Abortion rate at lowest point since 1976

[Rochir]

http://www.catholic.com/library/birth_control.asp

What's your point with this link? We all know how the Catholic Church demonizes contraception and birth controle.

 

[Rochir]

Only a Catholic would understand.

If you make a blanket statement like that, don't you think we should be privy to your reasoning?

 

[I <3 Abraham]

Technically anyone who is willing can understand but I don't feel like explaining it at this time.

Okay...so when you say that 'technically anyone can understand' that means that the statement 'only a Catholic would understand' is just patently false, I'm with you there.

It does still seem, however, that, at the time, you felt like glibly dismissing my questions for an explanation of the faith, rather than saying "I don't have the time or inclination to explain that right now, go to OBOB".

You just lost all cred with me Holly.

 

[Alecto]

I always wondered about those figures -

Does it mean, (say)

a) 100 people use condoms as many times as they want, and for 1 person, the ball eventually gets past the goalie and pregnancy may or may not happen

b) 100 people use condoms as many times as they want, the ball gets past the goalie a few times and statistically, pregnancy does happen

c) a person (say) has sex 100 times and in 1 case, the ball gets past the goalie and pregnancy may or may not happen

d) a person (say) has sex 100 times and the ball gets past the goalie a few times and statistically, pregnancy does happen

I mean, you can say 99%, but that depends on how you calculate the figures.

Condoms have a breakage rate of about 10-15 and sometimes 20% (20 if you get the cheap kind). I wouldnt rely on condoms entirely as birth control, but they are better than nothing

 

[trunks2k]

Condoms have a breakage rate of about 10-15 and sometimes 20% (20 if you get the cheap kind). I wouldnt rely on condoms entirely as birth control, but they are better than nothing

Just to clarify. If used properly, condoms break only 2% of the time. But in the general population, the breakage rate is around 10%, that's because people don't use them properly.

 

[Alecto]

Just to clarify. If used properly, condoms break only 2% of the time. But in the general population, the breakage rate is around 10%, that's because people don't use them properly.

Ummm...pardon my ignorance but how in the name of all thats holy do you screw up using a condom? Thats kinda like screwing up using a broom

 

[burrow_owl]

Ummm...pardon my ignorance but how in the name of all thats holy do you screw up using a condom? Thats kinda like screwing up using a broom

Putting it on backwards; using the wrong size; not making sure that air hasn't built up in the tip; making sure it's on securely; making sure it hasn't been stored improperly; etc.

Some of these things may seem common sense, but one should never overestimate the common sense of others.

 

[Alecto]

Backwards? Last time I checked, they worked both ways.

And if one was the wrong size, dont you think people would...realize it, when they started to turn purple or they couldnt keep it on?

In my opinion, condoms are better than good timing, but if there is annother method avalible (Patch or pills) go for that.

 

[JPPT1974]

I don't support sex outside of marriage. As you should give others the gift of virginity when you get married to your spouse. But also I don't support abortion and against it. I would rather, if given the choice, be safe than sorry. Either wearing an condemn or using birth-control pills. Not just to save from pregnancy but also STD.

 

[Sycophant]

Backwards? Last time I checked, they worked both ways.

And if one was the wrong size, dont you think people would...realize it, when they started to turn purple or they couldnt keep it on?

In my opinion, condoms are better than good timing, but if there is annother method avalible (Patch or pills) go for that.

Some people think "double bagging" is a good idea, but it increases the risk of a breakage.

Improper lubricants are a big problem as well.

And some people (a statstically measurable portion in one study I read) will actually re-use condoms.

Also, many many people don't properly observe the precautions after intercourse (not removing and disposing of the condom immediately, and not avoiding post-coital genital contact).

Turns out there are many things you can do wrong with a condom.

And then there's the pill - people don't realise the importance of things like timing, or they will miss a pill one day and double up the next. These things drastically reduces it's effectiveness. Heck, even eating grapefruit can seriously affect the effectiveness of the pill...

These are all things people need to learn somehow - and trial and error isn't the way. And while condoms do come with instructions, I'm pretty sure most people aren't going to stop and read them when they are in need of a condom (it detracts from the 'moment', you know?)

