Definition of Contraception

 Article updated and reviewed by Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania on May 10, 2005.

Contraception is the use of artificial or natural means to prevent conception, or pregnancy.

There are various contraceptive methods available today. The most common artificial methods are:

• Condoms and Spermicides - the condom is a latex sheath, or cover, that fits over the penis or, in the case of the female condom, fits into the vaginal opening. In either case, the condom has not been shown to be totally effective either in the prevention of pregnancy or protection from AIDS. A spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. One type of spermicide, Nonoxynol-9, is the main active ingredient in nearly all popular brands (foams, creams, jellies, vaginal tablets, suppositories and sponges). ther are many brand names of spermicides, including Ortho-Creme, Gynol II, Semicid, Conceptrol and delfen. 

• Emergency Contraception: The Morning-After Pill - emergency contraception (also know ast eh morning-after pill or EC) is a high dosage of the birth control pill. Those who promote EC claim it may be used after sexual intercourse, over a period of 72 hours, to prevent pregnancy. But there are things these people aren't telling you. 

• Depo-Provera - Depo-Provera is the marketing name for the most widely used injectable method of birth control in the worl-depot-medroxyprogetreone acetate.
  

• The Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) - the IUD, (intra-uterine device), is an object that is placed inside the uterus (womb) by a physician. There are two different kinds of IUDs manufactured in the United States today. 

• The Vaginal Ring: NuvaRing - NuvaRing is a thin, transparent, flexible ring that you insert into the vagina. It is left in for three weeks, during which time slowly releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body. The ring is worn for three weeks, and is then removed for one week. Then a new ring must be inserted.
  

• The Contraceptive Patch: OrthoEvra - OrthoEvra is a square patch, similar to a small bandage, which can be applied at various places on the body. It is used for three weeks and is then removed. For one week, no patch is used. A new patch is then applied. The patch slowly releases a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin.

• The Birth Control Implant: Implanon - Implanon is a thin rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The rod contains a synthetic hormone called etonogestrel that is released into the body over a three-year period. The manufacturer advises that during the third year less etonogestrel is released, thus making the rod less effective in preventing (or destroying) pregnancy.

Case Study: The Use of Contraceptives Lowers the Number of Abortions - the claim is frequently made by IPP/WHR affiliates that the use of birth control lowers the number of unplanned pregnancies and, therefore, the number of abortions. In a january 6, 1996 article printed in La Prensa, Dr. Alfonso Lavergne, executive director of APLASA (IPPF/WHR's Panama Affiliate) makes the claim that if a woman "has access to safe contraceptives, then the possibilities of a pregnancy are minimal." He goes on to claim that providing family planning will help reduce the need for abortion.

Condoms and Spermicides

The Condom

What is it?

The condom is a latex sheath, or cover, that fits over the penis or, in the case of the female condom, fits into the vaginal opening. In either case, the condom has not been shown to be totally effective either in the prevention of pregnancy or protection from AIDS.

Is the condom safe?

No. Here are a few of the problems:

• leakage, which means sperm do get pass the condom
• high failure rates due to breakage and incorrect use
• barrier methods such as the condom and the diaphragm have been associated with increased incidence of pre-eclampsia in couples who have used them
• condoms may or may not protect the user and the user's partner from gonorrhea, chlamydia,genital herpes, AIDS and other strains of venereal (sexually transmitted) disease
• particles of talc found on some condoms can enter the body of the woman and irritate there tissues, potentially causing infertility or cancer
• a condom is softened when used wit spermicides; the ability of sperm or viral infections to penetrate the condom even less effective
• if condoms are not stored at the recommended temperature, they will not work.

Spermicide

What is it?

A spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. One type of spermicide, Nonoxynol-9, is the main active ingredient in nearly all popular brands (foams, creams, jellies, vaginal tablets, suppositories and sponges). ther are many brand names of spermicides, including Ortho-Creme, Gynol II, Semicid, Conceptrol and delfen.

A spermicide can be used alone as a method of birth control. But because the failure rate is so high, it is often used with condom.

Do spermicides have a side effects?

Yes. Some effect either women or men:

• vaginal or penile irritation and itching
• vaginal or penile soreness

Spermicides also offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.

There are additional side effects for women:

• vaginal discharge
• vaginal dryness
• painful urination
• toxic shock syndrome (when used with a sponge)
  

Condoms and spermicides fail to prevent the conception of babies, and they are potentially harmful!

