Little Cherry,

I’m really concerned right now. I had unprotected sex with a guy I just met this past weekend, which is really unusual for me. I’m getting really nervous that I might have gotten pregnant. Some of my friends told me about the “Morning After Pill,” but it’s already been three days. Plus, if I did already get pregnant, I don’t want to abort the baby. Help me- PLEASE!!!

-Prego?

Prego?,

Alright, let’s start breaking this down, starting with the pregnancy issue. The “morning after pill” (also known as “emergency contraception” or “EC”) can be effective for preventing pregnancy up to five days after unprotected intercourse. [The sooner you take it, the more likely it will be effective.] Most forms of EC actually contain the same hormones that are found in birth control pills- just in higher dosages. They can work by preventing ovulation (when the egg gets released) or fertilization (when the egg and sperm meet), which in turn prevents the pregnancy from occurring. Certainly, there have been many ethical debates about whether or not EC should be considered a form of abortion. However, I can say from a legal and medical perspective that EC is not considered to be an “abortion drug” of any kind. So, hypothetically, if you were already pregnant, taking EC right now should not have an effect on your pregnancy. Whether or not you feel comfortable taking EC is something you’ll have to decide on your own, though.

In regards to the other risks that come with unprotected sex, you may want to consider getting tested for STDs (even if you’re not showing any symptoms.) I’d recommend calling your clinician ahead of time to see how long he/she wants you to wait before coming in for testing. After all, some STDs will not show up on a test in the first week or two.

I hope that this helped to clear things up a bit. Best of luck with your decisions!

Keep asking questions,
Little Cherry!

Have your own question?  Please send questions to “questions at cherrytv dot com”(trying to avoid the spam spiders by spelling it out!). We’ll attempt to address it here on the blog and possibly even cover it on a show.

Little Cherry,

I have been sexually active for a few years and am interested in taking birth control. (Don’t worry, I already get tested for STDs!) I did some research online about cervical caps and diaphragms, but I still can’t tell them apart. Can you please tell me what the difference is and why people use them.

-Confused

Dear Confused,

Great questions! In a lot of ways, diaphragms and cervical caps are very similar. Both are prescription forms of birth control, which function as barrier methods- meaning that they block the sperm from entering into the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy. (They do so by covering the cervix.) They also require the use of spermicide, which helps to kill off the sperm. If taken care of properly, cervical caps and diaphragms can both last for a couple of years. Nevertheless, there are a few key differences.

Differences between cervical caps and diaphragms include:

· Cervical caps come in only a few set sizes, which unfortunately do not cater to all women’s shapes. Diaphragms, on the other hand, are specifically fit to each body by a doctor.

· The diaphragm covers not only the cervix, but also some of the area around the cervix. By covering more surface area, it may help to protect against some STDs. (*Even so, you still need to use a latex condom with either one of these methods in order to prevent STD transmission!)

· Cervical caps and diaphragms must be kept in prior to and post sex for different amounts of time. Ask your doctor for more specific details.

When picking out your birth control, I’ve got a bit of advice to keep in mind: birth control is not only a product, but also a method. I stress this because if it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle, it’s very easy to take the product incorrectly (resulting in a drop in the effectiveness rate.) As I’ve already mentioned, both forms of birth control require you to prepare for sex ahead of time. Do you need something spur of the moment? Also, are you comfortable feeling around for your cervix and inserting the birth control? This is certainly not to discourage you from using the diaphragm or cervical cap. They can both be really great options, especially for those unable to use hormonal methods. Since you are interested in learning more, I would definitely recommend speaking to your health care provider about any birth control questions or concerns. Also, check out our episode entitled ‘Barrier Birth Control’ for more advice. Hopefully, you’ll find a method that’s a ‘great fit.’

Ask questions!,
Little Cherry

Have your own question? Please send questions to “questions at cherrytv dot com” (trying to avoid the spam spiders by spelling it out!). We’ll attempt to address it here on the blog and possibly even cover it on a show.

The Sponge is back!!! It’s my favorite form of birth control, and after a few long hiatuses, it’s returned to store shelves.

What is it about the sponge that makes it so appealing? First, it is a barrier form of birth control, (check out this video to learn about barrier birth control) so it doesn’t affect our hormones during use.

Second, it is easy to get unlike other female barrier methods that require a doctor’s prescription, the sponge is available at drug stores or for order online here.

Third, once it’s in, it’s good for 24 hours. You can have intercourse as many or as few times as you want during that 24-hour period. However, it does need to stay in place for at least six hours after last intercourse – and while 24 hours is optimum, it is safe to leave in for 30 hours at most.

Granted, like everything in life, it is not perfect.

They are not cheap. I’ve seen them on sale for about $3.00 per, the link above is selling them for a little over $4.50 each.

It takes a little practice getting them out. The first time I used one, I sweated for about 10 minutes trying to grab the ring that pulls it out. I eventually got it by squatting and pushing really hard … like I was giving birth. What a relief!!! As it turned out, the ring was on the wrong side due to my rookie error.

Also, and this didn’t happen to me but to a friend of mine, due to the spermicide it contains, foam oozed out of her vagina during sex. Talk about awkward! Good thing it didn’t happen to her during oral sex. Eeek!

In addition, the spermicide it contains is nonoxynol 9 which, for some people, irritates the vagina. Once the vagina is irritated, we are more susceptible to STDs transmitted from an infected partner.

Since the sponge doesn’t protect from any STD, it’s best to use only with partners that have recently been tested. And, as Elaine so famously said on the Seinfeld episode where she hoarded Sponges that were off the market – you may want to only use with men who are “sponge worthy.”

Condoms are the contraceptive many love to hate. Sure, sex may feel different than the sensuality of rubbing skin-on-skin. However, in addition to protecting against pregnancy, condoms are also your best bet to reduce of the risk of STD transmission.

Since our natural juices can come and go during a sex session, adding lube maximizes the in-and-out, ultimately increasing pleasure for you and your partner. Here’s what you need to know about compatibility between condoms and lube:

• Latex condoms can only be used with water-based and silicone-based lube. Never use oil-based lube with latex as it causes these condoms to deteriorate.
• Polyurethane condoms can be used with water-based, silicone-based and oil-based lube. However, oil-based products (like baby oil, vaseline, body lotion, and whipped cream to name a few) can increase the likelihood of getting a vaginal infection.
• Lambskin condoms can be used with water-based, silicone-based and oil-based lube. However, while these condoms are a barrier for sperm, they do not offer any protection against STDs.

A few more words about lube:

• Water-based lube washes off easily and shouldn’t stain your sheets.
• Silicone-based lube lasts longer, and doesn’t wash off with water too easily (for some women, this causes irritation).
• Oil-based lube aren’t a good idea to use at all.
• And finally, as far as lube ingredients, products that don’t contain glycerin and paraben are better for your body.

Watch Video: A Guide to Condoms