 

[Alecto]

This is part of the reason I dont trust condoms

 

[trunks2k]

This is part of the reason I dont trust condoms

You don't trust them because you don't know how to use them?

Here, I'll give you the run down to make using condoms just about as safe as you can (sorry if these are repeated from above). In interest of keeping with the rules, I'll be as ungraphic as I can.

Some quick don'ts:

1. Don't store a condom in your wallet. Heat and friction can weaken the latex, so a wallet is one of the worst places to keep it. It's best to keep a condom in a single place that is out of the sunlight and doesn't get overly hot.

2. Don't "double bag". You want to keep as little direct friction on the condom as you can (this is why most condoms are lubricated). Double bagging just causes the condoms to rub directly against eachother which causes a LOT of friction. If you buy an unlubricated condom, apply some sort of lubrication (see #3).

3. Don't use an oil based lubricant on a latex condom. Oil breaks down the latex.

4. Don't expect natural condoms to protect you from STD's. They work fine for preventing pregnancy, but they don't work well for STD's as they are too porous.

5. Never use anything besides your fingers (i.e. teeth, scissors) to open a condom, else you risk rupturing the condom. Packages open easily, there should be no reason to use anything else.

Now some do's:

1. Before opening the condom, squeeze the package, make sure there's air in there. If there isn't, then there's a hole in the package and you should toss the condom.

2. Condoms do have expiration dates, check to be sure it's not passed the expiration date.

3. When you remove the condom from the package, hold it so that it looks like a sombrero, the inside of the "sombrero" is the inside of the condom. There's usually less lubnricant there.

4. ROLL the condom on. Don't unravel the condom and then try to put it on.

5. As you roll the condom on, pinch the tip of the condom so that you create a reseviour. While you can create a resevoir without pinching it, doing so will likely trap air in the tip, this air in the tip increases the likely hood of breakage.

6. Roll the condom all the way down. The condom should fit somewhat snugly so that it won't slide off, but also won't be uncomfortable.

7. When you have *ahem* finished the deed *ahem*, you need to immediately remove the condom. Pinch just below the reseviour (keeps sperm from leaking) and pull the condom off from there. Tie off the condom and throw it away (don't flush it down the toilet, they can clog drains and sometimes come back to haunt you so to speak).

It sounds a lot more complicated than it is. This is all second nature to me.
If I missed anything, please let me know. I take safe sex seriously.

 

[Alecto]

Dude...I know how to use a condom, there are certain guys who cant wear condoms because thier skin has a reaction to the latex. QUITE uncomfortable

 

[trunks2k]

Dude...I know how to use a condom,

Well, didn't you ask how you can use a condom improperly? If you don't know how to improperly use a condom it implies that you don't really know how they should be safely used.

Unless you meant it as a rhetorical question. But either way, the list wasn't specifically meant for you, it was more for the general reading population.

there are certain guys who cant wear condoms because thier skin has a reaction to the latex. QUITE uncomfortable

Latex is not your only option. There are natural condoms available (i.e Lambskin), but those aren't as effective against STDs. There are also female condoms, which are made from polyurethane. Female condoms have certain advantages and disadvantages from a latex condom. But I have no experience with them, so I can't tell you much about them. Some people swear by them, others prefer a male condom.

 

[IamSam52]

You don't trust them because you don't know how to use them?

Here, I'll give you the run down to make using condoms just about as safe as you can (sorry if these are repeated from above). In interest of keeping with the rules, I'll be as ungraphic as I can.

Some quick don'ts:

1. Don't store a condom in your wallet. Heat and friction can weaken the latex, so a wallet is one of the worst places to keep it. It's best to keep a condom in a single place that is out of the sunlight and doesn't get overly hot.

2. Don't "double bag". You want to keep as little direct friction on the condom as you can (this is why most condoms are lubricated). Double bagging just causes the condoms to rub directly against eachother which causes a LOT of friction. If you buy an unlubricated condom, apply some sort of lubrication (see #3).

