290 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
OTHER METHODS OF FAMILY PLANNING
THE CONDOM is a thin rubber sheath that covers the man’s
penis. It prevents the man’s sperm from entering the woman’s vagina
and womb during sex. Condoms made of latex are also the best
protection against STIs and HIV. The condom should be put on when
the man’s penis is hard but before it touches the woman’s genitals. After
he ejaculates (comes), the man should hold the condom and withdraw
from the woman’s vagina while the penis is still hard. Then take off the
condom without spilling the sperm, tie it shut, and discard it. A couple
should use a new condom every time they have sex. Keep condoms in a
cool, dry place away from sunlight. Condoms from old or torn packages are
more likely to break.
THE CONDOM FOR WOMEN is a thin, plastic sheath that fits inside the
vagina. A flexible ring at the closed end of the condom holds it in place. The
other ring at the open end hangs out, covering the outer lips of the vagina.
This condom can be put in up to 6 hours before sex and should be taken out
immediately after sex. It should be used only once, because it may break if it
is washed and reused. But washing out and reusing a female condom up to
5 times is better than no condom. The female condom is the most effective
method controlled by women for protecting against both pregnancy and
STIs, including HIV. The female condom should not be used with a male
condom.
THE DIAPHRAGM is a shallow cup made of soft rubber that a woman
wears in her vagina. It can be put in anytime and should be left in for
at least 6 hours after having sex. Diaphragms come in different sizes.
A trained health worker can recommend the right size for each woman.
After each use, the woman should wash the diaphragm with soap and
water, and dry it. Keep it in a clean dry place. A diaphragm usually lasts
about 2 years. Check it regularly for holes by holding it up to the light.
If there is even a tiny hole, get a new one. A diaphragm may give
some protection against STIs.
SPERMICIDES are foam, tablets, cream, or jelly that are put into
the vagina before having sex. Spermicide kills the man’s sperm
before it can get into the womb. It does not protect against STIs or
HIV. Tablets should be put in the vagina 10 to 15 minutes before
having sex. Foam, jelly, or cream work best if they are put in the
vagina just before having sex. Add spermicide each time you have
sex. After sex, do not douche or wash the spermicide out for at least 6 hours. Some
spermicides can cause itching or irritation inside the vagina.
THE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD) is a small object that is inserted
in the womb by a specially trained health worker or midwife. The
IUD prevents the man’s sperm from fertilizing the woman’s egg. The
IUD can be inserted any time a woman and her health worker are
reasonably sure the woman is not pregnant and does not have any
signs of a vaginal infection or an STI. A woman can ask a trained
health care worker or midwife to remove the IUD any time she
wants to change methods or get pregnant. The IUD does not
protect against STIs.