Contraception and Safe Sex Trivia Quiz

Answer: Woven fabric

Research claims that the first condoms were fashioned from woven fabric. Unfortunately, viruses and sperm could easily sneak through the fibers. The intestines of animals became a safer alternative, though still not as safe as the condoms of today. Did you know Casanova used condoms made of animal intestines that he decorated and tied in place with a pink ribbon?

Answer: The Patch

Ortho Evra or "The Patch" is a small patch, attached to certain parts of the body, that releases hormones to prevent ovulation or implantation of the zygote. It works in a similar way to the pill, also helping issues unrelated to pregnancy, such as acne. It's a good alternative for women who have trouble with taking medication at the same time each day.

Answer: Oil-based lubricants may damage latex, while water-based lubricants do not

When oil-based lubricants are applied to latex condoms, the condom becomes more susceptible to rips and tears. Always be aware of this! Safe lubricants that don't harm latex include Astro Glide and ForPlay. Even water or saliva is preferred over unsafe alternatives such as baby oil, butter, or petroleum jelly.

Answer: The menstrual cycle is tracked and the woman refrains from vaginal intercourse or uses protection during "unsafe days" while she is ovulating

If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, she can track the days where she ovulates by using the Rhythm Method (also called the Calendar Method) She should either refrain from vaginal sex or use protection at this point. Effectiveness varies from 75% to 95%. Two other methods mentioned were the Cervical Mucus Method (Ovulation Method) and the Basal Body Temperature Method.

The one about fingernails was nonsense -- don't rely on this.

Answer: When done correctly, withdrawal is just as effective as condoms

Withdrawal is less effective than condoms. Reasons why withdrawal is not the choice method of contraception is because pre-ejaculate or pre-cum (released before ejaculation) can contain sperm, lots of control and experience is needed, men suffering from premature ejaculation cannot use it, and it doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Sex educator Sue Johanson recommends condoms.

Answer: Vas deferens

A vasectomy is performed by cutting, or sometimes blocking, the vas deferens off from the rest of the genitals so that semen does not contain sperm. Though in many cases irreversible, vasectomies are safe, fast, inexpensive, and very effective. Vasectomies are recommended for men and their partners who: don't want (more) children, have a partner whose life would be threatened by pregnancy, do not want to pass on a genetic illness, etc.

The common female equivalent of sterilization is called a tubal ligation.

Answer: Oral sex

It is believed that enzymes in the saliva destroy the virus as it enters the body through the mouth. Unless cuts or scrapes in the mouth allow HIV into the bloodstream, oral sex is a very safe option for having sex with an infected individual. When one is receiving vaginal or anal sex, however, small tears in the membranes can cause contraction of the disease to occur. This is especially true of anal sex. No matter what you're doing, if you're having sex with someone who is infected or has not been tested, use a condom!

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) may evolve into AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Both affect the body's immune system and are incurable. At least 40,000 men and women are infected each year in the United States.

Answer: Bloating

Gonorrhea is a disease that affects the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, or throat. While some strange symptoms may be clear, it generally has no symptoms. Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility in both men and women. 600,000 men and women in the United States contract this disease each year.

Answer: When the zygote (fertilized egg) becomes attached to the uterine wall

While there is conflict, many medical and scientific professionals consider pregnancy to begin when the quickly dividing zygote attaches itself to the uterine wall and begins to develop in an embryo. The embryo gives off hormones that signal the body to prevent the shedding of the uterine lining, thus preventing miscarriage.

Despite this, about half of pregnancies are terminated this way before the women is even aware that she is pregnant.

Answer: 1/2

50% of all pregnancies occur from acts of sex not meant for conception. 40% of these unintended pregnancies will end in abortion. At least half of these women who chose to abort used some form of protection while having sex.

Always use protection.

Thank you for taking my quiz. I hope you did well. For more information, look into Planned Parenthood or associated organizations.