Sexual Health - Women
Birth Control Methods and STD/HIV Risk Reduction or Prevention
Method
Pregnancy Prevention
STD/HIV Prevention
Abstinence (no sexual contact)
Yes
Yes/Yes
Latex & Polyurethane Condoms
Yes
Yes/Yes
Hormonal (pills, implants, injections)
Yes
No/No
Spermicides
Yes
Some/Unknown
Novelty Condoms - READ THE LABEL!
Double-Dutching (hormonal method + condom)
Yes
Yes/Yes
Emergency Contraception*
Yes
No/No
The only 100% effective method is abstinence (defined as no sexual contact) that is practiced correctly and consistently. Risk reduction and effectiveness of methods vary depending on the method and context (for both pregnancy and STIs). Latex condoms effectively reduce the risk of transmission for some STDs and HIV when used correctly and consistently for every act of intercourse. SIECUS is the Sexuality Education & Information Council of the United States.
Resource: Sexual Etiquette 101 by Hatcher, Atkinson, Cates, Emory, Glasser & Legins (Atlanta, GA Emory University School of Medicine).
*Emergency Contraception can be used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by about 89%. EC is available at the UHC and can be used when a condom breaks, a diaphragm slips out of place, sex was forced, or unexpected. EC works by preventing ovulation and will not interfere with an established pregnancy. Appointments can be made at the UHC by calling 472-5000. The emergency contraception hotline can be called at 1-800-584-9911. The hotline provides information about EC as well as information about providers who provide EC.
Resource: Sexual Etiquette 101 by Hatcher, Atkinson, Cates, Emory, Glasser & Legins (Atlanta, GA Emory University School of Medicine).
*Emergency Contraception can be used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by about 89%. EC is available at the UHC and can be used when a condom breaks, a diaphragm slips out of place, sex was forced, or unexpected. EC works by preventing ovulation and will not interfere with an established pregnancy. Appointments can be made at the UHC by calling 472-5000. The emergency contraception hotline can be called at 1-800-584-9911. The hotline provides information about EC as well as information about providers who provide EC.
Priorities for Women's Health:
(Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Office of Women's Health)- Breast and Cervical Cancer (UHC Clinic)
- STIs (http://www.ashastd.org)
- HIV/AIDS (http://www.aids.org/)
- Smoking (http://www.cancer.org)
- Violence & Injury (http://www.naswdc.org)
- Reproductive Health (http://www.reproline.jhu.edu/)
- Health in Later Years (Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, Pneumonia & Influenza, Diabetes, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Urinary Incontinence, Osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, and Depression)
- Occupational Health & Safety
Improving Health and Quality of Life
- If you smoke, stop.
- Good nutrition is essential.
- Moderate physical activity such as walking can reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease, hypertension, the most common type of diabetes, colon cancer, depression, and anxiety.
