Brenda Goodnough, RN - March 10th, 2010
What are they?
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease caused by a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, parasite, or fungus spread from person to person through sexual contact. STDs can be painful, irritating, debilitating, and even life threatening. More than twenty sexually transmitted diseases have been identified. All STDs can be spread by oral sex as well as vaginal or anal intercourse.
The most prevalent STDs are HPV (genital warts) and Chlamydia. Other common STDs are Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis A and B. In the United States there has been a steady increase in Chlamydia and Syphilis. It is estimated that each year 2.8 million people are infected with Chlamydia in the U.S. alone.
Who gets them?
An estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide are infected—men and women of all ages, races, and economic classes are affected. STDs occur most commonly in sexually active teenagers and young adults, especially those with multiple sex partners.
In the United States more than 13 million new infections are reported each year. More than 65 million people live with an incurable STD. About 60% of these infections occur in young people less than 25 years of age, and of these 30% are younger than 20. Between the ages of 14 and 19, STDs occur more frequently in girls than boys by a ratio of nearly 2:1; this equalizes by age 20.
Can they be cured?
STDs caused by viruses, such as HPV, Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and Herpes may be treated for the relief of symptoms but not cured. These viruses will remain in the body to some degree for life. HPV is the leading cause of cervical and anal cancer and a large percentage of oral cancers in women and men. AIDS causes about 15,000 deaths a year in the United States.
STDs that are caused by bacteria, fungus or parasites can usually be treated with good outcomes. However, many of these STDs, particularly Chlamydia, rarely have symptoms in the early stages so they often go untreated. This can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and damage to the reproductive system which increases the risk of infertility and future ectopic pregnancy.
STDs can be devastating and life changing. Even in a monogamous relationship, there is no risk of transmission of an STD only if both partners have not had any type of sexual relations in the past. The likelihood of contracting or spreading an STD increases with the number of sexual partners.
Anyone who is sexually active should be screened at least yearly for STDs and be diligent with prescribed treatment and follow up. Choosing to be sexually active requires taking responsibility to care for yourself and others who may be affected by that choice.
Lisa P. - March 3rd, 2010
Pressure from parents is not just a teen problem. Families are in each other’s business—that’s the way it is. So, when I ask people what their parents are going to think about the pregnancy, the rarest answer is “they won’t care; they let me do my own thing.” Parents always have opinions, even if their kids are out of school, living on their own, or married, etc.
Obviously, some women are more sensitive to pressure from parents, depending on her circumstances. Age, education, living arrangements, culture, and religion all play a role. Family pressure can be a direct threat (“If you don’t abort, you’ll be out on the street”), or more like a suggestion (“You’ll never get over placing your child for adoption”).
Even the idea that “they can never find out” is the result of subtle force. These parents conveyed (with or without words) that getting pregnant would be the Worst Thing Ever, so their kids abort in secret. We encourage people to talk with their parents (or a trusted adult) about their decision. A choice this important should be informed by the parents’ actual reaction, not their predicted reaction.
Because abortion is a woman’s choice, no parent can decide the outcome of their daughter’s pregnancy. If your parents are trying to make your decision for you, they may be trying to protect you—but they need to respect your rights. Involve a relative, teacher, counselor, or friend if you need help protecting your right to choose.
*CareNet can help your family find a healthy path through this crisis. Please contact us.
*Check out Telling your Parents for ideas to get the conversation off on the right foot. Or read 5 Things Not to Do When Telling Your Parents for a differnt perspective.
*Read more about coercion HERE.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - February 24th, 2010
One of the first things a woman wonders when she learns that she is pregnant is what should I do next?
Your first action should be to find a medical provider that you wish to care for you during the pregnancy and delivery. It is best to have that first prenatal visit in the first trimester (1-12 weeks) of pregnancy. Since it can sometimes take a little time to get an appointment you will want to start this process as soon as you can.
