LECTURE 4: THE PHYSICAL SELF

THE SELF AS IMPACTED BY THE BODY

• The physical self refers to the body. Both physical extremities and internal organs
work together for the body to perform many of its functions such as breathing,
walking, eating, and sleeping, among others. The body’s ability to perform its
functions gradually changes through an individual’s aging. In general, the body
performs least during infancy and old age. Physical efficiency generally peaks in
early adulthood between the ages of twenty and thirty, and then slowly declines
into the middle age.

BODY IMAGE
• It refers to how individuals perceive, think and feel about their body and physical
appearance. Appearance refers to everything about a person that others can
observe, such as height, weight, skin color, clothes and hairstyle. Through
appearances, an individual can show others the kind of person he or she is
(DeLamater & Myers, 2012). The age at which puberty begins has implications for
the way adolescents feel about themselves and the way others treat them
(Feldman, 2010). Body image is related to self-esteem, which is a person’s overall
evaluation of his or her own worth.
• Society shapes us in many ways, possibly more than we realize – from our
interactions to our personal development through others’ perception of our
bodies as a reflection of self-worth. We are social beings. Genetically we rely on
one another for the survival of humanity. That primal connection makes our
interactions physiologically and psychologically important. So it’s not surprising
that how society perceives us affects us on many levels.

BODY IMAGE IS BOTH INTERNAL (PERSONAL) AND EXTERNAL (SOCIETY). THIS INCLUDES:

� How we perceive our bodies visually

� How we feel about our physical appearance

� How we think and talk to ourselves about our bodies

� Our sense of how other people view our bodies

The media, in particular, has increasingly become a platform that reinforces cultural
beliefs and projects strong views on how we should look, that we as individuals often
unknowingly or knowingly validate and perpetuate.

The more we look at perfect images of others and then look to find those same idealized
characteristics in ourselves and don’t find them, the worse we feel about ourselves.

It’s a cycle that breeds discontent.

With such strong societal scrutiny, it’s easy to see how the focus on how we look can slide
into the dark side – negative body image.

The greater our discontent with how we measure up when compared to the societal or
media supported norms, the more negative our body image. The greater the risk for
extreme weight or body control behaviors occurs. We’re talking about:

• Extreme dieting

• Extreme exercise compulsion

• Eating disorders

• Extreme or unnecessary plastic surgery

• Using steroids for muscle building

There is always a pressure in our society to look good, and to seek a visually better version
of ourselves. We often get so caught up with the ways we can make sure that we look
beautiful and nice, that sometimes, we frown at our natural looks, our dark complexion
perhaps, or even our short stature.

WHY DO I LOOK MYSELF?

GREGOR MENDEL

• He first figured out how genes are passed from parents to offspring in
plants, including humans. His experiments on pea plants showed that
genes are passed intact from generation to generation and that traits are
not blended. Mendel’s discovery was that it is through the genes that traits
were passed from parent to offspring through several generations.

In the Philippines, the construction of local standards of beauty can be traced

from our colonial influences. Skin color signifies the value of the people in society.
Lighter skinned individuals are considered higher in terms of social status, and
therefore, in the social rank compared to those with brown or dark skin (Rondilla,
2012).
EXAMPLES OF COLONIAL INFLUENCES:

• Xander’s decision to alter his physical appearance was not without the
pressure of the society to look good, if not better. He was not spared from
bullying since he became an internet sensation because by our standards,
he simply is unattractive.
 • OBSESSION WITH BEAUTY: HEALTH CONCERNS
➢ Body Dysmorphic Disorder – being obsessed about their
appearance and think about their flaws. It also occurs in both men
and women.

The positive body image:

o Sense of self-acceptance
o Realistic about the goals concerning appearance
o Feel comfortable in their own
o Can accurately depict how others see their body
o Think appearance is not the most important aspect of their sense of self

The negative body image:

o Place greater emphasis on how they look
o Fixate on their shortcomings
o Unhappy with what they see in the mirror no matter what
o Susceptible to influence from others who contribute to low self-esteem
Those who are suffering from BDD (BODY DISMORPHIC DISORDER) are so obsessed
about their appearance, thus think about their flaws, real or not, incessantly and
uncontrollably (Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Quest for Perfection, 2012).

