Sexual health is a part of your well-being, and we want to help you take care of it. We are aiming to promote healthy relationships both physically and emotionally by sharing useful information about staying protected during intercourse through use of condoms, birth control, PrEP, and more, plus looking at what sexuality means in terms of taking care our mental health. We are here to give you some tips on how to protect yourself and your partner when it comes to sexual wellness.
Birth Control
Women today have more birth control options than ever before. However, this abundance of choice can make it difficult to determine which option is the best for you. If you are looking for a safe and affordable option, there are so many possibilities that it can be difficult to know which one will suit your needs the best. The good news is with an abundance of options, finding what works isn’t hard. Options for birth control include pills, IUDs, the ring, the patch, and the shot.
- Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control used. When taken exactly as prescribed, the pill is up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, while also adding the benefits of lighter periods and less PMS.
- The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a long-acting but reversible contraceptive that stays inside your uterus for years at a time. Unlike other birth control methods, IUDs must be administered by a doctor. Sometimes IUDs can slip out of place, but generally they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for anywhere from 3-10 years.
- A birth control ring is nearly unnoticeable and is inserted directly into the vagina. This allows women to forget about it as they go on with their daily lives, allowing them to feel protected during sex without any discomfort or interruption of regular activities. The ring is removed after 3 weeks, with a one-week break to have a period. The ring is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- The patch is another low maintenance birth control method. Simply replace the patch weekly to ensure effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Like most forms of birth control, the patch is 99% effective.
- Women who do not want to have a daily or weekly routine when it comes to birth control but are not ready for a long-term commitment should consider the benefits of getting the birth control shot. The shot’s effectiveness lasts 3 months and provides 99% protection against preventing pregnancy. The shot can be administered by a healthcare provider, or at home.
Condoms
Thankfully, condoms have come a long way since the days they were made from sheepskin (and were reusable!). Both male and female condoms not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keeping condoms readily available is a great way to always be prepared for safe sex. When used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you are a woman looking for an effective, non-hormonal birth control option, condoms are your best bet.
For those allergic to latex, the female condom is a safe, hypoallergenic alternative to male condoms.
Emergency Contraceptive
If you are a woman who is sexually active, then being aware of your emergency contraceptive options is important. If your condom breaks or if anything unexpected happens during sex, having the morning-after pill on hand can save you from an unintended pregnancy. Most emergency contraceptives do not require a prescription and are readily available for both adults and adolescents. Morning after pills are not meant to stop or terminate an already existing pregnancy. Rather, they prevent fertilization from occurring in the first place by preventing ovulation and/or impeding sperm mobility. If a woman has already become pregnant, these medications will be ineffective at stopping her unborn baby’s development since conception has already occurred.
PrEP
PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis” and is up to 99% effective at preventing the contraction of HIV when taken correctly. Unfortunately, one in seven individuals in the US who are living with HIV are unaware they have it. Your medical provider may recommend practicing safe sex with proper condom use or starting a PrEP prescription. It is important to start your HIV prevention journey by knowing your current HIV status. In order to start a PrEP prescription, you must test negative for HIV first. Those who have a partner who is HIV positive, or those who have partners of unknown HIV status should consider talking to their healthcare provider about PrEP.
Our goal at TIN Rx is to not only to make sure that we can provide comprehensive Telehealth and pharmaceutical services, but also ensure that you have all the information necessary on any topic related to health and wellness. We want to help you take care of your whole body and well-being, which is why we are taking the time to talk about how important it is for us to address our sexual wellness.