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that condoms and spermicides are totally without risk. But that is not true.

Do not depend on condoms and spermicides. They could be harmful to you.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby right now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physical or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use condoms and spermicides.

Emergency Contraception: The Morning-After Pill

What is it?

Emergency contraception (also know ast eh morning-after pill or EC) is a high dosage of the birth control pill. Those who promote EC claim it may be used after sexual intercourse, over a period of 72 hours, to prevent pregnancy. But there are things these people aren't telling you.

EC consists of multiple doses of pills taken at specific time intervals. Pills used for "emergency contraception" contain the same steroids found in the typical birth control pill. But no studies have been done on these pills' impact. Despite potentially harmful effects on women, especially on still-developing teen girls, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved EC, even making one version available without a prescription for women over 17.

How does it work?

EC has three possible ways in which it can work:

1. Ovulation is inhibited, meaning an egg will not be released.
2. The normal menstrual cycle is altered, delaying ovulation.
3. The lining of the uterus is thinned, so that if the first and second actions fail, and a child is created, this tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus. In this third action, the woman's body rejects the tiny baby and the child will die. This is called a chemical abortion.

Is it safe?

No. Here are some of the side effects:

• nausea
• vomiting
• breast tenderness
• ectopic pregnancy (can be life threatening)
• blood clot formation

Emergency contraception also leaves a woman vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. There are also long-term studies to show if women could be permanently injured or risk getting such diseases as cancer, form these chemicals being given in such high doses.Some people may try to convince you that emergency contraception is totally without risk. But that is not true. EC could be harmful to you. It also has the potential to abort your baby - without you ever know.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby right now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physical or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use the morning-after pill.

The Injectable Contraceptive: Depo-Provera

What is it?

Depo-Provera is the marketing name for the most widely used injectable method of birth control in the worl-depot-medroxyprogetreone acetate.

Depo-Provera is a long-acting, man made hormone. It has been available in some parts of the world for 25 years or more, but was not approved in the Untied States until 1992.

How does it work?

Depo-Provera is an injection. It can work in one of the three ways:

1. It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
2. It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter; and
3. It can alter the lining of the uterus so that if the first and two actions fail and a new human being is created, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
   

In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman's body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. this is called a "chemical abortion."

WARNING: You may be told that the Depo-Provera can not cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb (about a week after fertilization). This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don't be misled.

Is it safe?

No. Here are some of the side effects:

• excessive and irregular bleeding
• temporary or permanent sterility
• increased risk of cervical cancer
• headaches
• abdominal discomfort
• anxiety
• nervousness
• weight gain
• hair loss
• decreased libido (sex drive)
• loss of bone density
• mood swings
• dizziness
• fatigue
• severe mental depression
• allergic reactions causing rash or itching

Depo-Provera also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that Depo-Provera is totally without risk. But that is not true. Depo-Provera could be harmful to you. It also has the potential to abort your baby - without you ever knowing it.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby rigth now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physical or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use Depo-Provera.

The Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)

What is it?

The IUD, (intra-uterine device), is an object that is placed inside the uterus (womb) by a physician. There are two different kinds of IUDs manufactured in the United States today.

ParaGard@, manufactures by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, is made of plastic and uses copper as its active ingredient.

Mirena@, manufactured by BAyer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, releases the hormone progesterone.

How does the IUD work?

Although doctors claim they aren't quite sure how the IUD works, it is clear that the IUD does not prevent ovulation, which means that the woman's body will still produce an egg during her monthly cycle. When the IUD is put in place, it and the chemical it contains alters the fluids in the womb and the lining of the womb. The presence of the IUD irritates the lining. This is not necessarily painful to the woman, but it can have deadly effects on a tiny human being.

After this new life begins at fertilization, the tiny boy or girl must travel to the wall of the womb and implant. Because the IUD alters the wall of the uterus, this tissue becomes inhospitable to the new human being. The tiny child cannot attach to the wall of the womb and get nourishment, so he or she dies. This is abortion.

WARNING: You may be told that the IUD can not cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb (about a week after fertilization). This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don't be misled.

Is the IUD safe?