Every pregnancy is different, and only your medical provider can advise you on the best course of action for you. However, there are some “do’s and don’ts” that are consistent with every pregnancy that you can safely follow until that first appointment.
o Start prenatal vitamins. You do not need a prescription for these. Prenatal vitamins can be found in any store that sells over the counter medications. These vitamins are specially formulated and contain the 400 micrograms of folic acid and the additional iron that are essential for fetal development.
o Stop all alcohol, smoking, or illegal drug use as all three are proven to be harmful at any time in pregnancy.
o Check with your physician if you are on prescription or over-the-counter medications. Never stop any medications abruptly as there can be adverse reactions and some medications can safely be continued if necessary.
o Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, such as cleaning solvents, insecticides, lead, mercury, and paint fumes o Do not use hot tubs, saunas or take very hot baths as these can be harmful, especially early in pregnancy.
o Avoid x-rays or make sure that extra precautions are taken if you cannot.
o Stay active.
o Don’t clean or change a cat’s litter box, or eat or handle raw meat. These activities can put you at risk for toxoplasmosis, an infection that can be harmful to the fetus.
o Strive to have a health lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of sleep, wear your seatbelt and don’t hesitate to set limits on your activities.
Pregnancy should be a time when you make every effort to do what is best for your health which will result in doing what is best for your baby. Taking a few precautions now can have a lifetime of benefits for both of you.
Lisa P. - February 17th, 2010
In a recent episode of Private Practice, a 15-year-old girl is pregnant and tells her parents. Her mom declares that the girl must abort, and when her dad is asked his opinion, he says, “I’m just a guy, I don’t have a choice.” The episode revealed the confusion families face about who should make such an important choice.
All that stuff about “a woman’s choice” is absolutely true—technically. The woman’s “right to choose” means that no one (laws, parents, boyfriend) should be able to force a woman NOT TO abort. The reverse should also be true: no one (laws, parents, boyfriend) should be able to force a woman TO abort. Anyone trying to legally force or prevent an abortion would find themselves on shaky ground.
Families and romantic partners sometimes try to force women to abort without using laws or courts at all. This kind of coercion includes dire negative predictions, threats, and sometimes even violence. Coercion tends to be dramatic and emotionally manipulative. The coercers, like the mother in the TV show, are driven by their own strong emotions to do anything to get the pregnant woman to do what they want, instead of what she wants.
Identifying coercion is important because women who feel forced into an abortion may have more trouble dealing with their decision emotionally. Some reactions include anger and resentment at the person who encouraged the choice. Important relationships can be damaged at a time when women most need strong emotional support.
If you’re facing a pregnancy decision, take some time to think about the reasons you’re considering each option. Do your reasons come from inside yourself or from others? Don’t ignore what other have to say. But it’s important to remember that you are the one who will be living with the result of your choice. You need to be the chooser.
* Men may also perceive an abortion as “forced on them,” whether by their partner, parents, or other forces. If you and your partner disagree about what you should do, try reading We Can Work It Out.
* Some coercion is abusive, or covers up abuse. If you are being abused, please tell someone and get help.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - February 10th, 2010
After a surgical or chemical abortion there are some basic things you can do to help in your recovery. You may feel physically fine after your procedure but you will need to take safety measures to ensure that you do not experience complications.
1. Drink plenty of fluids.
2. Limit activity for a few days.
3. Take the antibiotics given to you until they are gone.
4. No exercise for two weeks.
5. No swimming or tub baths for two weeks.
6. Don’t use anything vaginally for two weeks. (This includes sex, douching, or using tampons.)
7. Avoid heavy lifting, anything over 15 lbs, for two weeks.
8. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection:
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Fever over 100 degrees that does not respond to medication and lasts for more than a couple of hours.
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Bleeding that is heavier than a normal period with large clots and bright red blood.
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Severe cramping.
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Foul smelling discharge.
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Dizziness, fainting or nausea.
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Bleeding from IV site.
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Abdominal swelling or tenderness.
If you develop any of these symptoms, see your medical provider as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your physician do not hesitate to go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.
It is very important that you are examined around two weeks after your abortion. If you find it difficult to return to the clinic where your procedure was performed, then seek medical attention elsewhere.
Once you have recovered physically there is still emotional healing that needs to take place. The “blues” are not uncommon after an abortion. Some women report feeling relieved after their procedure, but many do not. If you continue to experience emotional difficulties as time passes, you may want to seek help to deal with post abortion stress. There are several good programs that will help you deal with the feelings, such as Restore.
It is very important to allow yourself the time and care to heal from an abortion. This can be a period of physical and emotional upheaval. Being proactive in the healing process will pay off in restoring you in both areas more quickly and completely
