What ISNT Contraception

We have seen why the different methods of birth control do work, but there are still some myths around about other methods that 'work'. Before we look at these mythical methods, let's see how pregnancy does happen. The Myths won't be around in your mind very long after viewing this page.

	What is ovulation?
	How long before the sperm meets the egg?
	How Does Pregnancy Happen?
	Mythical Methods of Birth Control
	A complete annimated fertilization graphic

Ovulation, which only takes about two minutes to complete, usually occurs 14 days after the onset of the period in a 28 day cycle. Ovulation always occurs 14 days BEFORE the onset of your period.The egg is capable of being fertilized for 24 hours. If fertilization doesn't occur, the egg dies. A small amount of bleeding can occur with the rupture of the follicle.

Women ovulate approximately 400 times from puberty to menopause. All the eggs not ovulated by menopause have died. Ovaries also do not necessarily take turns in releasing eggs. If one ovary is surgically removed, the remaining ovary will produce an egg a month.

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The testes is where sperm are formed. The new sperm travel through the epididymis, behind each testis, where they mature. The mature sperm travel through a tube called the vas deferens through the seminal vesicle, a sac near the bladder. In the seminal vesicle, semen is added. The semen-sperm mixture (ejaculate) passes through the prostate and joins the urethra. The ejaculate travels through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the end of the penis), and is discharged.
Contrary to women, who usually produce only one egg a month, men are capable of producing billions of sperm. Even though the numbers can decrease after the age of forty, men are capable of producing sperm from puberty well into life. Men can be fathers in their eighties and nineties. Sperm can live in the vagina, cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes for up to five days. Only a few hundred of the 250 million healthy sperm reach the egg. It takes about two hours to make the entire journey to the egg; however, some sperm are Olympic swimmers and can reach the egg in a half an hour. If no egg is available to fertilize, the sperm swim around patiently waiting to bump into one. Because there is no chemical or physical attraction of the sperm for the egg, the sperm literally must bump into the egg.

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Before ovulation occurs, the fimbria (finger-like ends) of the fallopian tube are positioned over the ovary (see above illustration). These fimbria move along the ovary until a follicle containing the ripened egg is found. The lining of a fallopian tube contains millions of hairlike projections, called cilia, that move back and forth creating suction. When ovulation occurs this suction sweeps up the egg, along with some of the fluid that has surrounded the egg in the follicle. The chemicals in the fluid signal the muscles of the fallopian tube to contract. These contractions propel the egg gently toward the uterus. After the egg is in the fallopian tube, it continues to ripen and prepare itself for the sperm. The egg is surrounded by a nourishing shell which the sperm must penetrate. Each of the hundreds of sperm work hard to penetrate the shell, layer by layer. Suddenly, one sperm breaks through the shell and instantly a chemical reaction takes place, making it impossible for any other sperm to penetrate. The area of the egg containing the mother's genetic contribution (chromosomes) and the area of the sperm containing dad's genetic contribution combine to begin a brand- new, unique individual. About 24 hours after fertilization, the first division of the newly formed cell takes place. The dividing ball of cells continues to travel down the fallopian tube toward the uterus where it will implant and grow.

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Withdrawal	A small amount of semen escapes from the penis prior to ejaculation. Withdrawal does not work because millions of sperm can be in the small amount that escapes.
Rhythm	Remember, ovulation occurs 14 days BEFORE your period. If you are only counting days, it's like playing roulette. It matters if you are a day off. Remember sperm live for up to FIVE DAYS.
Intercourse during Menstruation	If you have a long period and a short cycle, you can be ovulating at the end of your period. Not safe.
The First Time	Right - and birds don't fly.
Standing up immediately after sex	A chemical attraction stronger than gravity is at work here. Sorry, standing doesn't make it.
Praying	Prayer works for many things - pregnancy prevention isn't one of them.
Douching with Pepsi, Coke, etc.	"The Pause that Refreshes®", "The Real Thing®", and others may quench your thirst, but don't expect their secret formula to keep you from getting pregnant.
Nothing	Doing nothing gives you an 85% chance of getting pregnant!!!

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