Contraception

Ideally we would like an effective, safe, comfortable, cheap, reversible and easily available method of avoiding pregnancy. It certainly does not exist at the moment.

If you are going to be heterosexually active, and do not wish to become pregnant (or cause a pregnancy), then you will have to use some method of contraception. Every method has its advantages and drawbacks, and some chance of failure. Different people prefer different methods. You may in fact use several different contraceptive methods in your life. It may take some time to discover which method you prefer and which method best suits your body and lifestyle.

There seems to be a general feeling among men today that contraception is a woman's responsibility. After all, if she doesn't want to get pregnant, she should do something about it. However, pregnancy is something that affects both partners in a relationship and contraception is, therefore, the responsibility of both. Ideally, contraception should be discussed by 'both partners and with a doctor, to decide the best methods for the people involved. This may not necessarily be the pill. It is too easy to assume that because it is readily available, easy and effective, that it is automatically the best method.

You may not be involved in a stable relationship but still be hetero-sexually active. If so, it is rank irresponsibility not to be prepared.

The most common method used by men (if they take responsibility) is the condom. The argument that they decrease sensitivity is true of the older types of condom but is losing credibility given the new materials used in their manufacture. If you decide you are going to use condoms., you should keep a good supply handy. These can sit in your medicine cupboard, car, bag, etc. After all, many women have the hassle of taking the pill daily and making sure they've always got them, so it is comparatively little hassle for guys to make sure they have a supply of condoms.

For more effective contraception, condoms should be used with some type of spermacidal agent. This comes in many forms: tablets, creams and foams. Again you will need to experiment to find the form that suits you best. When used together, condoms and spermacides are as effective as the pill with hardly ever any side effects.

The idea that using condoms or other barrier methods (diaphragms or cervical caps) interrupts spontaneity is more of an excuse than a reason. This hangup reflects society's general attitude towards sexuality - an obscured process - and perpetrates the myth that men cannot control their sexual 'urges' (even long enough to use a condom).

Contraception is part of heterosexual activity. It concerns and affects both men and women. It is important that both are conscious of the need for contraception and their own responsibility.