Contraception
Contraception Myths and Facts
Myth #1: If your partner withdraws before he ejaculates you won’t get pregnant.
Fact: This is not a contraception method. Sperm can still be present in pre-ejaculation fluid and it can lead to pregnancy.
Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up.
Fact: Sperm are strong swimmers and gravity does not prevent them from reaching an egg. Without contraception, it’s possible for a woman to become pregnant regardless of position used while having sex.
Myth #3: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period.
Fact: Women who have irregular menstrual cycles may be ovulating during a period. And sperm can live in the body for up to 7 days waiting to fertilize an egg. Thus a woman can get pregnant from having sex during her period.
Myth #4: You can’t get pregnant if you’re breast-feeding.
Fact: There are several conditions that need to be met for breast-feeding to be fully effective. Unplanned pregnancies often occur in the first few months after childbirth because women think that they can use breastfeeding as a contraception method.
Myth #5: You can’t get pregnant if you use the restroom or douche right after sex.
Fact: Washing the female genitals after sex does not prevent pregnancy.
Myth #6: You can't get pregnant the first time you have sex.
Fact: You can get pregnant anytime you have vaginal (penis-in-vagina) sex. If you're having sex without birth control, you can get pregnant — whether it's the first time or the 100th time. It's even possible to get pregnant before you have your first period.
Myth #7: Birth control doesn't really work.
Fact: When used correctly, lots of birth control methods are super effective — like, more than 99 percent effective — at preventing pregnancy. But if you don't use birth control correctly, it doesn't work as well.
(References: http://www.familypact.org/Providers/Client-Education-Materials/2014-4_BCMyths_ENG_client_4-15ADA.pdf
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/contraception-myths-the-withdrawal-method-the-morning-after-pill-and-period-sex-9810054.html)
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/sex/the-ten-biggest-myths-about-sex)
Fact: This is not a contraception method. Sperm can still be present in pre-ejaculation fluid and it can lead to pregnancy.
Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up.
Fact: Sperm are strong swimmers and gravity does not prevent them from reaching an egg. Without contraception, it’s possible for a woman to become pregnant regardless of position used while having sex.
Myth #3: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period.
Fact: Women who have irregular menstrual cycles may be ovulating during a period. And sperm can live in the body for up to 7 days waiting to fertilize an egg. Thus a woman can get pregnant from having sex during her period.
Myth #4: You can’t get pregnant if you’re breast-feeding.
Fact: There are several conditions that need to be met for breast-feeding to be fully effective. Unplanned pregnancies often occur in the first few months after childbirth because women think that they can use breastfeeding as a contraception method.
Myth #5: You can’t get pregnant if you use the restroom or douche right after sex.
Fact: Washing the female genitals after sex does not prevent pregnancy.
Myth #6: You can't get pregnant the first time you have sex.
Fact: You can get pregnant anytime you have vaginal (penis-in-vagina) sex. If you're having sex without birth control, you can get pregnant — whether it's the first time or the 100th time. It's even possible to get pregnant before you have your first period.
Myth #7: Birth control doesn't really work.
Fact: When used correctly, lots of birth control methods are super effective — like, more than 99 percent effective — at preventing pregnancy. But if you don't use birth control correctly, it doesn't work as well.
(References: http://www.familypact.org/Providers/Client-Education-Materials/2014-4_BCMyths_ENG_client_4-15ADA.pdf
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/contraception-myths-the-withdrawal-method-the-morning-after-pill-and-period-sex-9810054.html)
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/sex/the-ten-biggest-myths-about-sex)
Planned Parenthood Birth Control Methods
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Mirena Birth Control
http://www.mirena-us.com/index.php
http://www.nexplanon.com/en/consumer/about-it/what-is-nexplanon/
http://www.nuvaring.com/
http://www.paragard.com/
http://www.mirena-us.com/index.php
- Mirena is an FDA-approved intrauterine device (IUD) that is recommended for women who’ve had a child. It’s made of soft, flexible plastic. Getting Mirena is nonsurgical, and placement is done by your healthcare provider during a routine office visit. It typically takes just a few minutes.
