Heroes:
What do you want to know?
Your RIGHTS:
1. I have a right to my own body.
2. I have a right to my own feelings, beliefs, opinions and perceptions.
3. I have a right to trust my own values about sexual contact.
4. I have a right to set my own sexual limits.
5. I have a right to say no.
6. I have a right to say yes.
7. I have a right to experience sexual pleasure.
8. I have a right to be sexually assertive.
9. I have a right to be the initiator in a sexual relationship.
10. I have a right to be in control of my sexual experience.
11. I have a right to have a loving partner.
12. I have a right to my sexual orientation.
13. I have a right to have a partner who respects me, understands me and is willing to communicate with me.
14. I have a right to ask questions.
15. I have a right to receive accurate sexual information.
16. I have a right to expect respect from others.
17. I have a right to expect others to be respected.
Inspirational Quotes:
"It's a war on personal freedom, keep that in mind at all times."
-Bill Hicks
"We are dealing with the best-educated generation in history. But they've got a brain dressed up with nowhere to go."
-Timothy Leary
"To some degree it matters who's in office, but it matters more how much pressure they're under from the public."
-Noam Chomksy
"The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases."
-Carl Jung
"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."
-Derek Bok
"The question is 'Does LUBE make you HORNAY?' and my answer is...uhm, no, actually..."
"My 2 cents is (and you can quote me) that there are SO many financial benefits to being on birth control, no matter what your age. It is a indisputable fact that it is far less expensive to use birth control, even at full price, than to give birth to and raise a child. It's not rocket science! Maybe you'll have to sacrifice a latte or two each month. Maybe you'll have to pay for a few less minutes on your phone. Maybe you can't get that brand new CD that you want right away. Would you rather be a parent and spend all of your extra cash on diapers & formula?!
Think about it. If you choose to be sexually active, you take on a huge responsibility. If you're ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect yourself from pregnancy and disease. If you're not prepared to do what it takes to stay safe, then you need to seriously reconsider whether or not you are ready to be sexually active. And don't forget, ladies—get those guys involved! We've got plenty of men who come into PPI every day to pick up and pay for their girlfriend's or wife's birth control. It's not just the woman's responsibility. Talk to your partner about paying every other month, or about splitting the cost each month. It's only fair! Plus, he should appreciate being protected from fatherhood before he is ready."
-Rachel Olsen, an amazing woman.
"A mutual and satisfied sexual act is of great benefit to the average woman, the magnetism of it is health giving. When it is not desired on the part of the woman and she gives no response, it should not take place. "
"Against the State, against the Church, against the silence of the medical profession, against the whole machinery of dead institutions of the past, the woman of today arises."
-Margaret Sanger
"Health-care decisions should be made by women, with their doctors and families—not politicians. Lawmakers should stop playing politics with women's health and lives."
"These abortion bans, and the politicians supporting them, are far outside the mainstream of America. Planned Parenthood will fight these attacks in court, in the state houses and at the ballot boxes to ensure that women, with their doctors and families, continue to be able to make personal health-care decisions without government interference."
-Cecile Richards
"Ladies, this thing here (-taps diaphragm-), is called 'K.A.F.M.C.' It stands for 'Keep Away From My Crotch.'"
-Cindy Waldo
"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else."
-Margaret Mead
"Sex is the mathematics urge sublimated."
-M.C. Reed
Birth Control Methods:
First things first.
Decide what you want to do about birth control or if you'll even need it.
Think about your values, morals and goals, then about how your sexual relationship fits in with them. If you are going to abstain from sex that's great; it's the only guaranteed way to not get STD's or have an unplanned pregnancy (HIV/AIDS can be transmitted in different ways than just sex.). However, abstinence isn't the only way to go, and we would like to tell you that there are options :)
Second thing is second: You cannot get these anywhere. Depending on the birth control, you will need to speak to a doctor or have parental permission (differs in location).
***Keep in mind that you should ALWAYS research your desired birth control method and know the pits and downfalls (as well as the ups) about it.
