Methods to Control Birth and Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Research Paper Example

? METHODS TO CONTROL BIRTH AND SPREAD OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs) In this day and age, several highly effective methods to produce contraception and intentional sterility in both men and women are available. Yet half of the America still faces inadvertent pregnancies (Finer & Zolna, 2011). Early initiation of sexual intercourse and pregnancy among teenage women is a challenging problem in the United States which is considered to be reduced by proper sex education and awareness regarding birth control methods. Moreover, lack of awareness regarding sexual intercourse among teenagers is not only increasing unintended pregnancies, but it is also the reason for increase in spread of sexually transmitted diseases (Powel, Bass, Longo, 2011). The study of contraceptive or birth control choices has significant social and economic impacts, both at a family’s and society’s level. Women’s control over their fertility might affect their marriage, education and socioeconomic sovereignty. The choice of contraception is based on its affectivity against pregnancy, STDs and possible side effects. Each birth control method has the tendency against all of these stated features, and on these parameters their affectivity is judged. During the years of 2006 and 2008, 99% of sexually active women had used at least one type of pregnancy barrier method. 10.7 million women were using contraceptive pills, which is the most common birth control method up till now, and 10% women had even experienced emergency contraception (Mosher, Jones & National Centre for Health Statistics, 2010). Other methods of birth control include reversible and irreversible or permanent methods. Reversible methods are intrauterine contraception, hormonal methods, fertility awareness methods and barrier methods. Permanent methods include female sterilization, trans-cervical sterilization, and vasectomy. Contraceptive methods can be categorized into modern and traditional ones. Modern contraceptive methods are voluntary surgical methods, oral contraceptives, implants, condoms, or vaginal barrier methods; traditional methods include abstinence or periodic withdrawal from sex (Bongaarts & Johansson, 2002). Although abstinence is the best method to prevent both pregnancy and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), the second best method is the use of birth control pills and condoms. Condoms, if used correctly, are more protective against STD prevention then against unintended pregnancy. Against pregnancy, a male condom is 82-98% effective and a female condom is 79-95% effective (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). These are also most effective preventive measure against HIV, and other STD transmissions unless it tears or breaks due to any reason. Side effects of condom use may include irritation or allergic reactions, but no any other severe symptom occurs. The best option is to use a latex condom since HIV may pass through skin or natural condoms. To prevent STDs, beside condoms use, several educational and awareness programs are required. The basic knowledge delivered in awareness programs are related to encouraging abstinence among teenagers and young adults, or if they are sexually active, then they need to limit their sexual partners and should have sex with the ones they already know. Moreover, health and hygiene should be maintained at all times to prevent any harm (Mueller, Gavin, & Kulkarni, 2008). Other barrier methods include the use of cervical cap and spermicidal. Cervical cap is placed inside the vagina to block sperms, which is sometimes used with spermicides to kill sperms, making its effectiveness 84-94% effective against pregnancies. Spermicides alone, in the form of gels, cream, foam, or suppositories is 72-82% effective against pregnancy. They need to be used one hour before and then should be left at the place for 7-8 hours after the intercourse (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). However, a research study found that cervical caps and diaphragm had the highest dissatisfaction rate among women in the United States, which was 52%, and condoms had the lowest dissatisfaction rate that is 12% (Moreau et al., 2007). Side effects may include irritation, allergic reactions and toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious infection; whereas, spermicides alone can cause Urinary tract infections (FDA, 2012). Basic hormonal methods includes implants, injections, oral contraceptives, patches, rings, etc. 99% effective method against pregnancy, is an implant of progestin, placed under the skin of the women of child bearing age. This implant consists of a rod that releases progestin for over three years, thus producing contraception for that duration. The effectiveness is followed by progestin shots or injections which is 94-99% effective against preventing pregnancy for three months. The failure rate of shots is considered only 0.3% (Delavande, n.d). Progestin only pills are also available for women which is 91-99% effective, but it needs to be taken on daily basis. This is used by women in whom estrogen is contraindicated. Furthermore, combined oral contraceptives or “the pill”, consisting of both progestin and estrogen are also available. They inhibit ovulation during the reproductive cycle (Amy & Tripathi, 2009). Thus, it is 91-99% effective against pregnancy. However, in certain cases, it is not suggested for some women having hypertension and those who are smokers and alcoholic (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). The dissatisfaction rate related to oral contraceptive is found to be 29%, which is an intermediate ratio compared to other methods (Moreau et al., 2007). Another birth control method is the use of skin patch that is placed on upper body, buttocks or lower abdomen and releases progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. A