Birth Control
Birth control is an action taken by a man or woman to prevent conception of a baby, and of course, the baby's subsequent birth. Common birth control techniques in modern culture include taking hormones to disrupt a woman's fertility cycle (birth control pills, quarterly injections or annual implants). Physical barriers between sperm and egg have been popular for years, and include condoms, diaphragms, spermicidal foam and cream. In some cases, conception can be avoided by abstaining from intercourse at fertile times. This is done by tracking the woman's ovulation cycle on a calendar. However, not all intercourse is premeditated, which makes the “morning after pill” also known as “Emergency Contraceptive” or “Plan B” (as well as RU-486, another type of pill) can be a good choice after “accidental” sex. Abortion (surgical removal of early fetal tissue), though not a form of birth control, is a place of last resort when resolving an unplanned pregnancy, and is a decision often fraught with moral, spiritual and legal conflict.
Synonyms: Cervical Cap, Diaphragm, Fertility monitor, IUD, The Pill, Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy, Withdrawal Method
See Also: Anal Sex, Condom, Cunnilingus, Fellatio, Lubrication, Masturbation (Mutual), Safe Sex, Virtual Sex
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| Reproduction of the species is considered the primary function of the male/female sexual interaction, and that has certainly been the stance of religion and the Church. There are other worldviews however which honor the sex act as a sacred connection to God or our “Source” (see Tantra). Sex is a relaxing, healthful, pollution-free way to enjoy life on planet Earth. If sex for fun and sacred pleasure is as equally legitimate as sex for procreation, then birth control is a great idea whose time has come. It's been less than 60 years since the birth control pill gave women the true freedom to enjoy sex as play and exploration. Until recently the baby-thing had always been more her problem than his. Now a DNA test can follow a thread from a bouncing baby to daddy's front door, even years after a one-night affair. Really, it happens! Birth control, then, is the equal concern of BOTH parties. A condom combined with a barrier method is a great place to start! |
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