Learning to be a Contraceptor:
1. Decide whether or not you will choose abstinence as your method of birth control.
2. If not choosing abstinence, acknowledge to yourself the intention to have intercourse.
3. Recognize the possibility of pregnancy and decide if that is a desirable outcome.
4. If pregnancy is not desirable, think about, learn about, talk about (Oh my. That's a big one) and plan methods of preventing pregnancy.
5. Obtain the method.
6. Keep the method available.
7. Use the method properly and regulary (Depending on the method.)
Birth Control Methods
Permanent/Long Term methods:
Sterilization: For women, the fallopian tubes are blocked so that the egg and sperm can't meet and make a baby. There is a VERY LITTLE (about .5-.1) chance of pregnancy with this procedure, however, it does not protect you from STDs, and it is permanent. For men, a vasectomy includes either sealing, tying or cutting the vas deferens so that the sperm can't travel from the testicles out the penis. Again, there is hardly any chance of pregnancy, and there is no protection against STDs. These surgical procedures are NOT RECOMMENDED for anyone under the age of 30 because their views on having children might change. Once it's done, it's done. Talk to your doctor about this one. Prices may vary.
IUD (Intrauterine Device): This T-shaped rod is inserted into the uterus by the woman's health care professional (prices may vary), and they can remain in place for 5-10 years. The chances of pregnancy are less than one, but there is no protection against STDs. There are two types of IUDs. The copper rod (up to 10 years) keeps the sperm away from entering the uterus and the hormonal rod (up to 5 years) releases a hormone a lot like the pill to prevent pregnancy. This is not a method that has to be repeated daily..more like once every 7 years :) (However, keep in mind that it is recommended that you have a vaginal birth before this is inserted. They ask you this because they will be inserting it up in the cervix, an area that needs to be contracted for insertion of the IUD.)
Every 1-3 months:
Injectables (Depo): An injectable progestin that inhibits ovulation (the traveling of the egg through the fallopian tubes), prevents sperm from reaching the egg and prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The pregnancy chances are less than 1 out of 100, with no prevention against STDs, and it is required that you get "the shot" every 1-3 months for expected results. The prices may vary, and you must recieve it from your health care professional.
(Lunelle) An injectable form of progestin and estrogen. You must recieve this shot once a month, with a less than 1 out of 100 pregnancy rate and no protection against STDs.
Daily to Weekly:
The Patch (Ortho Evra): The patch can be worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks or upper body that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. It's less effective in women over 200 pounds, but the average pregnancy rate is less than 1 out of 100. There is NO protection from STD's, and it MUST be taken on a schedule. This means, it needs to be replaced at the same time every week (It can stay on for 3 weeks) so the hormones stay on track, and do their job to keep you from getting pregnant. You can get these from your health-care provider, with whom you may discuss prices.
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing): This flexible ring (2 inches in diameter) is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormones progestin and estrogen to prevent pregnancy. It is kept in there for 3 weeks, and the woman can insert it herself. However, if it is out for more than 3 hours at a time, another method must be used until the ring gets back on it's hormonal schedule (which takes about a week). There is only a failure rate of 1 out of every 100 for this method, but there is no prevention against STDs, and you must see your health-care provider about ordering it (and prices).
The Pill: This suppresses ovulation by the combined actions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. It must be taken at the same time everyday, regardless of whether you're having intercourse or not. It has a failure rate of less than 1 out of 100, does not protect against STDs, but DOES protect against pelvic inflammatory disease. You must visit your gynocoligist to get a prescription for it (refilled every month), and the prices generally range from $20-30.
