Sexual and Reproductive Health with the TPPCC

Hi. The IUD (intrauterine device) is a really effective birth control method.

It’s a small t-shaped device that’s inserted by your healthcare provider into the uterus to help prevent pregnancy for between 3-10 years. You can get it removed by a healthcare provider at any time. As soon as it’s removed, pregnancy is possible.

Some IUDs contain hormones which help prevent pregnancy and can mean lighter periods and less cramps.

Other IUDs don’t have any hormones, so they may be a good option for someone who wants to avoid hormones.

Condoms are great at preventing both pregnancy and STDs. If you follow the directions below and use them every time you have vaginal, anal, and oral sex, there’s very little chance of pregnancy and your chance of getting or giving an STD is much lower, too! 

Check out the steps to using a condom!

1.     CONSENT: Make sure that both partners enthusiastically say “yes” to each act of sex. Don’t assume someone wants to. Instead, ask and open up a conversation!

 2.     TEMP: Cars, wallets, and pockets are too hot to store condoms. However, if someone is going out for the evening, it is okay to put a condom in their wallet or purse for a short time so that they can be prepared. Store at room temp.

 3.     EXPIRATION DATE? Check it! 

4.     AIR BUBBLE: Pinch the center of the package to be sure that package is not open or damaged. 

5.     OPEN: Tear down the side of the package with fingers. Don’t use teeth or scissors because it can damage the condom. 

6.     PINCH IT: to leave room for any semen. 

7.     ROLL IT: Make sure it will roll down the right way BEFORE the condom goes on the penis. If you put it on inside out by accident, don’t turn it over and use it again, because fluid from the penis already touched the condom.

 8.     CHECK IT: to see that it’s still on correctly during sex.

The Intersectional Woman’s Reading List

Eleven recent essays by young women who are tackling issues of race, gender, and class head-on.