No. Here are some of the side effects:

• septic abortion - infection that can cause high fever, endometriosis and other complications
• continuation of pregnancy - dangerous for baby and mother
• ectopic pregnancy - may be fatal if not discovered in time
• ovarian cysts
• pelvic infection, which can lead to sterility
• embedding the IUD in the uterus, which is very painful
• perforation of the urinary bladder
• heart injury
• spontaneous abortion
• backache
• anemia - decrease in red blood cells causing weaknesss and lack of energy
• localized pain that persists each time ovulation occurs.
  

The IUD also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases - including AIDS.

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that the IUD is totally without risk. But that is not true. The IUD could be harmful to you. It also has the potential to abort your baby - without you ever knowing it.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby rigth now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physicla or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use the IUD.

The Vaginal Ring: NuvaRing

What is it?

NuvaRing is a thin, transparent, flexible ring that you insert into the vagina. It is left in for three weeks, during which time slowly releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body. The ring is worn for three weeks, and is then removed for one week. Then a new ring must be inserted.

If certain medication including antibiotics are taken, the effectiveness of the ring decreases.

How does it work?

NuvaRing has three ways of working:

1. It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
2. It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter; and
3. It can alter the lining of the uterus so that if the first and two actions fail and a new human being is created, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
   

In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman's body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. this is called a "chemical abortion."

WARNING: You may be told that the NuvaRing can not cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb. This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don't be misled.

Is it safe?

No. Here is a partial list of possible effects:

• vaginal discharge or irritation
• weight gain
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• mood changes
  
• irregular bleeding
• severe abdominal pain
• increased risk of breast cancer
• increased risk of cervical cancer
• chest pain or shortness of breath
• severe headaches
• eye problems such as blurred vision
• severe leg or arm pain or numbness
  

NuvaRing also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that NuvaRing is totally without risk. But that is not true. NuvaRing could be harmful to you. It also has the potential to abort your baby - without you ever knowing it.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby right now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physical or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use NuvaRing
.

The Contraceptive Patch: OrthoEvra

What is it?

OrthoEvra is a square patch, similar to a small bandage, which can be applied at various places on the body. It is used for three weeks and is then removed. For one week, no patch is used. A new patch is then applied. The patch slowly releases a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin.

If certain medications including antibiotics are taken, the effectiveness of the patch decreases.

How does it work?

OrthoErva has three ways of working:

1. It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
2. It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter; and
3. It can irritate the lining of the uterus so that if the first two actions fail, and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die because he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
   

In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman's body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die, This is called a "chemical abortion."

WARNING: You may be told that the OrthEvra can not cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb (about a week after fertilization). This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don't be misled.
It is safe?

No. There are reports of deaths among women who have used the birth control patch. Law-suits have been filed claiming users have developed blood clots and other serious health risks. The Food and Drug Administration has cautioned women that the patch carries a higher risk blood clots than the birth control pill.

The are other possible side effects as well:

• rashes and skin irritation at site of patch
• irregular bleeding
• increased risk of cervical cancer
• fluid retention or weight gain
• problems wearing contact lenses
• high blood pressure
• nausea
• headache
• breast tenderness
• mood changes
• abdominal pain

OrthoEvra also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that OrthoEvra is totally without risk. But that is not true. OrthoEvra could be harmful to you. It also has the potential to abort your baby - without you ever knowing it.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby right now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physical or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use OrthoEvra.

The Birth Control Implant: Implanon

Implanon is a thin rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The rod contains a synthetic hormone called etonogestrel that is released into the body over a three-year period. The manufacturer advises that during the third year less etonogestrel is released, thus making the rod less effective in preventing (or destroying) pregnancy.

How does it work?

Implanon works in three ways:

1. It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
2. It causes cervical mucus to thicken, which makes it difficult for a sperm to fertilize an egg.; and
3. If that action fails, Implanon alters the lining of the uterus.This action is not painful to the woman, but can be deadly to the embryonic human being.

After the embryo's life begins, the tiny boy or girl must travel to the wall of the womb to implant. Because Implanon works to alter the wall of the uterus, this tissue becomes inhospitable to the new human being. The embryo cannot attach to the wall of the womb and get nourishment, so he or she dies.

WARNING: You may be told that the Implanon does not cause an abortion. This statement is based on the fact that many doctors decided to change the definition of when pregnancy begins, saying it only begins when the human embryo attaches to the wall of the mother's uterus.. This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don't be misled. Ask to see the product package insert, and you will read for yourself exactly how Implanon works.