• BODY IMAGE DISTURBANCE

➢ Body image disturbance (BID) is an important aspect of several
pathologies in psychology, particularly eating disorders.

THERE ARE TWO COMPONENTS:

1. THE PERCEPTUAL COMPONENT - which refers to how we accurately perceive
our body size, also known as body size estimation.

2. THE ATTITUDINAL COMPONENT - which refers we think and feel about the size
and/or shape of their body, which if not correctly processed, will result to body
dissatisfaction (Greene, 2011).

• ANOREXIA
➢ defined as a serious mental illness where people are of low weight
due to limiting their energy intake. It can affect anyone of any age,
gender, or background.
➢ As well as restricting the amount of food eaten, they may do lots of
exercise to get rid of food eaten. Some people with anorexia may
experience cycles of bingeing (eating large amounts of food at
once) and then purging.
During the 19th century in the African country of Tahiti, it was recorded that some men
and women were set aside in a special place for fattening purposes (Pollock, 1995). In
addition, they were covered in large amounts of tapa barkcloth, which, after the ritual is
over, reveals a lighter skin for those who were selected. The goal of this ritual is to enhance
their beauty, not only by feeding them but by making sure that they get a lighter skin
afterwards.

THE FILTERED SELF

• The advent of social media put pressure on us to look even better. On Instagram,
the most famous photo-sharing application known to us, we post our most
physically appealing self, and more often than not, we use filter applications,
where we can hide our imperfections, creating, and recreating a self that is better
approved by our online friends.

SO HOW CAN WE BUILD A HEALTHY AND POSITIVE BODY IMAGE?

Positive body image involves understanding that healthy attractive bodies come in many
shapes and sizes, and that physical appearance says very little about our character or
value as a person.

How we get to this point of acceptance often depends on our individual development
and self-acceptance. To get to that all-important point of balance, there are a few steps
we can take:

➢ TALKBACK TO THE MEDIA - All media and messages are developed or constructed
and are not reflections of reality. So shout back. Speak our dissatisfaction with the
focus on appearance and lack of size acceptance

➢ DE-EMPHASIZE NUMBERS - Kilograms on a scale don’t tell us anything meaningful

about the body as a whole or our health. Eating habits and activity patterns are
much more important
 ➢ REALIZE THAT WE CANNOT CHANGE OUR BODY TYPE: thin, large, short or tall, we
need to appreciate the uniqueness of what we have – and work with it.

➢ STOP COMPARING OURSELVES TO OTHERS - We are unique, and we can’t get a

sense of our own body’s needs and abilities by comparing it to someone else

We need to move and enjoy our bodies not because we have to, but because it makes
us feel good. Walking, swimming, biking, dancing – there is something for everyone

Spend time with people who have a healthy relationship with food, activity, and their
bodies.

Question the degree to which self-esteem depends on our appearance. If we base our
happiness on how we look, it is likely to lead to failure and frustration and may prevent us
from finding true happiness.

Broaden our perspective about health and beauty by reading about body image,
cultural variances, or media influence. Check out a local art gallery paying particular
attention to fine art collections that show a variety of body types throughout the ages
and in different cultures.

Recognize that size prejudice is a form of discrimination similar to other forms of

discrimination. Shape and size are not indicators of character, morality, intelligence, or
success.

Each of us will have a positive body image when we have a realistic perception of our
bodies when we enjoy, accept, and celebrate how we are and let go of negative
societal or media perpetuated conditioning.

EMBRACING YOUR PHYSICAL SELF

➢ The significance of self-acceptance is necessary in embracing our physical selves.
We need not fret if the way we look do not live up to the standards set by our
society. We have to be reminded that our health is foremost in all these.
Remember that body size, shape, skin color, and stature are never correct
indicators of a healthy life.
 LESSON 5: THE SEXUAL SELF
SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
➢ Is a lifelong process that starts at the moment of conception (Tsiaras, 2006). People
are all a little different from one another, so it makes sense that they don’t all
develop the same way (kidshealth.org, 2008).
➢ Sexual development can be predicted as part of the human development but
not everyone is expected to have the same pattern of changes or the same
pacing.
➢ a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses:

o sex,

o gender identities and roles,

o sexual orientation,

o eroticism,

o pleasure,

o intimacy, and

o reproduction

SEXUALITY
➢ can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or
expressed such as: desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles,
and relationships.

