Copyright © 1997 Ed Robinson. All rights reserved.
Several Web sites address the issue of contraception and birth control. For instance, Condomania Online is an especially useful site, as it presents plenty of Educational Information. The Web site also includes information on the use of dental dams and finger cots to prevent STDs and HIV transmission through routes other than traditional sexual intercourse.
There are numerous STDs that can be prevented by proper use of a condom. In addition, condom use is an excellent birth control measure, especially if used with a spermicide. (One of the advantages of using a particular spermicide, Nonoxynol-9, is that it has been shown to kill HIV.)
One of the best things about this site is its attempt to educate women and men on how to be firm concerning condom use. In other words, how to convince someone that condom use is good even if they do not like condoms. "Humorous" responses seems to be a requirement for this section. For example:
Problem: "Condoms never fit me right; they always slip off."
Answer: "They come in all shapes and sizes, including snugger fit, so let's try some on. We could have a fashion show."
The Planned Parenthood National Home Page is excellent. It contains in-depth information on Planned Parenthood, including how to become politically active in Planned Parenthood. In addition, one can find information on a number of Contraceptive Choices, including Continuous Abstinence; Sterilization; Norplant™; Depo-Provera™; The Pill; The IUD; The Condom; The Diaphragm or Cervical Cap; Over-the-Counter Birth Control for Women; Periodic Abstinence or Fertility Awareness Methods. Each topic includes information on effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, possible problems, and costs.
In addition to these proactive topics related to birth control, Planned Parenthood offers numerous resources for answering questions about Abortion and Reproductive Rights. These range from information about how late in pregnancy an abortion can be performed to information on RU486. This Planned Parenthood page also has links to information for teenagers and offers such topics as the emotional consequences of abortion.
Another Web site unrelated to the Planned Parenthood site includes information about Emergency Contraception. This site includes information on Emergency Contraceptive Pills and devices, as well as what clinics offer emergency contraceptive devices.
For those who find contraception to be against religion or personal beliefs, Natural Family Planning offers information concerning abstinence and periodic abstinence (also known as the rhythm method). This site is text-oriented and covers a large body of information comparing periodic abstinence to other forms of birth control. Although the information is generally reliable and factual, the efficacy of this method of birth control leans to the favorable side.
Additional information on natural family planning is described in detail by The Couple to Couple League International Inc.. This site allows anyone interested in practicing natural family planning an opportunity to obtain videos and pamphlets. In addition, it links to several pages on the perceived benefits and efficacy of this method of birth control. The authors present a fairly balanced review of the literature, pointing out some limitations of the published reports documenting poor efficacy of periodic abstinence. Unfortunately, they are a bit less willing to point to the limitations of those studies that give a high efficacy rate. Nevertheless, this a fact-filled site.
One site specifically targeted to teens is run by the Coalition for Positive Sexuality: Sex Ed for Teens. I have a lot of problems with this site, not the least of which is a strong implication that teenage sex is both a right of anyone who has reached puberty, and also the implication that sex is absolutely required for normal teenage development. Indeed, all links ultimately lead to the "Just Say Yes" page. On the other hand, the information on AIDS and pregnancy prevention is presented in a unique way that will likely be of interest to those under the age of 25 or so. In addition, this page spends a great deal of time addressing gender identity and sexual orientation.
Finally, one site that had a significant amount of information, not only on contraception but also on pregnancy, fertility, etc. was Ask NOAH About: Pregnancy. My main reason for mentioning this site is that a shortened form of the index and some of the topics are also available in Spanish.
Contraception is certainly a highly personal matter. There are many methods that one can use to prevent pregnancy and a few that will decrease the likelihood of contracting a STD. A few of the more useful sites are reviewed here, and offer excellent reading material to make any woman more informed either about her current choice of birth control or any methods that she is considering. However, it should be mentioned that prior to making a decision about family planning and contraception, one should consult a physician and discuss the options that are best for you and your future or current family.