3. Don't use an oil based lubricant on a latex condom. Oil breaks down the latex.

4. Don't expect natural condoms to protect you from STD's. They work fine for preventing pregnancy, but they don't work well for STD's as they are too porous.

5. Never use anything besides your fingers (i.e. teeth, scissors) to open a condom, else you risk rupturing the condom. Packages open easily, there should be no reason to use anything else.

Now some do's:

1. Before opening the condom, squeeze the package, make sure there's air in there. If there isn't, then there's a hole in the package and you should toss the condom.

2. Condoms do have expiration dates, check to be sure it's not passed the expiration date.

3. When you remove the condom from the package, hold it so that it looks like a sombrero, the inside of the "sombrero" is the inside of the condom. There's usually less lubnricant there.

4. ROLL the condom on. Don't unravel the condom and then try to put it on.

5. As you roll the condom on, pinch the tip of the condom so that you create a reseviour. While you can create a resevoir without pinching it, doing so will likely trap air in the tip, this air in the tip increases the likely hood of breakage.

6. Roll the condom all the way down. The condom should fit somewhat snugly so that it won't slide off, but also won't be uncomfortable.

7. When you have *ahem* finished the deed *ahem*, you need to immediately remove the condom. Pinch just below the reseviour (keeps sperm from leaking) and pull the condom off from there. Tie off the condom and throw it away (don't flush it down the toilet, they can clog drains and sometimes come back to haunt you so to speak).

It sounds a lot more complicated than it is. This is all second nature to me.
If I missed anything, please let me know. I take safe sex seriously.

Most people are just not this analytical. Think about it. People drive down the road talking on cell phones so distracted they either get in an accident or cause one. With their life on the line they talk about picking up a loaf of bread or a something equally mundane.

Everyone thinks they already know how to use a condom.

 

[trunks2k]

Most people are just not this analytical. Think about it. People drive down the road talking on cell phones so distracted they either get in an accident or cause one. With their life on the line they talk about picking up a loaf of bread or a something equally mundane.

Everyone thinks they already know how to use a condom.

Which is why we need strong and comprehensive sex ed. All the stuff I listed sounds like much more than it really is. Really, all the steps in my "do" section, are nothing at all, once you know the steps, you don't even think about it.

 

[murron]

Moved from NCE to P&M

 

[IamSam52]

So it is ok to have sex with someone you don't have a committment too as long as you know how to not get caught?

 

[trunks2k]

So it is ok to have sex with someone you don't have a committment too as long as you know how to not get caught?

define "ok". "Ok" in a moral sense, or "ok" in a practical sense? And what do you mean by not getting caught? I'll assume you mean not knocking someone up and not getting an STD.

My own set of morality says "no," but I doubt I share the same definition of commitment. To be more specific I only have sex with people I'm in a monogamous relationship with. But that's my personal morality. Outside of a couple mistakes early on in my sex life, I've only had sex with people I've had relationships with (9 months and 2 years). I consider sex to be a healthy part of a relationship.

Some people don't have any problem with having sex with a lot of people. I consider it a turn off, but I'm in no position to judge their morality in regards to that. As such, people should know how to be have sex as safely as possible. You're not going to stop them, and keeping them ignorant just makes things worse.

Some people want to wait until marriage and more power to them.

 

[Sycophant]

4. Don't expect natural condoms to protect you from STD's. They work fine for preventing pregnancy, but they don't work well for STD's as they are too porous.

I don't believe this is accurate. So far as I am aware, there are no cases of HIV being tranmitted with the proper use of condoms (which is the most commonly presented arguement) - and there have been studies of their use by couples with one HIV+ partner.

As for other STDs - I believe they also remain highly effective for most non-contact STDs (so crabs, genital warts, herpes and yeast infections are a different issue). (edit: A link)

Of course, as we all know, and comprehensive sex-ed teaches, the only 100% effective way to avoid STDs and pregnancy is to abstain from sexual intercourse.

Latex is not your only option. There are natural condoms available (i.e Lambskin), but those aren't as effective against STDs. There are also female condoms, which are made from polyurethane.

Polyurethane condoms are definately available for men as well. What's more, they are thinner and less desensitising (although more expensive generally).