Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby!

The (Not So) Joys of Menstruation

Last modified on 2010-02-12 21:05:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sorry male readers, this post isn’t really for you guys, but menstrual cramps are a regular problem that trouble members of the fairer sex. Menstrual cramps are caused by the uterus contracting (the cramp) to help the uterine lining separate and leave the body. Cramps are a natural part of your menstrual cycle, and most women have cramps. Generally the older you get the less painful the cramps are but there are still a few easy ways to lessen the discomfort.
1. Exercise: Exercising is a great way to feel good about yourself in general, but it has been shown that regular exercise will contribute to a shorter and less painful period.
2. Rest: You want to stay in shape, but certainly don’t overwork your body. Get those 8 hours, preferably 9, of sleep a night. It’ll really pay off.
3. Take an over the counter pain reliever: You don’t want to be overly reliant on that bottle of Midol, but taking a mild painkiller can help make cramps more manageable. I personally like to take naproxem sodium, but it’s all based on preference. Ibueprofen, and aceteminophen are probably the most commonly used. Also make sure none of the medications you  take interfere with other medicines you take or health conditions you may have.
4. Heat: Take a warm bath, or use a heating pad. A heating pad may help relieve the pain, and a nice bubble bath is just the sort of relaxing activity to help with Tip #2.

A Big Thanks to TAG

Last modified on 2010-02-06 21:05:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Last Tuesday I had the joy of attending the Planned Parenthood Teen Awareness Group’s (TAG) “bring a friend” meeting. So I’m going to give a little shout out for all the great work they’re doing. So here are 5 reasons TAG deserves mad props:

1) It is a great group of people. Urbana High members Rachel Beck, Brandy Craig, Cody Breitenfeldt, Kendall Johnson, and Maura Kinney are all part of the eighteen member staff that serves the community through peer education.

2) Those great people work for an even greater cause. Going around and talking to kids your age about their bodies can be awkward. Talking to anyone about it can be uncomfortable, but it’s information that people really need to know about. Puberty, anatomy, sexual health, it’s all ground that needs to be covered by someone, and having a peer explain it often times decreases the tension associated with the topics.

3) We played fun games and had snack time. Now, this may be a slightly less serious or substantial reason that they’re such a good group, but a pack of gummies and a juice box is definitely the way to my heart.

4) They do their job well. I’ve personally witnessed quite a few TAG presentations in a variety of health classes and clubs, and every time the educator has been extremely informative and welcoming to questions.

5) They make a real difference. People really don’t always know about their bodies, and the risks they put themselves at. TAG and groups like it help raise awareness and that’s really one of the best things an individual or a group can do.

Abstinence Examined

Last modified on 2009-12-01 20:59:41 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Abstinence. It’s the only 100 percent effective way to prevent STIs and pregnancy, but it can mean a lot of different things to different people. To some, abstinence means refraining from all sexual activity, for other it just means not having vaginal intercourse. Some people feel that they should be abstinent until marriage, some until they feel ready, and others remain abstinent as a lifestyle choice.
Abstinence has had a long role in human history. It was a common belief in American society, especially up until the 19th century, that abstinence had huge health benefits, based on the biological theory that semen was reabsorbed into the body when sexually inactive, and thus caused increased levels of lecithin and phosphorus. It was believed until the 1960’s that wide array of diseases and disabilities were caused by the loss of nutrients by seminal discharge. While these theories are not all together accurate, there are certain benefits to being abstinent.
As mentioned before, abstinence is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy. According to a study by the US Conservative Policy Research teenagers who were sexually abstinent were half as likely to drop out of school or be expelled from school, twice as likely to graduate from college, and had approximately 15 percent higher incomes. It’s quite questionable whether these figures were really due to the act of sexual intercourse, or if really there were some other socioeconomic factors that played more of a role.
There are some potentially negative side effects of abstinence. The first is simply it can be hard to be abstinent. A lot of people who end their deliberate abstinence wind up not being as prepared as those who considered sexually intercourse a potential part of their future. It’s really just a matter of being aware and prepared. Even if you plan on being abstinent it’s important to understand how to keep your body healthy.
A common misconception is that once you have had sex you can’t be abstinent. Being sexually active in the past doesn’t define your sexual future. Just got out of an emotionally taxing relation ship? Decided that you want to wait a while before you’re ready to try again? That’s being abstinent. People are abstinent for a variety of reasons. Religion, sexual history, legal status, socioeconomic stand point can all play a huge role in determining whether or not one is ready to engage in sexual intercourse, or be sexually active. There’s no reason to question why someone chooses to be abstinent, regardless of their sexual history, or any other determining factor. Everyone has their own set of beliefs and principles. Respect them.

