Non-Methods - Sexual Health Peer Resource Center

We call the following methods of contraception “non-methods.” We call them this because they are either legends about sex that are completely outdated (and probably for a reason!) or because they basically don’t work very well. While most of these methods have a higher effectiveness than, say, nothing or no protection, they are far inferior to the rest of the methods covered in this course reader because of their failure rates. We will treat them as comparable methods of contraception for the sole purpose of demonstrating that they are both unpredictable and unsafe, and that other methods of contraception should definitely be considered before resorting to these.

Withdrawal (also known as “pulling out”)

How it works: Withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation occurs, and thus limiting the number of sperm that enter the vagina.

Effectiveness (failure rate)- 7%-22%. Note that the typical failure rate exceeds 1 in 5. In 100 users who use withdrawal correctly and consistently, the lowest estimated failure rate would be 7 pregnancies in one year. In 100 typical users however, the estimated failure rate is 22 pregnancies in one year. This is because before ejaculation occurs, a substance known as pre-ejaculate or âpre-cum,â that may contain sperm, is issued from the penis. Most men cannot even feel when pre-cum is secreted and thus cannot withdrawal in time to avoid this.

Contraindications-

Lack of self control
Lack of ejaculatory control
Strong desire to avoid pregnancy
It is not an appropriate method for couples who wish to have repeated acts of intercourse because sperm may be retained in the penis following ejaculation

Possible side effects, risks, and considerations:

Diminished pleasure, frustration, anxiety
High risk of pregnancy
Provides NO protection from STDs

Benefits:

Requires no devices or chemicals
Available in any situation
It is free

Douching (Does anyone even DO this anymore? Let’s hope not.)

How it works- Douching washes some sperm out of the vagina by flushing it out with scented liquid.

Effectiveness (failure rate)- 40%. Note that this failure rate approaches 1 in 2. In 100 users who douche correctly and consistently, the lowest estimated failure rate would be 40 pregnancies in one year. It has actually been argued that douching may increase the risk of pregnancy by flushing sperm up against the cervix and into the uterus. In addition, douching makes the pH in the vagina become imbalanced, thus increasing the risk of vaginal infections and possible STD transmission. THIS IS WHY DOUCHING IS VERY BAD AND WE COMPLETELY CONDEMN THE ENTIRE PRACTICE. NOT ONLY DOES IT SUPPORT NEGATIVE IMAGES OF FEMALE SEXUALITY AND SEXUAL HEALTH (by suggesting that vaginas are dirty or smell bad, and thus need to be washed out with perfume) BUT IT CAN HAVE REALLY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON WOMEN.

Contraindications:

Allergy to douche
Strong desire to avoid pregnancy
Strong desire to avoid vaginal infections, such as yeast infections
Strong desire to avoid increasing STD transmission

Side effects:

pH imbalance
Possible allergies

Benefits:

Now really, let’s be honest. There aren’t any. You might smell all flowery for awhile. Otherwise, that seems to be it.
Does not require a perscription (see, we found ONE)

Methods that Provide No Protection from Pregnancy

“Doing everything but”: Pregnancies have been reported (even in virgins, although not often) when ejaculation occurred near the vaginal opening.
“But we only did it once”: Many women have become pregnant after having sex only once. Women can and do become pregnant the first time they have sex.
Special Positions: Sperm can swim against gravity. Having sex standing up or in other positions will not prevent pregnancy.
Avoiding “the one” dangerous day per month: See fertility charting. This doesn’t work. We promise.
Urinating after intercourse: This helps avoid UTIs, definitely. This does not have any affect what so ever on preventing pregnancy. Wrong orifice!


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	Choosing a Method Non-Methods Barrier Methods Hormonal Methods Chemical Methods Combination Methods Intrauterine Device Natural Family Planning Emergency Contraceptive Pill Fertility Charting Abstinence Sterilization	Non-Methods We call the following methods of contraception “non-methods.” We call them this because they are either legends about sex that are completely outdated (and probably for a reason!) or because they basically don’t work very well. While most of these methods have a higher effectiveness than, say, nothing or no protection, they are far inferior to the rest of the methods covered in this course reader because of their failure rates. We will treat them as comparable methods of contraception for the sole purpose of demonstrating that they are both unpredictable and unsafe, and that other methods of contraception should definitely be considered before resorting to these. Withdrawal (also known as “pulling out”) How it works: Withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation occurs, and thus limiting the number of sperm that enter the vagina. Effectiveness (failure rate)- 7%-22%. Note that the typical failure rate exceeds 1 in 5. In 100 users who use withdrawal correctly and consistently, the lowest estimated failure rate would be 7 pregnancies in one year. In 100 typical users however, the estimated failure rate is 22 pregnancies in one year. This is because before ejaculation occurs, a substance known as pre-ejaculate or âpre-cum,â that may contain sperm, is issued from the penis. Most men cannot even feel when pre-cum is secreted and thus cannot withdrawal in time to avoid this. Contraindications- Lack of self control Lack of ejaculatory control Strong desire to avoid pregnancy It is not an appropriate method for couples who wish to have repeated acts of intercourse because sperm may be retained in the penis following ejaculation Possible side effects, risks, and considerations: Diminished pleasure, frustration, anxiety High risk of pregnancy Provides NO protection from STDs Benefits: Requires no devices or chemicals Available in any situation It is free Douching (Does anyone even DO this anymore? Let’s hope not.) How it works- Douching washes some sperm out of the vagina by flushing it out with scented liquid. Effectiveness (failure rate)- 40%. Note that this failure rate approaches 1 in 2. In 100 users who douche correctly and consistently, the lowest estimated failure rate would be 40 pregnancies in one year. It has actually been argued that douching may increase the risk of pregnancy by flushing sperm up against the cervix and into the uterus. In addition, douching makes the pH in the vagina become imbalanced, thus increasing the risk of vaginal infections and possible STD transmission. THIS IS WHY DOUCHING IS VERY BAD AND WE COMPLETELY CONDEMN THE ENTIRE PRACTICE. NOT ONLY DOES IT SUPPORT NEGATIVE IMAGES OF FEMALE SEXUALITY AND SEXUAL HEALTH (by suggesting that vaginas are dirty or smell bad, and thus need to be washed out with perfume) BUT IT CAN HAVE REALLY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON WOMEN. Contraindications: Allergy to douche Strong desire to avoid pregnancy Strong desire to avoid vaginal infections, such as yeast infections Strong desire to avoid increasing STD transmission Side effects: pH imbalance Possible allergies Benefits: Now really, let’s be honest. There aren’t any. You might smell all flowery for awhile. Otherwise, that seems to be it. Does not require a perscription (see, we found ONE) Methods that Provide No Protection from Pregnancy “Doing everything but”: Pregnancies have been reported (even in virgins, although not often) when ejaculation occurred near the vaginal opening. “But we only did it once”: Many women have become pregnant after having sex only once. Women can and do become pregnant the first time they have sex. Special Positions: Sperm can swim against gravity. Having sex standing up or in other positions will not prevent pregnancy. Avoiding “the one” dangerous day per month: See fertility charting. This doesn’t work. We promise. Urinating after intercourse: This helps avoid UTIs, definitely. This does not have any affect what so ever on preventing pregnancy. Wrong orifice!