HUMAN SEXUALITY
➢ SEXUALITY is much more than sexual feelings or sexual intercourse. It is an important
part of who a person is and what he/she will become.
➢ It includes all feelings, thoughts and behaviors associated with being male or
female, being attractive and being in love, as well as being in a relationship.

FIVE CIRCLES OF SEXUALITY:

1. SENSUALITY - is awareness and feeling about your own body and other people’s bodies,
especially the body of a sexual partner. Sensuality enables us to feel good about how
our bodies look and feel and what they can do. Sensuality also allows us to enjoy the
pleasure our bodies can give us and others.

2. SEXUAL INTIMACY - is the ability to be emotionally close to another human being and
to accept closeness in return. Several aspects of intimacy include sharing intimacy,
caring about another, liking or loving a person, emotional risk-taking and vulnerability to
a loved one.
3. SEXUAL IDENTITY - is a person’s understanding of who he/she is sexually, including the
sense of being male or being female. It consists of three “interlocking pieces” that
together affect how each person sees him/herself. Each piece is important.

4. REPRODUCTION AND SEXUAL HEALTH - these are a person’s capacity to reproduce and
the behaviors and attitudes that make sexual relationships healthy and enjoyable.

5. SEXUALIZATION - is that aspect of sexuality in which people behave sexually to

influence, manipulate or control other people. Often called “shadowy” side of human
sexuality, sexualization spans behaviors that range from the relatively harmless to the
sadistically violent, cruel and criminal.

In our country,“few data [are] collected nationally on sexual health, or sexual practices
or behavior” (“Defining Sexual Health,” 2002, p. 16).

THOUGHT TO PONDER ON

“Withholding information about sex and sexuality will not keep children safe; it will
only keep them ignorant” (Hauser, 2013, para. 2).

If more Filipinos would continue to learn, whether formally or informally, about

proper sex education, then it may be indirectly passed on to young children through
teaching proper hygiene or through being discerning of a child’s actions, reactions,
questions, or comments about sex.

Sex education is NOT to promote sexual intercourse but to promote good sexual
health and safety from sexual violence.

“Falling in love is stronger than the sex drive” (Fisher, 2005, p. 60). In other words,
Love is almost uncontrollable but sex drive is definitely controllable.

UNDERSTANDING HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE

➢ There are physiological and psychological aspects in being turned on, being in
love and attached to another person. The chemistry of lust, love and attachment
lies in our brains, which is the human’s most important “sex organ.” The
unexplained mechanism responsible for sexual attraction lies in the brain and not
in the genital areas.

➢ According to Fisher, “we are drawn to certain people not only for cultural reasons,
such as socioeconomics, intelligence, and values, but also for biological reasons”
(Zamosky, 2009, para. 2).

(3) STAGES OF ROMANTIC LOVE AS FAR AS OUR BRAIN CHEMICALS ARE CONCERNED:

1. lust,

2. attraction, and
 3. attachment (Greenberg, 2016).

LUST
➢ existence of sex drive (male hormones are responsible for this)
➢ pagnanasa
➢ existence of the oestrogen and testosterone

ATTRACTION
➢ infatuation stage
➢ ito yung tipong ayaw mo ng matapos
➢ existence of dopamine and norepinephrine (it regulates the fight or flight response
where it’s important for mental health and emotional stability), combined with
decrease in serotonin level

ATTACHMENT

➢ leads to being clingy

➢ existence of oxytocin and vasopressin

➢ To be able to maintain dopamine and oxytocin, couples need to keep trying

something new together – food, movie, hobby, travel, etc. – and they also have
to spend time with each other and feel each other’s warmth through gentle
touch, holding of hands, hugging, etc. (“The Chemistry of Love,” 2018; Zamosky,
2009).
 ➢ According to Maslar (2016) in her TEDx talk, the right time for a female to agree to
have sex with her male partner is when he commits – which is never on the first
date. Thus, neuroscience backs up the claim of most of our elders’ advice for a
better and long lasting relationship.

