Admin - July 7th, 2010
Unfortunately, Egyptian hieroglyphics are a bit vague on exactly what form of birth control was used at the beginning of civilization. As a result, we are left to draw our own conclusion. Historically speaking, it’s probably safe to say that somewhere along the line those before us discovered the infamous “withdrawal method.”
Though many consider this method stuck in ancient times, it is still widely used by teens today. According to contracept.org, more teens use the withdrawal method as their primary form of birth control than any other age group.
Let’s explore what exactly this method entails. Scientifically referred to as “coitus interruptus,” this form of birth control is used when the male partner removes his penis from the vagina before ejaculation occurs at the climax. Though it sounds simple enough, there are many variables that could ultimately lead to pregnancy.
Research conducted by the Guttmacher Institute shows that even when used effectively the failure rate of withdrawal is around 18 percent. In teens, the failure rate is at 27 percent. Teens, who generally have less sexual experience, cannot always judge when they are nearing climax. In addition, even if the male has withdrawn, sperm coming into contact with the female genitalia can still result in pregnancy. Other variables include when sperm from a previous sexual experience is still in the male’s urethra causing sperm to enter the woman through pre-ejaculatory fluid. Because there is no way to tell (unless you have a swab and a microscope handy) if sperm is present in the pre-ejaculatory fluid or accidentally transmitted to the vaginal area pregnancy can still occur even if withdrawal is successful.
It is also worth noting that the withdrawal method offers no protection against STD’s or HIV. You are therefore fully susceptible to whatever diseases your partner may have.
So let’s recap some of these variables:
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Even when used correctly there is an 18 percent failure rate.
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Among teens there is a 27 percent failure rate.
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Withdrawal does not protect against STD’s and HIV
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Even if the male withdrawals in time there could still be sperm in the female’s genital area.
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If withdrawal is done and correctly and no sperm appears inside the vagina or on the female’s genitals, sperm that remains in the urethra still may have leaked out during intercourse in the fluid known as pre-ejaculate.
After looking at all the research, statistics and variables, it’s clear why many say the withdrawal method should be buried in an ancient tomb.
Guest post from Sarah R.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - May 19th, 2010
For thousands of years women have attempted to “test for pregnancy” in a variety of ways. Ancient Greek and Egyptian writings record lengthy and complicated methods which were not scientifically based or accurate. It wasn’t until the 1940s that there was a way to conclusively determine a pregnancy before it became physically apparent.
Both blood and urine pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of hCG, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This hormone is secreted by the developing placenta after implantation. The earliest that this hormone can be detected is four days before a period is expected, or about 6-10 days after conception.
hCG is measured in mIU’s. Blood pregnancy tests are the most sensitive and can detect hCG levels as low as 5 mIU’s. Additionally, a blood test will actually measure the amount of hCG present which can be valuable for determining how a pregnancy is progressing. hCG levels will double every 48 to 72 hours in healthy, viable pregnancy. This requires more than one blood test but it is the earliest and most accurate pregnancy test obtainable.
In the mid 1970s the home pregnancy test became available which allowed women the opportunity to easily and accurately find out if they were pregnant in the privacy of their homes.
Unlike a blood pregnancy test which measures hCG amounts, urine tests work by determining the presence of the hormone. The detection thresholds are between 20 mIU’s to 100 mIU’s, depending on the brand. Typically, the more expensive the over-the-counter test, the more sensitive and reliable it is.
Early detection of pregnancy can be helpful since an expectant mother who knows early on can avoid behaviors that might harm the pregnancy. However, a urine pregnancy test cannot tell you if the pregnancy will continue. One in six pregnancies will end in a miscarriage. Only ultrasound confirmation can determine whether or not a pregnancy is viable in the early stages of pregnancy.
CareNet offices provide free reliable tests. If you are concerned that you may be pregnant, please call us for an appointment.
Lisa P. - May 12th, 2010
Can I get pregnant if...
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we have sex before/after/during my period?
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I'm on birth control?
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we didn't really have sex, but ...?
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(your question here)
Getting pregnant depends on egg, sperm, hormones, timing and lots of other factors. Studying conception is difficult even in a lab because the factors are small and hidden deep inside the body.
In addition, the peer counselors who answer the helpline or talk with you at your visit aren't medical professionals. However, they have a lot of experience with pregnancy questions and have heard the personal stories of many women. Because they've heard these stories, they will always say that the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test after enough time has passed.
