Contraception: Choices, Culture and Consequences

This course gives a broad overview of contraceptive methods and explores issues that influence contraceptive choices today. We will discuss the mechanism of action, effectiveness, risk/benefit, side effects and contraindications for each contraceptive method, as well as ask some questions about contraceptive decision making. What are some of the factors that influence contraception use and decision making?   Are there specific cultural, ethnic, social and environmental factors?  We will also look at the relationship between contraception use and risk of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).