It’s More Than Pills and Rubber

Choosing to be sexually active is a highly personal decision. Once active, another important personal decision is made: choosing the contraceptive. Although it is a decision that is sometimes overlooked and made quickly, choosing a contraceptive should be based on many factors that include both individual preferences and lifestyle, as well as medical history.

Popping a pill or sliding on a condom may not be the right decision for each and every person. Everyone doesn’t hop in bed with the same person as everyone else (hopefully), so why should they use the same contraceptive?

The University at Buffalo’s Student Health Center and Health Education and Human Services offers a range of contraceptives available to the students and has well-trained individuals to assist in making the important decision.

One of the most commonly known and widely used is the non-prescription male condom. Picking up a box of rubbers isn’t what it used to be – new technology and added features make the decision a little bit trickier – but the basic idea and reason for the product is the same.

Latex condoms, as opposed to natural skin (lambskin) condoms, are more effective in helping to prevent STIs. The failure rate of condoms in birth control is approximately 15 percent. Most failures can be traced to improper usage though.

“Condoms are a very good method but only when used the right way,” says Tessa Walker, Counseling Supervisor at Heath Education and Human Services (HEHS). She says that a mistake that many people make is to start having sex without a condom, and just when the guy thinks he is ready to ejaculate, he pulls out or puts on a condom.

Pulling out or putting on a condom only after a period of time does not protect from pre-cum, which also contains semen and STIs. The only way condoms do their job is if they are applied before any vaginal-penile contact. Another problem is that condoms sometimes break. Walker says that the reason this happens is due to a lack of lubrication.

The birth control pill, commonly called “The Pill,” is another alternative. The pill is an oral contraceptive that requires a prescription. As a hormonal contraceptive, the pill is extremely effective. A tempting option, but the pill also has its downsides.

“Generally, when people come in [to HEHS], they only know about the pill,” says Walker. “And that’s not always the best option for everyone.”

For example, Walker says that in order for the pill to work as it should, you have to take it at the same time everyday. People who have a hard time taking pills or who have hectic and erratic schedules may want to look into something else. Another aspect that women who take the pill should be aware of is that, being a hormonal contraceptive, outside factors influence it. Taking antibiotics or herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort will decrease the effectiveness, as will illnesses involving vomiting or diarrhea. The pill cannot protect against STIs.

Another hormonal contraceptive that is growing in popularity is the NuvaRing. It is a small ring inserted into the vagina that provides a continuous low dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy. The ring stays in place for three consecutive weeks until it is removed for the woman to remain “ring-free” for a week.

NuvaRing has the same characteristics of the pill, including the condition that it takes seven days to take effect.

All three of these contraceptives are offered at UB, as well as several others. Ortho Evra (the patch) and Seasonale are two other forms of hormonal contraceptives that can be prescribed. Intrauterine Devices, or IUDs, are plastic devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy, and Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive. Female condoms and diaphragms are also options.

Even if you think you are well protected, there is always the possibility of malfunction.

“If the condom breaks, or falls off, or a condom was not used,” Susan Mancuso, Nurse Practitioner at the Student Health Center says, “the ‘morning after pill’ can be used within 72 hours of the mishap or unplanned event to decrease conception from an eight percent risk to a one percent risk.”

Education is a key factor through it all. UB offers programs through the Student Health Center and HEHS and has joined with Planned Parenthood to make sure that students are well aware of the decisions they make regarding protection. A half hour appointment with HEHS helps students choose what form of contraceptive is right for them as an individual.

Coming up on Valentine’s Day, is the UB/Buffalo Coalition Sex Ed Fair. It takes place in the Student Union lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and welcomes any registered student who is looking to become better informed about HIV, STIs, and birth control methods.

Having sex, no matter what contraceptive is used, always runs the risk of pregnancy or STI sharing.

“Ultimately, combining a hormonal method like the pill, patch, or ring with the use of a non-spermicidal ultra-lubricated famous brand condom every single time is the safest method,” Mancuso suggests, reminding college students, “The only method that is foolproof is no sex at all.”

Walker agrees, “You can only ever have safer sex, not safe sex.”

If you would like more information about choosing a contraceptive contact HEHS at 829-2585 or the Student Health Center at 829-3316.