Timing
The timing question (when in your cycle did the incident occur) is tricky because of the assumption that every woman has a 28 day cycle. Some women have shorter or longer cycles, and some women have very irregular periods. Even women who have regular periods may experience some variations due to stress, illness, travel or nothing in particular. Because sperm live for a few days and the body doesn't exactly issue an ovulation warning, relying on timing means counting on two things: there isn't an egg ready to be fertilized at the time of the incident, and also that the body won't release an egg (ovulate) while there are still sperm around. Even people who keep track of when they ovulate can get confused, tricked or just surprised by what the body does.
Birth Control
All birth control fails sometimes. Some kinds are very, very effective, but most of our peer counselors have done a test for someone in that unlucky small percent of women who get pregnant on the pill (or the patch, or whatever). Only abstinence provides complete protection against getting pregnant. Next to that, choosing a birth control method and using it regularly (as directed) is very desirable. Remember that hormonal birth control methods (pill, patch, shots, etc) don't protect against STDs, and even condoms only provide partial protection. (More about STDs here.)
Outercourse and other sexual activity
Anyone who's asking about the possibility of pregnancy from outercourse, which includes mutual masturbation and oral sex (or some combination thereof), should probably get a test. Pregnancy is not likely to result from alternate sexual activities (which is why people engage in them, in part), but it is possible (which is why people call or chat to ask about it). It's hard to estimate the likelihood of a pregnancy occuring this way because in addition to the regular factors, there are questions about sperm survival and transmission. If you're worried about it, the mechanics are too subtle and individual for someone else to be certain for you.
Getting a pregnancy test can help couples relax and stop stressing out about the possibility of being pregnant. This is helpful since stress can delay a woman's period or mimic other symptoms of pregnancy. The pregnancy tests offered by PregnantHelp are free and performed in a comfortable, confidential clinic. Call or chat to schedule an appointment.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - May 5th, 2010
There is often confusion in dating a pregnancy and the terms that are used. Two primary terms are used, and neither of them is the traditional “nine months.”
Gestational Age: Medical professionals commonly use gestational age, which calculates the weeks of pregnancy based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Ultrasound also calculates the gestational age. This method of dating assumes that conception occurs 14 days after the first day of your last period.
Fetal Age: This is the actual age of the pregnancy since conception. Because the ability to more accurately date a pregnancy with ultrasound is a fairly recent development, this more exact measurement is not commonly used.
Most publications that discuss fetal development will use gestational age as the benchmark. If it uses fetal age it will state “since conception.” Ultrasound reports calculate the gestational age and not the more exact fetal age which helps to keep dating consistent.
Using gestational age, a pregnancy last 40 weeks instead of the actual 38.
If you’re confused about the dating of your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to ask your medical provider.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - April 21st, 2010
Since the year 2000 there has been an alternative to surgical abortion in the United States. Named for the French pharmaceutical company that created it, RU-486 it is often referred as the “abortion pill”. It has been used by over one million women in the United States since its approval here.
An RU-486 abortion is a procedure that involves two different drugs. The first drug ends the pregnancy by cutting off the blood supply to the developing fetus. The second drug, given 48 hours after the first, is used to expel it. A pregnancy is usually ended in most women within 48 hours, though in some instances it can take as long as two weeks.
There are several key factors to consider before considering this as an abortion option.
• This process needs close observation and frequently requires as many as three visits to your medical provider.
• RU-486 is only effective in early pregnancy, preferably at 7 weeks or before.
• The minimum failure rate is 8%, and a failed abortion requires a surgical procedure.
• The cost of using the “abortion pill” can be as much as twice the cost of a surgical abortion.
• Women with certain common medical conditions will not be eligible.
• Side effects of both medications can be severe and unpleasant.
• The major medical risks involved in this abortion method are excessive bleeding and infection.
• RU-486 is known to cause significant birth defects so your medical provider will not support your desire to change your mind once the first pill has been taken.
• There is active participation on the part of the woman in terminating her pregnancy.
Though it may initially appear that this form of abortion is quick and easy, it can actually be a more lengthy, costly, and difficult process.
Because the “abortion pill” must be used early in the pregnancy, there is no way to know whether a pregnancy is likely to continue. Since 1 in 6 pregnancies will naturally end in a miscarriage you may be committing yourself to an unnecessary procedure to end a pregnancy that may end on its own.
About 20% of women who use RU-486 to end their pregnancy will continue to have some degree of bleeding for 5-6 weeks after. Occasionally, surgical intervention is needed to stop or control excessive or prolonged bleeding.
Before committing to an RU-486 abortion, get all of the facts and weigh the costs of what may be bitter pills to swallow.
