Valentine's Day places focus on relationships, love and, of course, sex. This February make some special time to celebrate your sexuality.
Use the latest information and research in contraception and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to make
healthy and informed choices that fit your lifestyle.
Innovations in reproductive health: Two new choices in
contraception
1. The contraceptive patch
The first contraceptive patch approved by Health Canada should be available to the Canadian public in 2003. Like the birth control pill,
the patch uses a combination of both hormones estrogen and progesterone. It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg for fertilization and
makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. As with the pill, women must visit a doctor to get a prescription for the
contraceptive patch.
What you need to know about the contraceptive patch:
- is worn on the buttocks, abdomen, or outer upper arm, and covers a matchbook-sized area of skin;
- is worn one patch per week for three weeks and the fourth week is patch free.
Benefits of the contraceptive patch include:
- effective protection from unintended pregnancy,
- discreet use,
- may reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies for women who experience difficulty in using their chosen method of birth control
consistently and regularly.
Disadvantages of the patch include:
- does not protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV;
- side effects are similar to OCP: breast tenderness, headache, nausea, menstrual cramps;
- skin reactions at the site of application are common;
- break through bleeding common in the first two cycles.
2.The new hormonal IUCD
Another new female contraceptive soon to be on the Canadian market is the hormone enhanced intrauterine device (referred to as an
intrauterine contraceptive device- IUCD). It is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. It contains a
low dose of the hormone progestin which is also found in birth control pills and the contraceptive injection Depo Provera.
What you need to know about IUCD:
- 99 % effective in preventing pregnancy;
- does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Benefits of IUCD include:
- effectiveness almost equivalent to sterilization;
- 5 year contraceptive protection;
- reduces menstrual bleeding after 3-6 months;
- allows for spontaneity;
- rapid return of fertility after removal.
The IUCD changes a woman's menstrual cycle and eventually may make periods much lighter. The first three months, many women using this
device may experience unpredictable bleeding or experience prolonged periods. After three months the bleeding usually becomes more regular
and may stop altogether.
Aside from menstrual irregularities caused by the low dose of progestin hormone, it has fewer side effects than its predecessor. Some
women, however, do experience headaches, water retention, breast tenderness or acne. These symptoms often resolve after the first two
months of use.
Disadvantages of IUCD include:
- unpredictable bleeding and other side effects in the first few months
- increased risk of pelvic infection associated with insertion or if woman acquires a STI
- increased risk of benign ovarian cysts
- may be difficult to insert in some women
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Norplant taken off the Canadian market
Although 2003 sees the gain of two new choices in contraception, Norplant has been removed by its manufacturer from the Canadian market,
thus eliminating it as a birth control option. 99.8% effective for up to five years, Norplant functioned through the placement of six tiny
progestin releasing rods under the skin of a woman's arm. According to research only 1% of Canadian women were using Norplant.
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New research in the field of sexual health: Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical agent present in most spermicides on the market today. It comes in the forms of cream, gel, foam film or
suppository, and is used as a lubricant on some condoms.When sperm meets nonoxynol-9 the sperm die.
Products containing nonoxynol-9 had been previously hoped to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A
report from the World Health Organization (Press Release, June 2002) has now revealed new evidence dashing these hopes.
The report states that nonoxynol-9:
- does not protect from HIV/AIDS or other STIs,
- when used in multiple and continuous acts of intercourse may actually increase the risk for infection of HIV and other STIs,
- when added to male condoms as a lubricant does not provide any more protection against pregnancy than other condoms.
The World Health Organization further advises that multiple and continuous use of nonoxynol-9 products by women:
- may increase the risk of HIV and other STIs because nonoxynol-9 can cause irritation to the wall of the vagina potentially making
transmission easier;
- would be an indicator that she should consider other methods of contraception;
- it is important to note that women who use nonoxynol-9 infrequently are probably not at an increased risk of HIV or other STIs.
World Health Organization research on nonoxynol-9 also uncovered important information for people who engage in anal intercourse. The
research revealed that:
- multiple and continuous use of nonoxynol-9 in anal intercourse can cause irritation to the rectal wall;
- an increased risk of infection is quite likely soon after the application of products containing nonoxynol-9;
- it is important to note that it is better to use a condom with nonoxynol-9 for rectal intercourse than no condom at all.
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The future of sexual health
Research developments in microbicides:
In the last decade, research has emerged about microbicides.
- A microbicide is any substance that can be applied to the vagina or rectum to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). The products currently under development are in the form of lotion, foam and gel.
Potential benefits of microbicides:
- Will allow individuals to protect themselves discretely if they do not or cannot consistently use condoms.
- Microbicides will also be available with or without spermicidal agents providing women the option of using this as a method of pregnancy
prevention, while still protecting them from STIs.
The invisible condom:
One microbicide being developed at Laval University in Quebec has been dubbed 'the invisible condom'. If proven effective the invisible
condom will be:
- a liquid gel at room temperature which could easily be inserted to coat the vagina or anus before sex,
- able to solidify after insertion,
- capable of providing protection from sexually transmitted infections for several hours, and as well of protection from unintended
pregnancy,
- released in a dissolved form from the vagina or anus after several hours.
Human trials began on this product in 2001. If the 'invisible condom' works it will take several years for the product to reach the
market.
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Celebrate the first annual Sexual Reproductive Health Day February
12, 2003
As you dream of Valentine's Day romance, roses and chocolates, why not also get involved in the first annual Sexual and Reproductive
Health Day.
- Talk to your teen about healthy sexuality;
- Read a book on expressing sexuality;
- Get involved in one of the many activities that are taking place in communities across the country;
- Visit The Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada for more information.
References for this article:
- Nonyxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection. Press
Release, June 28, 2002.
- Future Options, Sexual Health Centre.
The New Women's College Hospital. Women's Health Matters.
- Hot issues. Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada.
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Article prepared by the 
