1.  Natural Family Planning (NFP) refers to several methods for spacing, postponing, avoiding or enhancing the possibilities of conception, without any chemical or physiological alterations of the reproductive system (female or male). 

2.  Contraceptive Techniques are used during sexual contact if you with to avoid pregnancy or if you are concerned about transmitting or becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

A number of birth control methods and devices can effectively prevent pregnancy. Some of these same devices can reduce the transmission of STDs. Many of them can be purchased over-the-counter or, in other words, without a doctor's prescription. Most drug stores carry a wide selection, available to anyone who wishes to purchase them.

No long-term side effects are associated with these devices. On occasion, irritation or an allergic reaction may occur, but these can usually be alleviated by discontinuing that particular method or by changing brand names.

Over-the-counter form of birth control:

Condoms - Thin sheaths (preferably latex which also protects against transmission of disease-causing organisms, including HIV) placed on the penis or, in the case of the female condom, within the vagina, prior to intercourse. Semen is collected inside the condom, which must be kept in place throughout intercourse and then carefully removed after ejaculation. Condoms are readily available at low cost in most drug and grocery stores. Some family planning clinics offer free condoms. About 15 pregnancies occur over one year out of 100 couples using this method. Effectiveness increases when a spermicide is also used.

Vaginal spermicides - Sperm-killing chemical jellies, foams, creams, or suppositories, inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. All forms can be purchased in most drug and grocery stores. Used by itself, this method is not very effective. About 21 pregnancies occur over one year out of 100 women using spermicides alone. The use of a spermicide along with a condom is extremely effective against pregnancy and is more effective against STD transmission than either method used separately.

Vaginal contraceptive sponge -Soft synthetic sponges saturated with a spermicide. Prior to intercourse, the sponge is moistened, inserted into the vagina, and placed over the cervix. It is quite similar to the diaphragm (which must be obtained from a doctor) as a barrier mechanism. After intercourse, the sponge should be left in place for 6 to 8 hours. This method is available without a prescription in most drug and grocery stores. About 18 to 28 pregnancies occur over one year for every 100 women using this method.

Although over-the-counter methods are not quite as effective against pregnancy as some prescription methods, they are more effective against STDs than anything other than abstinence. They offer people ways to protect themselves against pregnancies and STDs without having to spend a lot of money, wait for a doctor's appointment, or deal with long-term side effects.

Pap tests are done on women who have no symptoms of cancer and have no findings suggesting a cancer. Thus, Pap tests are done only on women who are normal. If the woman has symptoms or findings suggestive of cancer of the cervix then a diagnostic test must be done to exclude a cancer or to diagnose a cancer. Diagnostic tests are usually biopsies. This is the single most important lesson to learn: if you have a symptom or a finding that could be due to a cancer of the cervix, a normal Pap test never excludes the possibility of cancer. 

In the vast majority of instances, an abnormal Pap test results in the diagnosis of a minor change on the cervix. Some of these changes will be premalignant, but most will be of minor significance. They will all have to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated, but most will be easily and effectively treated. Occasionally, a real cancer will be present which is why this is such an important test. Most cancers are visible on examination and can be biopsied as soon as they are seen. Sometimes the cancers are inside the cervix beyond view and the only indication that it is there is the abnormal Pap test. 

Pap test screening is recommended for all women beginning at age 18 years or at the onset of sexual activity, if earlier. The screening interval is usually every year, although, if there have been no previous abnormal tests, the interval may be extended. The Pap test is performed by gently scraping cells from the cervix, smearing them onto a microscope slide and sending it to a pathology laboratory for evaluation.