Gender…Sex…What?

Last modified on 2009-11-17 21:02:36 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

So this isn’t in the same line as my usual posts, but with the recent eCISSA conference, I think it’s an important subject to discuss and to clarify. Your sex is NOT your gender. I know, it seems confusing, but the two really are different things. Your sex is what’s determined by your genitalia i.e. you are a male or a female. Your gender is a role that is socially defined. Just because you have ovaries does not mean you are a woman. Your sex is biology. Gender is determined by social roles and norms that depict what is “masculine” versus what is “feminine”. These vary across cultures. It is important not to discriminate based on gender roles. We as a society preach about acceptance, well then listen up: a person can fulfill whatever role they may choose, or none if they so please. The idea that you have to fulfill certain duties in order to be an acceptable part of society is ridiculous and restrictive. So UHS, be what you want to be, and let others do the same.

Keep Your Hormones in Check

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:08:51 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Hormonal contraception beyond the pill is often times overlooked. Pregnancy prevention comes in all shapes and sizes! Here’s a list of all too often forgotten forms of contraception:

1. The Patch
It isn’t just the poster child for nicotine abuse. The birth control patch is a small, clear square that is applied directly onto the skin. It releases a steady flow of estrogen and progesterone (the same hormones that are found in daily birth control pills). You keep the patch on for three weeks. Take it off for for a week and have your period (which, as commonly found in hormonal methods, will most likely be shorter and lighter), and then put a new patch on. The cycle continues. Some women prefer the patch to oral contraception as it is not something they have to remember to take on a daily basis. The patch is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and has the same side effects as the pill.

2. The Ring
Not for the question you may have wanted to pop, but hey it’s just as important. The ring is a similar form of birth control to the patch in a lot of ways. It is inserted vaginally, kept in for three weeks, then taken out for a fourth week, during which you get your period. It’s a constant supply of estrogen and progesterone. The ring is a flexible plastic loop about two inches wide and 1/8 of an inch thick. It is self inserted and removed. You need a doctor to prescribe it but not to insert it. Some women aren’t so fond of the ring because it can fall out. If it falls out you can replace in the next three hours without having to worry. If you reinsert it after three hours, however, you’ll need to use a back up mode of contraception until the next ring is inserted. A note of caution: when using the ring it may interfere with diaphragm placement, so you need a different form of backup contraception. Like the patch and the pill the ring is 99 percent effective against preventing pregnancy but does NOT prevent against STIs.

3. Implants
Inside you to keep anything else from growing there. The implant is a more long term form of contraception. It is a thin, hollow, rubber rod inserted into the arm. A doctor makes a small incision and inserts the implant while the patient is under anesthesia. It is filled with progestins and has a constant release. The implant can be kept in for three to five years, or it can be removed before that time. The implant has the lowest rate of failure out of all the hormonal methods.

“No” Really, Truly, Absolutely Means No!

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:08:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Rape isn’t a pleasant subject, but it’s an incredibly important one. There are SO many misconceptions about what is or isn’t rape. To put it simply if you don’t want it, it’s rape. If you say “No”, your partner should stop. It doesn’t matter if you are dating, you have had sex before, or any other sort of excuse that your partner may make. You have a right to say no, and it should be respected. It is NEVER your fault if you are sexually assaulted. You are not to blame if you are raped. Sexual assault has all sorts of victims. Women are not the only ones who are targets of sexual assault. It’s an atrocity that can go both ways. Know your rights, speak out for others. If you are in a situation where you or another may be target of unwanted sexual attention, take a stand.

For information about what to do in the case of sexual abuse check the following link:
http://www.sexetc.org/faq/abuse/2733

Condoms: A How-To

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:07:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Probably one of the cheapest and most widely available forms of birth control is a male condom. As a barrier method, it helps protect against STIs (during oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse). Latex condoms, when used correctly, are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, and 85% effective at preventing pregnancy, when only sometimes used correctly. You can buy condoms at any drug store, or pick them up at Planned Parenthood for free. You should not keep condoms in your wallet or pocket for long periods of time. It’s best to keep condoms in a place that is cool and dry. Condoms can be used with hormonal birth control methods (ex. the pill, the patch, NuvaRing, or birth control shots) but they SHOULD NOT be used with other barrier methods. Using two condoms at the same time (whether its two male, or a male and a female condom) increases the risk of tearing and doesn’t make the condom any more effective. Another important thing to keep in mind when using a condom is if you are going to used a lubricant make sure is it water based. Oil will dissolve the latex, making the condom ineffective.

