It Takes Two

The focus on birth control and pregnancy prevention seems to be placed heavily on women because they are the people that actually become pregnant. In reality, however, it takes two to get to that point. Men play a large role in decision making about pregnancy prevention measures, however, they sometimes get forgotten. Here are some ways men can take an active role in pregnancy prevention:

• COMMUNICATE! Communication is key in any relationship, but when was the last time you talked about birth control? Is the method you are currently using working for you? Have you ever tried other methods? Determine your risk (for what? STI? Pregnancy?) and then investigate all the different methods out there that meet your needs. Sometimes adjusting your method of birth control is all you need (and can be a lot of fun)
• WHO IS BUYING? Do you split the cost? (Planned Parenthood of Delaware provides low and no cost birth control options.) Is it a certain partner’s responsibility to purchase the birth control? These are things you and your partner should determine early on in the relationship.
• DETERMINE YOUR ROLE. What if your partner did get pregnant? Would you be a part of the decision making on what to do? Would you consider adoption? Would you be supportive if your partner decided to carry to term or terminate the pregnancy? Things to consider: From a legal perspective, the ultimate decision about the pregnancy is the woman’s, she cannot be forced to either carry to term or terminate the pregnancy.
  

So have the conversation with your partner. Now. Remember, there are consequences for both parties, and thus both should be involved in making those healthy decisions.
Planned Parenthood of Delaware offers a variety of services for men, including:

• Sexual and reproductive health check ups- Free condoms
• STD screening and testing, including a rapid HIV test
• HPV vaccine

To find out more about men’s sexual health and how to become more involved in pregnancy prevention check out Planned Parenthood’s website at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/men-4285.htm

Celebrate Let’s Talk Month!

October is Let’s Talk Month! Every year, sex educators and advocates use this month to encourage and empower parents to become more confident sex educators of their children and teens.

We at Planned Parenthood of Delaware recognize that parents are the primary sex educators of their children and although sometimes it is uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about sex, it is essential for the emotional and physical well-being of young people. This month gives us a great opportunity to start the conversation about sex right now! We are here to help parents and providers become more comfortable and confident in their role as sex educators.

To celebrate Let’s Talk Month, the Sexuality Education Training Institute (SETI) of Planned Parenthood of Delaware is excited to offer a free workshop entitled, “Let’s Talk! Discussing sexuality with your child: What to say and when to say it” to parents, educators, and youth service providers.

This interactive workshop includes such topics as effective parent-child communication, how to answer sex questions, sexual development from cradle to college, as well as facts and stats about Delaware teen sexual health today. Please see below for more information:

Cost: FREE
Date: October 26, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: 140 E Delaware Avenue, Newark, DE 19711

A light dinner will be provided and spaces are limited. To register please email edudept@ppde.org or call (302) 224-8099 ext. 1

Picture this...

You and your boyfriend are having sex and the condom breaks.

That kind of thing never happens but somehow it did last night. You don’t want to get pregnant (that's the whole point of birth control, right?) but a pit of dread fills your stomach. What can you do? Luckily there’s an option for these type of situations! It’s called emergency contraception. Here’s what you need to know…

• Emergency contraception (EC) is contraception that you can take to prevent pregnancy. EC is effective 3-5 days after unprotected sex, though it is best to take EC as soon as you can.
• There are a few different brands of EC. Planned Parenthood of Delaware offers Plan-B One Step and Next Choice.
• In the United States, any man or woman age 17 and older can get EC without a prescription. Women under the age of 17 will need to visit a health center and get a prescription. In both cases, you can get EC at Planned Parenthood.
• Some people may think that the morning-after pill is the same as the abortion pill. It is important to know that the morning-after pill is not an abortion pill. EC will prevent a pregnancy, but it will not end a pregnancy. If you are already pregnant when you take EC, it will not stop the pregnancy.
• EC is available at all Planned Parenthood of Delaware health center locations in Wilmington, Newark and Dover.
• EC does not protect against STIs, including HIV.
  

So when unprotected sex happens, you still have options! For more information on emergency contraception, talk to your health care provider, call Planned Parenthood, or visit these sites:

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill-4363.asp

http://ec.princeton.edu/questions/index.html