Part 1: Discussion Initial post – due Saturday of week 8 at 11:59 pm PT

Introduction: The human reproductive system includes the male  reproductive system, which functions to produce and deposit sperm, and  the female reproductive system, which functions to produce egg cells,  and to protect and nourish the fetus until birth. Prevention of  fertilization is, in general, the basis for contraception. People may  choose to use contraception for a variety of reasons, the purpose of  birth control is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Although there may be  religious, social, ethical, and personal considerations when it comes to  birth control, in this set of posts please limit your description to a  scientific explanation of how each method works.

For this post, you will:

1. Choose a type of birth control and describe if it is a short-acting or long-term contraception. Some examples are:

• Natural methods of contraception, such as abstinence, withdrawal,  fertility awareness methods, outercourse, continuous breastfeeding (aka  lactational amenorrhea).
• Over-the-counter choices (e.g., spermicide, male and female condoms, sponge, the-morning-after-pill).
• Prescription birth control (e.g., the pill, the Depo Provera Shot,  the NuvaRing and Annovera, The Ortho Evra Patch, Diaphragms, ParaGard  Intrauterine Device, Mirena Intrauterine Device (IUD), Kyleena and  Liletta Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), Phexxi Gel, Nexplanon, Cervical  Caps).
• Permanent contraception procedures (e.g., Vasectomy, Tubal Ligation,  hysterectomy, and the Essure procedure (or hysteroscopic  sterilization).

1. Describe how your choice works to prevent pregnancy. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of your choice?
2. What life or health situation would make your choice of contraception more applicable for use by an individual or couple?
3. Does your choice help to prevent the spread of STDs? What are any  additional benefits of the use of your choice? For example, some birth  control methods help regulate period pain, reduce acne, reduce  menopausal symptoms, lessen the frequency of migraines, or lower  endometriosis-related pain.