent who were sexually active at age 15 to 46 percent who were sexually active by age 19. In 1976, Kantner and Zelnik did another study. The results of this study increased to 55.2. An analysis of the 1971 and 1976 data indicates the percentage of unmarried women sexually ac tive at age 19 has risen to 66.3 percent. The analysis of the 1971 and 1976 data results prompted the “Guide to a Better You” staff to do our own study. A Spelman Spotlight Questionnaire was administered to 200 random Spelman and Morehouse students between February 5, 1982 and February 8,1982. Of the 200 questionnaires ad ministered, 150 were tallied. The results of our questionnaire are as follows: Freshman Class — Of the freshman males and females that answered the questionnaire, the females and males are sexually on the average of once a month. Sophomore class — Of the sophomore males and females that answered the questionnaire the females are sexually active on the average of once a week. The sophomore males were tied at being sexually active on the average of once a month, once a week, and more than 10 times a month. Junior and Senior Class- Results from the junior and senior classes were combined. Both showed that females were sexually active between once a week and once a month. The male averages were ap proximately the same (The results of the questionnaire are not representative of the behavior of the entire school. Only of the 150 people whose questionnaires were tallied). Both the Kantner and Zelnik study and our questionnaire tell us that males and females between the ages of 18 and 22 are sexually active. We all know that sexual intercourse and con traceptive information go hand in hand. This edition of a “Guide To A Better You” will focus on contraceptives: The I.U.D., Diaphragm, and Condom. Due to the high occurence of genital herpes, an article on this subject has been included also. After reading our column, any questions that cannot be answered by the editor of the column should be directed to the Center for Disease Control at 329-3311 or Ms. Judith Gordan at the Spelman College Family Planning Clinic, 681-3643 ext. 288 by Lisa Hobbs Junior Reporter Want a birth control method that - “kills sperm, but not romance?” If so, try a barrier method of contraception such as the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a molded cap usually of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier. Due to conflicting instructions from various manufacturers and publications about how to use and care for the diaphragm, the Margaret Sanger Research Bureau in New York has put together an instruction pamphlet that places special emphasis on teaching young patients how to use the diaphragm correctly. Instruc tions are simple. Insert the diaphragm with spermicidal jelly or cream anytime within six hours before intercourse. Once inserted, check it to be sure it covers the cervix. Place about a by Eric Brown Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which may be passed along through in timate physical contact with an infected person. Herpes is a disease caused by a virus, either herpes simplex virus Type I or Type II. Either strain can cause teaspoon of contraceptive jelly or cream around the rim of the diaphragm; any place outside of the device will simply lubricate it as aid to insertion. If one has intercourse again while the diaphragm is in place, cream or jelly should be reapplied (the diaphragm need not be remov ed). The diaphragm should be left in place for at least six hours after the last act of intercourse. To remove the diaphragm, the Fulton County Health Depart ment diaphragm pamphlet suggests that the device be gently dislodged, pulled down and out of the vagina. After' removal, the diaphragm should be washed with soap and water, dried and placed back in its case. Light dusting with cornstarch before placing it in the case is often recommended. Periodical ly, one should check her diaphragm for holes by holding it up to the light and inspecting. If holes are discovered, discon- disease on either the mouth or the genitals. However, the ma jority of oral infections (labial herpes) is caused by the Type I strain, whereas the majority of genital infections is caused by the Type II strain. Typically, a genital herpes tinue use immediately, and see a doctor about obtaining a new diaphragm. Frequent complaints voiced by women using this method of contraception are: the messiness of multiple applications of spermcide, the clumsiness of diaphragm insertion, and the bad taste of most creams and jellies. Figures from Contracep tive Technology 1980-81 show the diaphragm as having a three percent theoretical effectiveness rate. Actual use effectiveness is 17 percent. Self magazine (December 1981) suggests that the diaphragm is good for “women who like spontaneous sex, since it can be inserted six hours before inter course,” and not good for “women who are inhibited about inserting or removing the device in front of their partner, or having to re-apply jelly or cream between each act of inter course.” infection appears two to twenty days after exposure. The first symptoms appear as whitish, fluid-filled sores found on and around the genitals and but tocks. These sores may itch, burn, or be quite painful. The sores also may be accompanied Continued on page 10 What Do You Know About Herpes?