“It’s natural for everyone to become more sexually aware, but it doesn’t mean you are
ready to have sex” (Cole, 2009, p. 11).

“Puberty is the one to three-year process of hormonal and physical change that causes
the young person to reach sexual maturity, girls usually entering it about a year [or two]
earlier than boys” (Pickhardt, 2010, para. 3).

Mishandled stress, sadness, shame, low self-esteem, unmet expectations, from school,
work, family, and peers, may lead to depression.

All adults have gone through puberty but not all adults have gone through proper sex
education.

Information on erogenous zones relevant are beneficial not only for sexual excitement
but also for protection against sexual violence.

When the erogenous zones are touched, there is an expected automatic sensation.
However, the quality of the sensation depends on who and how the zones are being
touched (Evans, 2015).

EREGENOUS ZONES

➢ The information sent to the brain by the nerve cells is essentially the same as that
sent when a sexual partner touches that spot when a physician touches a breast
or a penis. What differs is the interpretation given to the touch. Sexual arousal is
likely only when a certain part of the body is touched in what people define as a
sexual manner and when a person is receptive to sexual activity (Gagnon, 1977;
Goldstein, 2000; Wiederman, 2011).

The sexual response pattern is a model that describes the physiological and emotional
responses one experiences that takes place during sexual activity.

• Whatever we desire is a summation of what we have been exposed to or shown

growing up (Wolfson, 2010).

• This is a reminder for us to be careful of what we continually expose ourselves to.

“Many teenagers who have crushes on people of the same sex never have same-sex
relationships” (Cole, 2009, p. 36).

SEX VS. GENDER

➢ SEX refers to a person’s characterization as female or male at birth, typically based
on the appearance of external genitalia or other biological characteristics
including chromosomes
➢ GENDER refers to social characteristics that may be [or may not be] aligned with
a person’s sex and adopted by an individual as their gender identity (para. 4).

SEXUAL ORIENTATION
➢ refers to our sexual preferences towards males, females, or both (Cole,
2009; King, 2014).

GENDER IDENTITY
➢ is one’s concept of being male, female, both, or neither and is “entirely
determined by socialization (nurture), not biological factors (nature)” (King,
2014, p. 361).
DIVERSITY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
In the acronym LGBT which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, “LGB”
pertains to sexual orientation” (“Lesbian, gay,” 2018).

The “T” in LGBT, which stands for transgender or gender non-conforming, pertains to
gender identity.

1. HOMOSEXUAL (GAY/LESBIAN) - sexually attracted to members of the same sex

(King, 2014, p. 376).

2. BISEXUAL - sexually attracted to people of both sexes (King, 2014, p. 376). It

compares to umbrella.

3. HETEROSEXUAL (STRAIGHT) - sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex.

4. PANSEXUAL/OMNISEXUAL - can be sexually attracted to any sex or gender

identity

5. ASEXUAL - not sexually attracted to any sex or gender.

ANOTHER INFORMATION:

• A transgender is different from a transsexual.

• A transsexual is one who transitions from one sex to another through undergoing
several surgical procedures.
 • Though we may have experienced “having feelings towards or fantasies about
people of the same sex, it doesn’t mean you are gay or bisexual, it can be part of
emerging sexual awareness” (Cole, 2009, p. 12).

SEXUAL HEALTH AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES/INFECTION

We may have the freedom to choose to whom we engage sex with and with how
many, but if we are not careful and discerning, we cannot and will never be able to
choose or limit the number of unpleasant irreversible long term consequences it can
bring to our lives, to people who matter most to us, and even to the society we are
part of.

RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS

1. having more than 1 sexual partner

2. changing sexual partners frequently

3. having oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact without a condom

4. using unreliable methods of birth control, or using birth control inconsistently

Teen Pregnancy is the term used when an underage girl become pregnant, usually refers
to girls from 13-17 years old.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (STD)

➢ also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or venereal disease (VD)

threaten everyone who is sexually active prostitutes, drug users and promiscuous
individuals are at higher risk than others
➢ engaging in sexual contact, either vaginal, oral, or anal, can give temporary
intense pleasure and, with it, a possibility of transmitting “more than 30 different
bacteria, viruses and parasites” (“Sexually Transmitted,” 2016, para. 2) that may
result to a lifetime of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
 ➢ STDs are easily spread through any person-to-person transfer of bodily fluids such
as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
➢ Many women infected with certain types of STDs have no early symptoms at all
and may unknowingly infect sexual partner(s).

TWO TYPES OF SEXUAL TRANSMISSION

1. Skin to Skin

2. Body Fluid

MAJOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

• CHLAMYDIA - This is a disease that in women at first produces no symptoms and in
men causes a burning sensation during urination and a discharge from the penis
and it is the most widespread STI. It can lead to pelvic inflammation, urethral
damage, arthritis and even sterility if it is left untreated.
• GENITAL HERPES - It is a virus related to the cold sores that sometimes appear
around the mouth. Herpes first appears as small blisters or sores in the region of the
genitals that later break open, causing harsh pain. The disease usually reappears
typically four or five times in the year following infection, even though these sores
heal after a few weeks.
• TRICHOMANIASIS - It is a vagina or penis infection caused by a parasite; it is often
without symptoms, especially in men. Eventually, it can cause painful urination and
intercourse, discharge from the vagina, itching and an unpleasant odor. It can be
treated with antibiotics.
• GONORRHEA - It often has no symptoms but can produce a burning sensation
during urination or a discharge from the penis and vagina. The infection can lead
to fertility problems and, in women, pelvic inflammatory disease.
• SYPHILIS - It first reveals itself through a small sore at the point of sexual contact. In
its secondary stage, it may include rash. Syphilis can be treated successfully with
antibiotics if it is diagnosed early enough. If untreated it may affect the brain, heart
and a developing fetus. It can be fatal.
• GENITAL WARTS - It is caused by the human papillomavirus. Genital warts are small,
lumpy warts that form on or near the penis or vagina. The warts are easy to
diagnose because of their distinctive appearance; they look like small cauliflower
bulbs.
• AIDS - In the last two decades, no sexually transmitted infection has had a greater
impact on sexual behavior-than the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS). It has spread to other populations such as intravenous drug users and
heterosexuals.

The information on family planning (FP) and contraception is for everyone, even for those
who are still in their adolescent years.
The family planning programs intend to provide accessible information on sexual and
reproductive health for people to choose from depending on their needs and
preferences (“Family Planning,” 2018).

For in-depth information and safe sexual health decisions, it is always best to consult with
a medical expert. Misuse or abuse of use of artificial contraception may lead to severe
health risks.

(4) BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FAMILY PLANNING

1. Responsible Parenthood which means that each family has the right and duty to
determine the desired number of children they might have and when they might have
them - proper upbringing and education of children so that they grow up to be upright,
productive and civic-minded citizens (para. 2).

2. Respect for Life. The 1987 Constitution states that the government protects the sanctity
of life. Abortion is NOT an FP method (para. 3).

3. Birth Spacing refers to interval between pregnancies (which is ideally 3 years). It

enables women to recover their health and improve women's potential to be more
productive and to realize their personal aspirations and allow more time to care for
children and spouse/husband (para. 4).

4. Informed Choice that is upholding and ensuring the rights of couples to determine the
number and spacing of their children according to their life's aspirations and reminding
couples that planning size of their families has a direct bearing on the quality of their
children's and their own lives (para. 5).

• To aid in family planning are a range of natural and artificial types of

contraception to choose from.

REVERSIBLE METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL

1. INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTION
➢ Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD)-is a small T-shaped device like the
Copper T IUD. With the help of a doctor, it is placed inside the uterus. It releases a
small amount of progestin each day to keep you from getting pregnant. It stays in
the uterus for up to 3 to 6 years, depending on the device. Typical use failure
rate:0.1-0.4%.

