Few students have tried NuvaRing, says Cink, only because it hasn't been around long. Studies prove that fewer than one out of 100 women will become pregnant with perfect use. Although the ring boasts high rates of effectiveness, women in the United States typically don't feel comfortable touching themselves, says Amanda Sheridan, community educator at the Kansas-MidMissouri Planned Parenthood. Because of the social stigma attached to hands-on contraceptives, women are also often hesitant to use the female condom, she says.
Female condom
Contrary to popular belief, the female condom is not a code word for diaphragm. It is a different form of birth control, and unlike hormonal methods, it offers disease protection. The appearance of the female condom could be to blame for its low usage. Envision an enlarged male condom, minus the reservoir tip. Maybe it's the cost, about $1 per condom, that turns women off. The female has one benefit though. It is reputed to enhance sensation, says Sheridan.
It is inserted deep into the vagina stretching the length of the vaginal wall. The protective "tube," which falls about 1 inch below the labia, allows the outer ring to rub against the clitoris. By covering the outer skin, the female condom also offers more disease protection than the male condom. The two, however, cannot be used together.
Those who are allergic to latex need not worry because the female condom is made of polyurethane, a form of plastic. When used correctly the female condom will prevent pregnancy 79 percent to 95 percent of the time. These statistics, when coupled with its reputed ability to increase sensation, Sheridan says, may outdo its major downside: the noise it makes from friction during intercourse.
Male Contraceptives
Women have commonly born the responsibility of birth control. You females may wonder: rings, patches, pills, when will it be enough? About one to two years, estimates Sheridan, referring to the length of time before a reversible male contraceptive will be available in the United States. Because of Food and Drug Administration restrictions, research is conducted abroad. In England, where studies are taking place, 81 percent of males report willingness to try male birth control. On campus the common reaction among male students is polar. They are likely to cringe or perk up with interest, but Sheridan is optimistic. "I think men want more options, especially those in long term relationships," Sheridan says.
Researchers are taking three approaches to reversible birth control for men: using heat to minimize sperm production, hormone methods and vas devices. A vas device method would
include liquid injected into the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethral opening, Sheridan says. The liquid would harden within 72 hours, creating a physical barrier that would last 10 years. This method is reversible, but less effective than hormonal contraceptives.
—Sara Behunek, Jayplay writer, can be reached at sbehunek@kansan.com.
HOW BIRTH CONTROL WORKS
Female birth control, such as the pill, Ortho Evra and NuvaRing contain a mix of synthetic estrogen and progestin. The ovaries release these two hormones when a female is pregnant. While on hormonal birth control, the body does not ovulate. When introduced into the body, these hormones also thicken the cervix's mucous lining, preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg if one is released. Doctors must prescribe all methods of hormonal birth control.
COMMUTER AEROBICS BY LAUREN REIDY
And squeeze, and release. And squeeze, and release (check your mirrors). And squeeze, and release.
The Review
It may sound like your typical, audio exercise tape, but Commuter Aerobics boldly goes where few exercise tapes have gone before, the car.
"The moves on Commuter Aerobics are very basic exercises you can do in your car, or any time you're sitting down," says Cinder Ernst, commuter aerobics creator and San Francisco fitness professional. "All you need to do is sit up straight, and repeat muscles clenches and certain movements."
After speaking with Ernst, former commuter aerobic choreographer for Bay-area radio station KFOG, I decided that the idea of working out while driving was too tempting to resist. I ordered Ernst's 20-minute cassette tape, and five days later my roommate and I were
cruising and clenching our way around Lawrence.
Ernst begins the workout cassette by issuing simple safety guidelines.
"I make sure people know that you can't drive, talk on your cell phone and do commuter aerobics," Ernst says "And the exercises require you to sit up straight so you may have to adjust your mirrors."
Once she has completed these instructions, Ernst spends 10 minutes teaching listeners 11 basic exercises. Her instructions are easy to understand, and the exercises are so simple that you can pick them up in seconds.
I'll admit that some of Ernst's stranger moves, such as Chicken Wing Elbow Lifts, caused me to question her sanity. I felt a little ridiculous driving around town with my elbows flapping up and down to the music. However, Ernst takes every opportunity to show her listeners that she has a sense of humor and they should too.
"I know some moves look a little funny," she says. "But that's part of the fun. On the tape, I just tell people to smile and wave if anyone looks."
During the remaining 10 minutes of the tape, Ernst's instructions guide you through three separate exercise programs that incorporate all the moves. The routines are set to music and peppered with driving tips and safety instructions.
When the tape finished, my roommate and I continued to practice commuter aerobics to the songs playing on the radio. By the time we reached our destination, our abdominal and lower body muscles had really begun to burn.
The Verdict
Although commuter aerobics are not adequate substitutes for traditional cardiovascular and weight training routines, they did work my muscle groups. I was also able to exercise during a time that I previously devoted to sitting.
For More information
Visit the commuter aerobics Web site at www.commuteraerobics.com. You can purchase the Commuter Aerobics cassette tape or check out the exercise descriptions available online.
"The tape itself is really funny," Ernst says. "But you can do these exercises on your own while you listen to the radio. Just read the safety guidelines on the Web site first."
Something to try: the nutcracker
This exercise will work your inner thigh muscles.
"Sit up straight so that your vertebrae are stacked up one on top of the other," Ernst says. "Now act like you have a nut between your knees.Squeeze them together and hold the position.Release and repeat."
—Lauren Reidy, Jayplay writer, can be reached at lreidy@kansan.com.
10 jayplay
thursday, november 20, 2003