- Advantages of Mirena:
- Highly Effective—One of the most effective birth control methods—over 99%—and does not rely on you to be effective
- Convenient—No daily pills and no monthly refills. It lasts for as long as you want, for up to 5 years. The timeframe is up to you. You should do a monthly self-check to make sure it’s in place. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how
- Reversible—You can have it removed by your healthcare provider at any time, and try to become pregnant right away
- Estrogen-free—It delivers small amounts of progestin locally into your uterus
- Approved to treat heavy periods—Mirena is the first and only birth control that's FDA-approved to treat heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine birth control
http://www.nexplanon.com/en/consumer/about-it/what-is-nexplanon/
- NEXPLANON is a small, soft, and flexible birth control implant—it’s just 4 centimeters in length. Your health care provider places it discreetly under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. This means it’s hidden from view. NEXPLANON provides up to 3 years of continuous pregnancy prevention.* That means no more daily, weekly, or monthly dosing routine.
http://www.nuvaring.com/
- NuvaRing is a small, flexible vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy. You put it in for 3 weeks, take it out, then put a new one in a week later. It's just as effective as the pill when used as directed, and you don't have to think about taking it every day.
http://www.paragard.com/
- Paragard® is a copper-releasing device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years
The Menstrual Cycle
What's Normal?
- 28 days is the average, but some girls have period that are every 21 days up to every 35 days.
- PMS – Premenstrual syndrome. Just before a period some women can feel moody, anxious, or depressed caused by hormonal changes.
- Menstrual cramps may occur, bloating, or acne. Some people get headaches, backaches, nausea, and food cravings. If symptoms are particularly intense, talk to your doctor.
- Light flow for some women may be normal, where as heavy flow may be normal for other women.
- The color and consistency of bleeding will change. Sometimes it’s red, sometimes it’s brown. Sometimes it’s streaky ad sometimes it has darker spots.
- Clots are also normal as long as they are no greater than a quarter.
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Extreme weight loss
- Eating disorders
- Excessive exercising
- Stress
- Serious medical conditions in need of treatment
- Your period suddenly stops for more than 90 days.
- Your periods become very irregular after having had regular, monthly cycles.
- Your period occurs more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days.
- You are bleeding for more than 7 days.
- You are bleeding more heavily than usual or using more than 1 pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours.
- Are 16 and haven’t gotten your period yet.
- Are passing large clots (greater than the size of a quarter)
- Are bleeding between menstrual periods.
- Have pelvic pain for longer than a day that seems unrelated to your period.
- Have severe pain while you’re menstruating unrelieved by OTC medication.
- Are sexually active and missed a period.
- You suddenly get a fever and feel sick after using tampons.
STDs & STIs
Facts and Statistics
- The highest rates of reported STD cases in the United States are in adolescents age 15-19
- 25% of those with HIV in the U.S. contracted the virus while in their teens
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are among the highest reported cases of STDs within the young adult population (age 15-24)
- Three million adolescents (ages 13-19) acquire an STD each year
- STDs are sexually transmitted diseases that are acquired through vaginal, anal, and oral sex
- Although STDs are dangerous if left undiagnosed or untreated, most are easily treated and tested for
- Most people do not even know they have an STD, the only way to know is to get tested!
Myths and Facts About STDs
Myth #1: STDs are easily identified through symptoms - therefore, you can tell just by looking if someone has an STD.
Fact: STDs are extremely common and most people do not exhibit any symptoms. In some cases, a blood test must be performed to determine if someone has an STD therefore, you cannot tell just by looking if someone is infected.
Myth #2: I can't get an STD from oral or anal sex.
Fact: STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal, vaginal sex, and even sexual contact. The viruses and bacteria that are responsible for STDs can enter through cuts and tears of the mouth, anus, and genitals.
Myth #3: STDs can be prevented with "nature" or animal skin condoms.