Have any other questions? Feel free to comment!

What’s Your Plan B?

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:06:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

There are a lot of myths about emergency contraception. Emergency contraception, also known as “the morning after pill”, is a form of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex (meaning sex where there was no form of hormonal contraception or a barrier method used, or it was used incorrectly). The morning after pill is NOT “the abortion pill”. It will not affect an already fertilized egg. It is merely a preventative measure, just like the pill or a condom, only it is used after the sexual encounter. If you are pregnant, you will remain pregnant. The morning after pill contains the same hormones as daily birth control pills, and works the same way, but it doesn’t have the same risks as the pill because it does not stay in your system as long. Emergency contraception can be used up to five days after unprotected sex, but is most effective the sooner you take it. Any male or female over the age of 17 can purchase emergency contraception without a prescription. It can range in price anywhere from $10-$80.

Curious? Confused? You can find more information about what emergency contraception is, how it works, possible side effects, and where to get it at: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill-4363.htm

Umm…Should I Get That Checked Out?

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:06:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

It’s easy to ignore your body when it’s trying to tell you something is wrong, but you don’t want to take any risks with STIs. If you are having any of the following symptoms you may want to check with your healthcare professional. STIs pose a serious risk to your health and can have huge long term damage if not treated correctly and quickly.

Common signs/symptoms of STIs (according to familydoctor.org) :

Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the vagina for women
Discharge from the penis for men
Pain during sex or when urinating
Pain in the pelvic area
Sore throats in people who have oral sex
Pain in or around the anus for people who have anal sex
Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area, anus, tongue and/or throat
A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet
Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin
Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area
Swollen glands, fever and body aches
Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss
Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area

Ladies, the OB/GYN is Your Friend

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:05:37 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The idea of a gynecologist is freaky, and it’s understandable to be a little weirded out. Who really wants a stranger looking around inside of you? However it is a very important part of your teenage years. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is recommending that teenage girls see a gynecologist for the first time between the ages of 13-15. A gynecologist isn’t just important for girls who are having sex. Yes, a gynecologist will ask if you are at risk for STIs or pregnancy. However you also discuss menstruation, habits to stay healthy, and anything that may be irregular “down there”. During your teen years you’re growing An OB/GYN will make sure you’re developing healthily and can help prevent and treat problems that you may not even know about. The actual pelvic exam, probably the most uncomfortable part of the visit, doesn’t take that long. It may not even be performed on your first visit. Don’t put your reproductive health at risk.Talk to your parents about scheduling an appointment. If you don’t know where to schedule an appointment you can talk to your regular physician or pediatrician for a recommendation.

Definition: Sexually Active

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:05:11 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

What does it actually mean to be “sexually active”? This isn’t just a term that confuses teens. “Sexually active” is a term that has long confounded many an individual. It’s time to unshroud the mystery. From a medical stand point “sexually active” is used most often when doctors ask patients about activities that could potentially put them at a risk for an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) or pregnancy in order to determine whether the patient should have an STI screening, or in the case of a female, look into different hormonal contraceptives. These activities include both vaginal and anal intercourse, oral contact with genitalia and manual contact with genitalia. All of the above activities can put you at a risk for STIs, some a much higher risk than others. Sometimes “sexually active” is used as a slang term for how much intercourse one partakes in, however in most cases the phrase is used in medical situations. Another confusing aspect of being “sexually active” is timing. When doctors ask if you’re “sexually active” it may not be clear whether they mean have you ever been or they are asking just for recent encounters. STIs may not start affecting the body immediately after the encounter. An STI may take months to start showing symptoms. It is best to tell your health care professional if you have ever been sexually active, even if it hasn’t been recent, just to make sure your safety isn’t at risk.

Introduction

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:04:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

One in five people in the United States has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and one in four of these infections is contracted by a teenager. Sexual health is an extremely sensitive topic, especially for teenagers. However it is an extremely important issue. I believe that everyone should be aware and educated about sexual health, even if a person is not “sexually active”. This blog is in no way trying to promote to step out of your comfort zone. It is by no means trying to tell you that you should or should not be having sex. It is here as an available resource to the student body to address any questions and to provide facts. Topics covered will include the definition and symptoms of STIs, abstinence, forms of birth control, abortion rights, and more. Questions are always welcome. Here’s to a great year Urbana High, let’s make sure you stay safe.