The Panther Prints February 13, 1996

With files and inspiration from The Ubyssey

THE PILL

How it works: It contains hormones which fool a woman’s body into believing it is pregnant which causes ovulation to stop.

Pros: It keeps the mood alive and is pretty easy to use.

Cons: Forget to take your pills and you are dead in the water. There are a whack of possible side effects.

Cost: $20 - 25 per month. A good reason for a health plan.

Effectiveness in theory: 99%

Effectiveness in practise: 96%

STD protection: Zip. Nil. Nada.

THE CONDOM

How it works: It acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.

Pros: They come in a startling array of colours and flavours.

Cons: Some say it kills the mood. Those people are weenies. You need to read the instructions. I repeat, use it properly!

Cost: A buck at the Barn or see chart in this issue.

Effectiveness in theory: 98%

Effectiveness in practise: 88%

STD protection: If you have sex, a latex condom is the best way to protect yourself.

f Hey Chris... row do stick pecple have SUR?

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THE DIAPHRAGM

How it works: It forms a barrier This creates a hostile environment

that keeps sperm from reaching the uterus. It is used in conjunction with spermicidal jelly.

Pros: It will fit most women and there is no waiting after insertion.

Cons: Cannot be inserted more than fifteen minutes before intercourse and it must be fitted by a doctor. Some women experience discomfort and it may shift out of place in certain positions.

Cost: Around $30.

Effectiveness in theory: 99%

Effectiveness in practise: 82%

STD protection: Low unless used with a condom.

CREAMS, JELLIES, FOAMS

How it works: The spermicidal substance is inserted into vagina just prior to intercourse.

Pros: Available over the counter and requires no waiting time.

Cons: Can be a little messy.

Cost: $16 for forty applications.

Effectiveness in theory: 99%

Effectiveness in practise: 79%

STD protection: Somewhat.

IUD (INTRAUTERINE DEVICE)

How it works: It is believed to work by causing a chronic low-

25

Keeping the Stork Away

intercourse.

Cost: Free.

Effectiveness in theory: 100%

Effectiveness in practise: Nearly 100%

STD protection: Very good if you limit other types of sexual

grade inflammation in the uterus.

for a fertilized egg.

Pros: There is no time element. Once it is inserted you can have sex whenever you want.

Cons: There can be serious side

effects such as pelvic inflammatory _ practises. disease. Cramps, irregular bleeding and perforation of the uterine wall UNPROTECTED SEX

are some of the other fun things that could happen. Cost: $40 - $60

How it works: If you don’t . know then I am not telling you. Pros: It is natural and

Effectiveness in theory: 99% spontaneous. Effectiveness in practise: 96% Cons: Children. Diseases. STD protection: Nil. Zip. Nada. Death.

Cost: A pregnancy test costs $12. By the time your child hits 18 and you pay your medical bills, $150,000 should cover it.

Effectiveness in theory: 15%

THE WITHDRAWAL METHOD

How it works: The penis is withdrawn from the vagina prior to

ejaculation. Effectiveness in practise: 15% Pros: No late night drug store STD protection: Ha, ha, ha. runs. Please don’t make me laugh.

Cons: Having children. Cost: Free

Effectiveness in theory: 96% 1 Se a

, Pea nee in practise: Too cd let obte tw amn low. STD protection: None. ‘ Notes 2. Hold the tip .

ABSTINENCE while unrolling c How it works: Keeping sperm ‘ee cide

away from the vagina all together. ie Pros: It lets you use your 7 : .

the hard penis.

imagination. Cons: You are not having

Weal- just like everyone else...

Cy

3. Hold onto the rim of the condom while pulling out after sex.