Top Parenting Tips

Sex Education:

Sex education is a broad term used to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, and other aspects of human sexual behavior. Common avenues for sex education are parents or caregivers, school programs, and public health campaigns.


Choose a Topic:

Body Talk | ContraCeption | AIDS | Periodic Cycle | Transmitted Disease(Sex)

Body Talk
Most of us are familiar with the different parts of our bodies and have a working knowledge of what they do. But somehow, when it comes to the area 'down there', nobody's sure about the great unknown. It's a taboo subject.

Contraception:

Do you really want a child now? You do have a choice in the matter, you know. Here's how to enjoy intimate relationships without the fear of an unwanted pregnancy.

Various Forms of Contraception

What are the various forms of contraception

There are various forms of contraception, ranging from natural family planning methods which are least invasive, to intrauterine devices which require a doctor's intervention:

(a) Natural family planning methods:

These methods are based on the principle that conception can be avoided by abstaining from sex during the woman's most fertile period. The two most popular methods are the temperature method and the rhythm method. These have a very high success rate when combined with other forms of contraception.

(b) Artificial barriers:

These methods mechanically block the sperm from entering the uterus. These include condoms, diaphragms (soft rubber cup-like devices used with sperm-killing cream, inserted into the woman's vagina before intercourse), intrauterine devices or IUDs (inserted into the woman's vagina and kept there for the entire time she does not wish to conceive), vaginal insert contraceptives, etc. In addition to contraception, the advantage of these barrier methods is that they prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

(c) Spermicides:

Creams, foams, jelly and similar substances with special spermicidal chemicals can be useful contraceptives. These substances are inserted into the vagina before intercourse, and essentially immobilize the sperms and make them ineffective.

(d) Birth control pills:

Birth control pills are specially designed to control the hormone levels of the
woman. These pills need to be taken daily, for the entire duration that the woman is sexually active and does not wish to conceive. If taken correctly, success rate is close to 100%, but the drawback is that one needs to remember to take it daily, else it loses its effectiveness.


How effective are these various contraceptive methods

The table below indicates that the success rates are higher for contraceptives that are more invasive:


Rhythm method 80% on average
Foam 80% on average
Diaphragm 85% on average
Condom 90% on average
Combination pill 97% on average
IUD 99%

AIDS

Did You Say, AIDS?
By Dr. Vivek Jain


HOW TO AVOID ACQUIRING HIV
(What all should you do, so as not to get infected)

Avoid sex with multiple partners or even with a single partner who in turn has multiple partners (ideally speaking stick to one single, absolutely faithful partner).
If sex is unavoidable, always wear a condom (though there is no guarantee, at least this offers the best protection) - e.g. during sex with a Community Sex worker. Other methods of contraception provide NO protection.
Avoid unnatural modes of sex (anal/ oral)
Avoid intravenous drug abuse - and if unavoidable at least don�t share needles and syringes � you can use disposable ones.
Take blood transfusions, only when you must and that too from a blood relative / friend and after getting it thoroughly tested.
Petting, Masturbation, Mutual Masturbation are the safest alternatives to sex.
Insist that your barber use a fresh blade every time he shaves / cuts your hair.
Always insist on disposable needles and syringes when taking shots.
Contact your local AIDS Counselling Centre / Government hospitals for any further clarifications.
Remember even a single act of unprotected intercourse (forget the complete act, even unprotected penetration without going the whole way) with an infected partner can lead to infection.
Note:
Active research is going on at such a rapid rate, that a few of the concepts (true at the time of going to print) might turn out to be invalid in days / months to come.
The write-up is an extremely simplified picture of the very complex disease process. The above stated points are accepted by the majority. However not all doctors/ specialists might be in agreement with all the points.