Fact: Although animal skin condoms are very effective in preventing pregnancy, they are not effective as latex condoms in preventing STDs.
Myth #4: Using two condoms will prevent STDs.
Fact: Using two condoms will not prevent STD transmission - in fact, the friction of two condoms will increase the chance of breakage/leakage.
Myth #5: Birth control pills will protect me from getting an STD.
Fact: Birth control pills are only effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and will not protect against STDs or HIV.
Myth #6: If my partner pulls out, I will not get an STD.
Fact: Because STDs are transmitted through genital contact, pulling out will not protect against infections.
Myth #7: Once I get one STD, I will not get it again.
Fact: Some STDs (i.e. herpes and HIV) will stay with you for life. However, others such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated and may infect you against once you have sexual contact with someone with those infections.
Unsure about your symptoms? The only way to know is to get tested!
https://gettested.cdc.gov/
Myth #1: STDs are easily identified through symptoms - therefore, you can tell just by looking if someone has an STD.
Fact: STDs are extremely common and most people do not exhibit any symptoms. In some cases, a blood test must be performed to determine if someone has an STD therefore, you cannot tell just by looking if someone is infected.
Myth #2: I can't get an STD from oral or anal sex.
Fact: STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal, vaginal sex, and even sexual contact. The viruses and bacteria that are responsible for STDs can enter through cuts and tears of the mouth, anus, and genitals.
Myth #3: STDs can be prevented with "nature" or animal skin condoms.
Fact: Although animal skin condoms are very effective in preventing pregnancy, they are not effective as latex condoms in preventing STDs.
Myth #4: Using two condoms will prevent STDs.
Fact: Using two condoms will not prevent STD transmission - in fact, the friction of two condoms will increase the chance of breakage/leakage.
Myth #5: Birth control pills will protect me from getting an STD.
Fact: Birth control pills are only effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and will not protect against STDs or HIV.
Myth #6: If my partner pulls out, I will not get an STD.
Fact: Because STDs are transmitted through genital contact, pulling out will not protect against infections.
Myth #7: Once I get one STD, I will not get it again.
Fact: Some STDs (i.e. herpes and HIV) will stay with you for life. However, others such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated and may infect you against once you have sexual contact with someone with those infections.
Unsure about your symptoms? The only way to know is to get tested!
https://gettested.cdc.gov/
Pregnancy
American Pregnancy Association: Promoting Pregnancy Wellness - http://americanpregnancy.org
Center for Disease Control and Prevention Pregnancy - https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/index.html
Kids Health Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar - http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-calendar-intro.html
Planned Parenthood Website for Pregnancy Information - www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy
PREGNANT AND NEED HELP?
Mary's Shelter
http://www.teenshelter.org/services.html
Casa Teresa
http://www.casateresa.com/
Sisters of Life
http://www.sistersoflife.org/visitation-mission-pregnancy-help
No one told me I could cry: Tiffany's Story - A girl's story of healing after an abortion
Center for Disease Control and Prevention Pregnancy - https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/index.html
Kids Health Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar - http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-calendar-intro.html
Planned Parenthood Website for Pregnancy Information - www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy
PREGNANT AND NEED HELP?
Mary's Shelter
http://www.teenshelter.org/services.html
- Mary's Shelter provides a loving home and supervised structure for girls ages 12 through 17 who are pregnant, or are who parenting a child, and need a place to live.
Casa Teresa
http://www.casateresa.com/
- Offering a variety of different resources, Casa Teresa helps mothers who are in need of shelter and resources throughout her pregnancy.
- Casa Teresa also has a program named Hannah's house. Here, mothers are also helped with the adoption process
Sisters of Life
http://www.sistersoflife.org/visitation-mission-pregnancy-help
- A group of Catholic nuns, who journey with pregnant mother who are in need of help. Give them a call, and they be your companion throughout your pregnancy, and help you find resources if you need some!
No one told me I could cry: Tiffany's Story - A girl's story of healing after an abortion
- http://afterabortion.org/1999/no-one-told-me-i-could-cry-excerpt/