2. COPPER T INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)

➢ this IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a “T”. The doctor places it
inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years.
Typical use failure rate: 0.8%
HORMONAL METHODS
1. IMPLANT
➢ is a single, thin rod that is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. The rod
contains a progestin that is released into the body over 3 years. The typical use
failure rate: 0.1%.

2. Injection of “shot” women get shots of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm
every three months from their doctor. Typical use failure rate: 4%

3. COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

➢ also called “the pill”, it is prescribed by a doctor and it contains the hormones
estrogen and progestin. A pill is taken at the same time each day. Typical use
failure rate: 7%.

4. PROGESTIN-ONLY PILL

➢ instead of both estrogen and progestin-only pill (sometimes called the mini-pill)
only has one hormone, progestin and it is prescribed by a doctor. It taken at the
same time each day. It may be a good option for women who can’t take
estrogen. Typical use failure rate: 7%.

5. PATCH

➢ this method is prescribed by a doctor and it releases hormones progestin and

estrogen into the bloodstream. This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen,
buttocks or upper body (but not on the breasts). A new patch may be put on
once a week for three weeks. During the fourth week, you do not wear a patch,
so you can have a menstrual period. Typical use failure rate: 7%.

6. HORMONAL VAGINAL CONTRACEPTIVE RING

➢ it is placed inside the vagina which the ring releases hormones progestin and
estrogen. The ring is worn for three weeks; take it out for the week one has a period,
and then put in a new ring. Typical use failure rate: 7%.

BARRIER METHODS
1. MALE CONDOM

➢ a male condom keeps sperm from getting into a woman’s body. condoms can
only be used once. Latex condoms (the most common type), help prevent
pregnancy, HIV and other STDs, as do the newer synthetic condoms. Typical use
failure rate: 13%
2. FEMALE CONDOM

➢ this helps keep sperm from getting into the woman’s body in which it is worn by
them and may help prevent STDs. It is packaged with a lubricant and it can be
inserted for 8 hours before sexual intercourse. Typical use failure rate: 21%

3. SPERMICIDES

➢ these product work by killing sperm and come in several forms like foam, gel,
cream, film, suppository or tablet. No more than an hour before intercourse, they
should be placed in the vagina. It is left inside the vagina at least 6 to 8 hours after
intercourse. Spermicide can also be used in addition to male condom, diaphragm
or cervical cap.Typical use failure rate: 21%

FERTILITY AWARENESS-BASED METHODS

➢ Fertility pattern is the number of days in the month when you are fertile (able to
get pregnant), days when you are infertile, and days when fertility is unlikely but
possible. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, you have about nine or more fertile
days each month. If you do not want to get pregnant, you do not have sex on the
days you are fertile, or you use a barrier method of birth control on those days.
Failure rates vary across these methods. Range of typical use failure rates: 2-23%.
➢ EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION EMERGENCY contraception can be used after no
birth control was used during sex, or if the birth control method failed, such as if a
condom broke. It is NOT a regular method of birth control.
➢ COPPER IUD - Women can have the copper T IUD inserted within five days of
unprotected sex.
➢ EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS - Up to 5 days after unprotected sex, women
can take emergency contraceptive pills, but the sooner the pills are taken, the
better they will work.

PERMANENT METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL

1. FEMALE STERILIZATION—TUBAL LIGATION OR “TYING TUBES”
➢ This procedure can be done in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical center
wherein a woman can have her fallopian tubes tied (or closed) so that sperm and
eggs cannot meet for fertilization. You can go home the same day of the surgery
and resume your normal activities within a few days. This method is effective
immediately. Typical use failure rate: 0.5%.

2. MALE STERILIZATION – VASECTOMY

➢ This operation is done to keep a man’s sperm from going to his penis, so his
ejaculate never has any sperm in it that can fertilize an egg. The procedure is
typically done at an outpatient surgical center. The man can go home the same
day. Recovery time is less than one week. After the operation, a man visits his
doctor for tests to count his sperm and to make sure the sperm count has dropped
 to zero; this takes about 12 weeks. Another form of birth control should be used
until the man’s sperm count has dropped to zero. Typical use failure rate: 0.15%.

Abstinence, not engaging in any form of sex, a natural method, is the most effective
means of contraception since time immemorial.