Our friend, The Condom: When used properly (view the scroll box below for specifics on how to put it on), the condom is 97% effective against pregnancy and STDs. In fact, it is the BEST barrier against STDs, including HIV/AIDS (Excluding Abstinence, the only highly trusted method against STDS). It is a sheath rolled over the erect penis blocking the passage of sperm, and it can be bought pretty much anywhere. It's sold over the counter to anyone of any age, no prescription required. It must be applied immediately before inercourse before any touching of the genitals, and can be used only once. If you are sensitive to latex (like most condoms are) then you have the option of polyurethane or lambskin. They range anywhere between $0.69 to $10 depending on whether they're singles or packages. We would highly recommend going to the O!Zone on Broadway. They offer the widest selection you could possibly imagine, and give you no reason to be uncomfortable.
The methods mentioned are just an overview of the most commonly used and heard of. These also happen to be the most effective. There are many more including the female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, spermicide, and withdrawal, or the pull out (least recommended birth control), but are unnecessary to list on account of their ineffectiveness. If you yearn to know about what the female condom is or what exactly withdrawal is, feel free to ask. We've got you covered. ;]
Condom Use:
Oh, I might EXPLODE if I hear another person brag about how they didn't use a condom last weekend because it didn't "fit".
Seriously, let's get it TOGETHER, people.
Let's get one thing clear right now. ONE SIZE FITS ALL. If I can fit the entire condom up to my ELBOW without it breaking, i'm pretty sure it can fit whomever it may concern.
So, let's review on how to put it on, shall we?
Step one: Inspect condom package for rips or holes and check the expiration date (yes, these expire). If it is torn, brittle, stiff or sticky, throw it away and use another. -Super big hint coming your way- ALWAYS CARRY A SECOND CONDOM WITH YOU! Always have back-up, never have an excuse not to use a condom. Also, get a condom carrier. It's not healthy for the condom to be stuck in a wallet or back pocket. It's needs to be safe. It's protecting you, so you, in return, need to protect it. Tear the package open really, REALLY carefully!
Step two: Unroll the condom a bit to determine which direction it rolls DOWN before placing it on the erect penis (or whatever the desired name..)
Step three: Pinch the tip of the condom to get rid of any air while also allowing a half inch to an inch of room for ejaculatory fluid (otherwise known as sperm, sailors, cum, splooge, jizz, etc.)
Step four: Hold the rolled condom by its tip over the head of the hard penis. (Yes, it DOES NEED TO BE HARD.) Unroll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, smoothing out any air bubbles.
Step five: Adding extra lubrication is totally and completely your choice; it can increase the amount of pleasure, and decrease the amount of stress on the condom. However, make sure you only use water based lubricants (Brand names: Astro Glide, DeLube, Gynol II, H-R lubricating jelly, K-Y lubricating jelly and I-D Glide. Always check the information on the back of the lube to make sure it works hand in hand with latex condoms). Oil based lubricants can weaken the condom, leading to breakage.
Step six: Be sure to pull out before the penis softens, but by all means, finish your business. Hold the condom at the rim or base of the penis to make sure it does not slip off.
Step seven: Turn AWAY from your partner, and take the condom off without spilling sperm everywhere. Throw the condom away in a bin or trash can, but be sure not to flush it. Believe it or not, toilets have been clogged by hundreds of condoms getting jammed. Don't let that happen to you :)
Now, remember. It is at your own risk that you do not use a condom. Without the use of a condom there is the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy (unless other birth control methods are being used), or an STI/STD being transmitted. Just wear it.
**Just an extra tip: Always, ALWAYS, use two birth control methods. ALWAYS.
Because we can't type out every topic to your little heart's desire, we are going to encourage you to click on the following links of your topic preference.
The following information comes from reliable medical sources, such as Planned Parenthood and Teenwire.
-Abortion Procedures
-Abortion Pill/Medication Abortion
-Emergency Contraception, EC or the "Morning After Pill"
-Pregnancy (Look to the left column with this one for further information)
-Sexual Orientation, LGBT
-Relationships
-Safe Sex
-Sexually Transmitted Infections (To learn more about STDs/STIs visit this site and browse the column on the left at the different types of STDs. There are many.)
-What Planned Parenthood Can Do For You
-Cutting and Depression