patch is applied for three weeks in a month and left for one week so that a woman can have her periods. It is 91-99% effective for women weighing under 198 pound. Emergency contraception also includes the use of contraceptive pills after unprotected sex or if any other barrier contraceptive method has failed. The pills can be taken after 72 hours of the sexual intercourse, but it is better if used immediately. Intrauterine contraception includes Copper T intrauterine device, which is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. This is more than 99% effective against pregnancy and can stay up to 10 years in the uterus. This is also a valuable emergency contraception method. Levonorgestrel intrauterine device is same is Copper t IUD, but the difference is that it produces small amount of progestin each day to prevent pregnancies (Amy & Tripathi, 2009). It is also more than 99% effective against pregnancy. Side effects are irregular bleeding, no periods, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, permanent infertility, and life threatening infections (FDA, 2012). Fertility awareness is also a very safe and effective contraception method. With awareness regarding one’s own fertility, pregnancy chances are 75-96% reduced. During a normal menstrual cycle, a women has 7-9 days of fertility during which ovulation occurs. If sex during those days is avoided or proper protection is used during the intercourse, then unwanted conception can be easily avoided. When used correctly, lactational amenorrhea or continuous breast feeding also prevents pregnancy (Amy & Tripathi, 2009). Permanent methods of sterilization are far less preferred by younger women than the reversible ones although these are among the safest and most effective methods. These are more than 99% effective against conception. Female sterilization can occur from tying of fallopian tubes, which hinders the sperm to reach eggs and do fertilization. This method is effective as soon as it is completed, but the women needs to be sure that she doesn’t need pregnancy to occur in the future. Similarly, in trans-cervical sterilization the target organ is again fallopian tubes: a thin tube is used to tie a minute gadget in each fallopian tube. This results in the increased production of scar tissues that grow enough to permanently cover the tubes. The process is not effective immediately after the procedure, but it takes at least three months for the scar tissues to plug the tube causing infertility. Until the notice from the physician, any other birth control pill is used so that conception is fully avoided. Side effects of sterilization may include pain, bleeding, infections or ectopic pregnancy (FDA, 2012). Male sterilization is also preferred by some people as for avoiding unwanted pregnancies. In this process male sperms are prevented to reach to his penis so that during ejaculation, the semen does not have any sperms to fertilize an egg in the female body. During first 12 weeks after the procedure, a male patient is directed to visit physician to make sure that his sperm counts have dropped to zero. This procedure has a possible failure rate of about 11 collapses out of 1,000 procedures (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). The only surest way to prevent STDs and pregnancy is abstinence, which is not possible for a longer period of time. Even if one has to choose from a number of birth control options, no one product can be best for everyone. Lack of attention towards the direction of use can increase the chances of unwanted pregnancy and even sexually transmitted diseases. References Top of Form Amy, J. J., & Tripathi, V. (2009, January 01). Contraception for women: an evidence based overview. Bmj (clinical Research Ed.), 339. Bongaarts, J., & Johansson, E. (2002, January 01). Future trends in contraceptive prevalence and method mix in the developing world. Studies in Family Planning, 33, 1, 24-36. Top of Form Moreau, C., Cleland, K., & Trussell, J. (2007, June 11). Contraceptive discontinuation attributed to method dissatisfaction in the United States. Contraception, 76, 267-272. Delavande A., (2005, January). Pill, Patch or Shot? Subjective expectations and Birth Control Choices. Discussion Paper Series, 4856, 1-51. Retrieved from http://sgfm.elcorteingles.es/SGFM/FRA/recursos/doc/Actos/2006/Ponencias/223781754_24120081544.pdf. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Contraception. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/contraception.htm#20 Top of Form Curtis, K. M., Mohllajee, A. P., & Peterson, H. B. (2006, February 01). Regret following female sterilization at a young age: a systematic review. Contraception, 73, 2, 205-210. FDA. (2012). Birth Control Guide. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/FreePublications/UCM282014.pdf Bottom of Form Powel T., Bass S., & Longo, J. (2011). The Association Among Sex Education, Age, and Contraception Use at First Intercourse. ArgoJournals: Undergraduate Research in Psychology and Behavioral Science. Retrieved from http://uwf.edu/argojournal/admin/body/The_Association_Among_Sex_Education_and_Contraception.pdf. Top of Form Mosher, W. D., Jones, J., & National Center for Health Statistics (U.S.). (2010). Use of contraception in the United States: 1982-2008. Hyattsville, Md: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Top of Form Mueller, T. E., Gavin, L. E., & Kulkarni, A. (2008, January 01). The association between sex education and youth's engagement in sexual intercourse, age at first intercourse, and birth control use at first sex. The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 42, 1, 89-96. Bottom of Form Top of Form Finer, Lawrence B., & Zolna, Mia R. (2011, August 25). Unintended pregnancy in the United States: incidence and disparities, 2006. Contraception, 84(5), 478-485. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.07.013. Top of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More