Clued-up about Contraception?

Clued-up about contraception?

In both this, and next quarter’s issue, we at the Sex Desk will be providing you with an overview of the forms of contraception currently available in Ireland. We will break down the effectiveness, costs, and risks associated with these forms. Our aim is to help you find your own, ideal way to practice safe sex. In the first eight months of 2019, the HSE’s unplanned pregnancy helpline received 9,319 calls. In 2016, 86% of all STIs notified were among people under 30. By using contraceptive methods correctly, you can protect yourself against these risks and, potentially, enjoy sex even more.

The facts presented are provided by the following, reputable sources: The HSE, The NHS, Planned Parenthood. The first part of this overview analyses barrier methods of contraception. Next quarter’s overview will analyse hormonal methods of contraception.

Risks for barrier contraception (Penis /Vaginal condoms):

- Do not use out-of-date condoms. Condoms have a use-by date on the packaging.

- Condoms should not be stored in overly hot or cold environments.

- Condoms should be kept away from sharp or rough surfaces.

- Do not keep condoms in your pocket, car, or bathroom for long periods of time (over 1 month), because excessive heat and moisture can damage them over time.

- Oil-based products can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms.

- Many condoms contain latex. Do not use a latex condom if you or your partner have a latex allergy.

- Do not use penis and vaginal condoms at the same time, the resultant increase in friction increases the likelihood of condom tears.

Penis Condom:

Contraceptive Method: Barrier

What is it? A penis condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device made from very thin latex, polyisoprene or polyurethane. A penis condom is designed to stop semen coming into contact with a sexual partner. When used correctly every time: 98% effective What this means for me: 2 out of 100 people will become pregnant in one year when penis condoms are used correctly as contraception. Application: Hand washing before and after sex is encouraged. Check that the condom has no tears or perforations. To protect against pregnancy - must be placed on penis before each instance of genital to genial contact. To protect against STIs - must be placed on penis before any sexual contact. Each condom can only be used once. Once a condom has come into contact with a penis, it may contain traces of ejaculate. Detailed application information can be found on the NHS and Planned Parenthood websites.

Average Cost: For name brand condoms: €1.00-€1.50 per condom. (IRE) £0.80-£1.25 p/c (UK). $0.35-$0.75 p/c (USA). ₹17-₹25 p/c (IND). Penis condoms are available for free from House Six, College Health Service, HSE centres, and from the Goshh Ireland website.

More information on the next page.

Vaginal Condom:

Contraceptive Method: Barrier

What is it? A vaginal condom is a barrier device made from soft, thin synthetic latex or latex. A female condom is worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb. WARNING: VAGINAL CONDOMS DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST ORAL SEX STI RISKS. For information on protection against STI risks associated with vaginal/anal oral sex, see our dental dam information below. When used correctly every time: 95% effective What this means for me: 5 out of 100 people will become pregnant in one year when vaginal condoms are used correctly as contraception. Application: Hand washing before and after sex is encouraged. Check that the condom has no tears or perforations. A vaginal condom must be placed inside the vagina prior to any contact with the penis. Each condom can only be used once. Detailed application information can be found at the NHS and Sexual Wellbeing Ireland websites.

Average Cost*: £1.75-£5.00 per condom (UK). $3.00-$7.50 p/c (USA). ₹75-100 p/c (IND). *Note: MUCH harder to purchase in Ireland than a penis condom. Available for purchase at Safe Sex Ireland’s website.

Sperm can sometimes accidentally get into the vagina during sex, even when using a vaginal condom. This may happen if: - the vaginal condom gets pushed too far into the vagina - the penis accidentally enters between the side of the vagina and the condom - the condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails, jewellery, etc.

If this happens, consider using emergency contraception and taking an STI test.

Coronavirus CoNtraception:

The correct usage of contraception is more important than ever as the world responds to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Preventing the spread of bodily fluids helps to prevent the spread of infection. Visit the Mayo Clinic website’s section on Corona Virus for more information.

Dental Dam:

Protective Method: Barrier

Dental dams aren’t technically a form of contraception, as they don’t protect against pregnancy. However, they’re still incredibly useful; dental dams are designed to be used in vaginal / anal / oral sex to prevent the transmission of STIs. What is it? A dental dam is a thin square (typically 15 x 15 cm) made from soft, thin synthetic latex or latex. A dental dam is worn over the vulva to prevent the exchange of sexual fluids. Application: The partner that is performing oral sex should wash their hands before sex. Check that the condom has no tears or perforations. They should hold the dental dam against the vulva or anus of the receiving partner. They should wash their hands again after sex. You can choose to apply lubricant to the vulva or anus before using the dam. If you do choose to use a lubricant, you must remember that oil-based lubricants and lotions will degrade the latex and decrease the dam’s effectiveness.

Choose a water or silicone-based lubricant. Like condoms, dental dams must be applied correctly every time in order to work effectively.

Scan the QR code below to watch an application video from Brown University. This video also addresses how dental dams can be used to make oral sex more enjoyable for both parties.

Risks:

- Do not use out-of-date dental dams. Dental dams have a use-by date on the packaging.

- Dental dams should not be stored in overly hot or cold environments.

- Dental dams should be kept away from sharp or rough surfaces.

- Do not keep dental dams in your pocket, car, or bathroom for long periods of time (over 1 month), because excessive heat and moisture can damage them over time.

- Oil-based products can damage latex and polyisoprene dental dams.

- Many dental dams contain latex. Make sure you do not use a latex dental dam if you or your partner have a latex allergy.

For more information visit the NHS website.

WORDS BY ALICE PAYNE