Is Implanon safe?

No. Here are someof of the side possible effects:

• irregular and unpredictable bleeding patterns
• slight increase in weight
  
• pain at the site of the insertion
• headache
• migraine
• acne
• breast pain
• increased blood pressure
• increased blood clots
• abdominal pain
• changes in libido
• no menstrual cycle

Implanon offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that Implanon is totally without risk. But that is not true. Don't depend on Implanon. It could be harmful to you. It could kill your baby - without you eveN knowing it.

If you're single, abstinence is always your best choice. It isn't always easy, but it alwyas works. By abstaining from sex, you eliminate the possibilty of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.

If you're married, be faithful to your spouse. Take time to learn about natural methods for spacing children, which will also increase your awareness of your body and how it works.

Be good to yourself. Don't use Implanon.

Case Study: The Use of Contraceptives Lowers the Number of Abortions

The claim is frequently made by IPP/WHR affiliates that the use of birth control lowers the number of unplanned pregnancies and, therefore, the number of abortions. In a january 6, 1996 article printed in La Prensa, Dr. Alfonso Lavergne, executive director of APLASA (IPPF/WHR's Panama Affiliate) makes the claim that if a woman "has access to safe contraceptives, then the possibilities of a pregnancy are minimal." He goes on to claim that providing family planning will help reduce the need for abortion.

On the surface, this claim appears to be reasonable. It seems obvious that, if one uses some type of birth control when engaging in sexual intercourse, one will be less likely to get pregnant than if one used no means of birth control. So the general public believes IPPF/WHR's claim and sees the distribution of contraceptives as part of the solution to the "abortion problem." Yet there are number of studies and facts which have become known over the last 50 years that cast a large cloud of doubt over Planned Parenthood's claim.

The Facts

In his 1970 book, Abortion: The Myths, the Realities and the Arguments, Germain Grisez cited several historical studies, including:
-A 1935 study by Regine Stix, which included data that showed that 635 pregnancies of 1,633 persons who were using contraceptives were aborted. Stix wrote that: "Nearly 40% of the accidental pregnancies (pregnancies experienced while contraceptives were being used) were terminated by illegal abortion, while less than 4% of those pregnancies experienced when no contraceptives were used were so terminated."

-In 1939, Raymond Pearl, a Johns Hopkins professor and noted authority, wrote: "Those who practice contraception as part of their sex life, by their own admission, resort to criminally induced abortions about three times as often propotionately as do their comparable non-contraceptor contemporaries."

-In Great Britain, in 1949, a report prepared for the Royal Commission on Population found that the incidence of induced abortion as a percentage of all pregnancies was nine times higher for women using contraceptives than for women not using birth control.

At a planned Parenthood Federation of America-sponsored 1995 conference, Dr. Alfred Kinsey stated:

-At the risk of being repetitious, I would remind the group that we have found the highest frequency of induced abortion in the group which, in general, most frequently uses contraceptives.

A 1962 Japanese report documents a guidance program in contraception that involved 2,230 couples. The program was aimed at teaching these couples how to use contraception. The program resulted in significant increases in induced abortions per 100 wives - from 6.3 the year before the program to 9.2 in its first year of operation. Even in the fourth year of the program, the tendency of couple to have an induced abortion once they did become pregnant remained high - more than 50 percent above the pre-guidance level.

Another study concluded that:

-The data illustrate clearly that the likelihood of induced abortions is much greater in women who have contraceptive failures than in women who have not used birth control at all.

The fact that contraceptives fail a percentage of the time is just the reason why the Planned Parenthood "solution" of stopping abortions through the use od contraceptives will not work. Planned Parenthood is well aware of this "fallacy" in its plan.

In its 1975 Five Year Plan, Planned Parenthood Federation of America stated a goal in "reaffirming and protecting the legitimacy of induced abortion as a necessary back-up to contraceptive failure."

Again, in 1982, PPFA pointed out the failure of contraception to lower abortion rates. It stated that, despite more use of contraceptives by teens, teenage pregnancy rates continued to rise and births to teens declined because teens used abortion more frequently.

(James W. Sedlak, et al., "Deadly Deception: International Planned Parenthood's Assault on Your Children, Your Family and Your Nation's Sovereignty," Vol. 1, pages 18-20)