Peer Education Program
Contraceptives

Non-Hormonal contraceptives that protect against STD/Is
Male Condom- serves as a barrier to keep sperm from reaching an egg or any other part of the body. They are worn on the penis by men. Only latex and polyurethane condoms are proven to protect against STD/Is, including HIV. They are 86 percent to 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly every time.

Steps to putting on a male condom:
Step 1 – Put the condom on when the penis is erect, before there is any contact between the penis and your partner’s body. Fluid released from the penis during the early stages of an erection can contain sperm and organisms that can cause STDs. 
Step 2 – Tear along one side of the foil being careful not to rip the condom inside. Carefully remove the condom. 
Step 3 – Air trapped inside a condom could cause it to break. To avoid this, squeeze the closed end of the condom between your forefinger and thumb and place the condom over the erect penis. Be sure that the roll is on the outside. 
Step 4 – While still squeezing the closed end, use your other hand to unroll the condom gently down the full length of the penis. Make sure the condom stays in place during sex; if it rolls up, roll it back into place immediately. If the condom comes off, withdraw the penis and put on a new condom before intercourse continues. 
Step 5 – Soon after ejaculation, withdraw the penis while it is still erect by holding the condom firmly in place. Remove the condom only when the penis is fully withdrawn. Keep both the penis and condom clear from contact from your partner’s body. 
Step 6 – Dispose of the used condom hygienically. Wrap the condom in a tissue and place it in the trash (do not flush it down the toilet). 
NEVER USE A CONDOM MORE THAN ONCE.

Female Condom- worn by women. They are made of polyurethane to protect against STD/Is, including HIV. They are 79 percent to 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly every time.

Steps to putting on a female condom:
Step 1 – Carefully open the female condom package. Rub the outside of the pouch together and make sure the lubrication is evenly spread inside the pouch.
Step 2 – Find a comfortable position. Be sure the inner ring is at the bottom, closed-end of the pouch. 
Step 3 – Grab the inner ring with your thumb and middle finger, and pinch the edges together (like a diaphragm).
Step 4 –  Still squeezing the condom, use your other hand to spread your vagina and insert the condom. 
Step 5 –  Use the index finger to guide the condom into the vagina, being careful not to twist the condom. Push the ring in until the cervix is completely covered. The ring should then fall into place. 
Step 6 – Until you and your partner become comfortable using a female condom, use your hand to guide the penis into the vagina.
Step 7 – Make sure the outer ring stays outside the vagina. After ejaculation squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep the sperm inside the pouch. 
Remove the condom by pulling, being careful not to spill the semen.
Step 8 – Dispose of the condom in a trash can. If possible, wash your hands. 

Where can you get FREE condoms on campus?
Peer Education Program - Memorial Union (both male and female condoms)
Cutler Health Center (male condoms)
Resident Assistants (male condoms)
 

Hormonal contraceptives that do NOT protect against STD/Is
Oral Contraceptives- also called "the pill," these contain hormones like estrogen and progestin. The pills are taken daily to block the release of eggs from the ovaries. They are 95 percent to 99.9 percent effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. These require a prescription and visit with a health care provider. They cost approximately $10 to $40 per cycle/month at Cutler Pharmacy on campus.

Depo-Provera- women get injections or shots of the hormone progestin every three months. This is 99.7 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. It requires a prescription and a visit with a health care provider. It costs approximately $55 plus a $20 visit/injection fee at Cutler Pharmacy on campus.

Ortho Evra- also known as "the patch," it is a skin patch worn on the body. It releases hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. It is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. IT requires a prescription and a visit with a health care provider. It costs approximately $20 at Cutler Pharmacy on campus.

Nuva Ring- also known as the "hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring," it is inserted into the vagina. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. It is 98 percent to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. It requires a prescription and a visit with a health care provider. It costs approximately $15 at Cutler Pharmacy on campus.

Emergency Contraception- also known as "the morning after pill," it is used to keep a woman from getting pregnant when she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse (no method of birth control was used or the birth control did not work, like when a condom breaks). This consists of taking two doses of hormonal pills taken 12 hours apart and started within three days of having unprotected sex. It is 75 percent to 89 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. It does not act as an abortion pill, so if pregnancy has already occurred, the EC will not terminate the pregnancy. It requires a prescription and a visit with a health care provider. It costs approximately $10 at Cutler Pharmacy on campus.

Non-Hormonal contraceptives

Copper T Intrauterine Device (IUD)- a small device shaped in the form of a "T." A health care provider places this inside the uterus. It contains some copper, which stops fertilization by preventing sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. It is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. It requires a prescription and a visit with a health care provider. It costs approximately $400 to $500. It is not provided at Cutler Pharmacy on campus, but other health care providers in the area offer this service.

Diaphragm or Cervical Cap- before sexual intercourse, these are inserted into the vagina with spermicide. The Diaphragm is 80 percent to 94 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, while the Cap is 80 percent to 90 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. They require a prescription and a visit with a health care provider for proper fitting. Diaphragms cost approximately $20. Cutler Pharmacy on campus does not sell them, but Cutler providers do fit them to women. Cutler does not provide cervical caps, but they usually cost about $55.

Information provided by practitioners at Cutler Health Center.

The University of Maine , Orono, Maine 04469
207-581-1110
A Member of the University of Maine System