Chapter 5 is focused on the topic of reproductive choices, for both males and females. The first thing that caught my attention was reading about the female condom, I never actually have seen the process of using one and the steps that are needed to take to make sure it is effective.
I found it very interesting but at the same time, it seems to look very uncomfortable (the before and after process) The chapter goes on to talk about the disadvantages of both the male and female condom which did not surprise me (irritation, STI transmission is still possible, the female condom is 79% effective)
I found myself very freaked out when reading “Other Barrier Methods” and not for any childish reasons but just being a female, it made me very uneasy. It is shocking to know how many different methods there are available. Jellies and creams, also a foam substance come in cans or tubes that are supplied with applicators for vaginal inesterion. These barriers are only effective if they are inserted far enough to cover the cervix and what this does is provides a chemical barrier that kills sperm and also a physical barrier that stops the sperm from continuing toward an egg. I was shocked to read about suppositories (which I did not know existed) these are capsules that are inserted into the vagina, where they melt. They are supposed to be inserted 10-20 minutes before intercourse but no more than an hour because then they lose their effectiveness. The vaginal contraceptive film, I was aware of this barrier but again not sure I would be a fan.. this barrier is a thin film infused with spermicidal gel and is inserted into the vagina so that it covers the cervix (seems similar to the jellies and creams) the film dissolves into a spermicidal gel and is effective for 3 hours. Of course all these barrier methods can be very messy and can easily cause an allergic reaction and irritation.
My opinion: I think that women having so many different choices for barrier methods is great and shows us women that there are so many different options for us if needed and if a women does not or can’t take birth control, then she has all these different choices. Although I think that it is great, I also think that most of these methods look very uncomfortable and myself speaking; I would never use any of these methods.
Update on MY journey.. so still a smoker over here! but I do have some good news this week, I have found myself fighting urges I have to go and smoke whether i’m at the bar, out to eat, at work, etc. Everytime I want that cigarette I have found different ways to distract myself which gives me less time to go and smoke that cigarette and I have noticed that it is helping and sort of working. Again, I am still currently a smoker and as I keep saying in all my updates that I am nowhere close where I want to be with my goal BUT.. I am trying my best and every day I want to quit more than I did the day before.
