Diaphragm

CHEZ CHAMBERS ** DIAPHRAGM  ** Sexual intercourse is a norm for many cultures to engage in. Each culture may have a different purpose for engaging in sexual activities. According to Matt Slick, the biblical purpose of sex is ”its design for procreation, intimacy, companionship and physical pleasure”. Many people view sex as an intimate affair that should only take place between a husband and a wife. ** Effects of Sex  ** Due to many people engaging in premarital sex, sexual intercourse can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. As I’ve already mentioned, the positive purposes of sex may serve to design procreation, intimacy, companionship and/or physical pleasure. On the other hand, when people start engaging in polygamous and open relationships and having multiple sex partners, the negative affects of sex is more likely to become prevalent. Such negative effects include unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV and AIDs. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, STDs/STIs “affect 12 million men and women each year” (fda.gov). Although abstinence is the only 100% effective method to avoid risks, other forms of protection are available to reduce the risks of the unwanted effects. Such protection, barriers and contraceptives include: condoms, birth control, and emergency contraception pills. Condoms are used to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and infections and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies. Birth control contraceptives are available in many forms with the primary purpose of preventing unintended pregnancies when used correctly. Emergency contraception pills are hormonal contraceptives that prevent pregnancies after unprotected sex. ** Birth Control: Diaphragm  ** Birth control allows one to prevent pregnancies and also plan the timing of pregnancies. According to Planned Parenthood, birth control methods have been used for thousands of years. There are many different birth control methods that work in different forms. Such methods include: barrier methods, hormonal methods, implantable devices, permanent birth control methods and emergency contraception. The diaphragm is a barrier method, which puts up a block to keep sperm from entering the cervix and reaching the egg. It comes in the form of a shallow latex cup. It comes in the different sizes and the doctor must fit it according to the size of the woman. Before engaging in sexual intercourse, spermicide, which blocks or kills sperm, must be added to the devices. They are then placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. To properly prevent pregnancy, the device must be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after having sex but taken out within 24 hours.