October 07, 2011
It takes thought, planning, and consistency to have an effective
birth control plan. Different situations
call for different methods; a young married couple who wants to start a family will
have different options than is a single woman with perhaps multiple
partners. Each method and plan will
provide different benefits and issues.
Just as important to childbirth planning are the roles that both male
and female partners play in its execution.
Tina and Dan, a young newly married couple, have been looking at
the various methods of birth control.
They need help because they also are planning to start a family within a
year. To help them, it is imperative
that any plan they choose not alter Tina’s hormones so that she could not
conceive when they are both ready to start their family. After reviewing many methods of birth
control, the best decision would be to use a diaphragm and spermicides. The doctor can fit Tina with a diaphragm,
they are very effective when used with spermicides in avoiding pregnancy and
will not alter her hormones. When the
couple is ready to conceive, they can simple stop using the diaphragm and
spermicide. The downside to this method
is the high pregnancy rate when not used properly. Forethought is also required with this
method, for proper insertion; pressure on the vaginal and cervical walls may
cause urinary tract or vaginal infections (Rathus, et. al., 2005). Dan’s role will be pivotal, by showing patience
and encouragement while Tina learns to insert the diaphragm he can learn how to
help with the spermicide so they both have an active role in their birth
control plan.
Whereas Linda, a young single woman with an active dating life, a
diaphragm may not be quite right.
Linda’s concern about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
(STI’s), require that she look at other options. Although she may only be intimate with
long-term committed partners, she may want to consider a longer term birth
control plan. The pill would be a good
option for Linda to cover her concerns about becoming pregnant; however, the
only effective option available for STI’s (and HIV) are to use latex condoms
(2005). The pill and condoms are known
to be quite effective when used properly.
The pill must be taken daily at consistent times and condoms must be
donned before every penetration. The
pill carries with it many healthful benefits which include reduced risk of pelvic
inflammatory disease, benign ovarian cysts and fibrocystic growths in the
breast area. Although missing daily
dosages may cause ovulation and excessively high hormones may cause side
effects that may include headache, nausea, vomiting, fluid retention, weight
gain, and breast tenderness (2005).
Lowering the dosage has been known to resolve many of these
symptoms. While Linda may have chosen
her birth control plan before any relationship began, her partner can still provide
support by wearing a condom for every sexual encounter, thereby diminishing the
fear of STI’s.
Although these are only two forms of birth control plans, it is
easy to see that for every situation and couple careful consideration should be
given to the specifics of his or her needs to properly choose the correct
plan. Because for each situation;
married, single, wanting children soon, or just needing to avoid STI’s there are
like amounts of planning and contraception available. With many plans, both partners can ensure
their goals will be met when they both participate in its execution. But any plan is only good if it is in place
before sex has begun.
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