Getting to Know Your Vulva

Ladies, do you know how your vulva is like a snowflake? That’s because no two vulvas are exactly alike. Despite what you might see in movies or pictures, or even the diagrams in sexuality education books, each woman has her own, unique set of lady-parts.

What exactly is the vulva anyway? The vulva consists of all the female, external genitalia: The mons, outer labia, clitoris, inner labia and the opening to the vagina. Although not much is visible when a woman is standing up with her legs together, for health and other reasons it’s important that we are familiar with every inch of our bodies.

Why is it important to look at your vulva? Vulvas on television or in movies or books all tend to look very similar, which is simply not the case in real life. It is important to know what is normal for your vulva so that if anything changes, you are aware of it and can see a doctor if necessary (in the case of an STI or certain cancers for example.) Also, knowing more about what your vulva looks like can help make sexual activity and masturbation more pleasurable because you will have a keener sense of where everything is “down there.” How can you expect your partner to find your clitoris if you aren’t sure where it is or what it looks like?

In order to see your vulva, you will need to do the following:

• Sit on the floor (or on your bed if it is more comfortable) with your legs apart and your knees bent. What can you see from this angle? The mons pubis? The outer labia? The inner labia? The clitoris? Gently spread apart the outer labia to get a better look. For some women, holding a mirror in front of the vulva and angling the mirror so the vulva can be seen works best. What do you notice about your vulva? Take note of its color (and where the color may change), the size and shape of the inner and outer lips (labia), where there is hair, the size and shape of the clitoris (is it visible or hidden under the clitoral hood?) if there are any birthmarks or anything else that makes your vulva unique.
  

It is also important to remember that vulvas in pornography or even in sexuality educational material may all look a certain way because of social norms, not because they are the way that vulvas “should” look. There are many great sources of “real” vulvas both in drawings and in photographs.

For more information about the veritable blizzard of vulva types check out these drawings by vulva-guru Betty Dodson!

For more information about the vulva check this out!

For information about getting your yearly pelvic exam (which is another important part of knowing your vulva!) go here!

Did you know that SETI offers classes on sexting?

Parents and providers can attend a FREE upcoming sex & technology workshop with Planned Parenthood of Delaware! Click here for SETI’s Winter Workshop Series for more information.

Sexting and Cyberbullying

Facebook me. Tweet me. Text me. Most teens and young adults would admit that they've already checked their Facebook, tweeted or possibly even texted a friend or two before they've gotten out of bed. While these advances in communication can bring us closer and enhance our relationships, there are some aspects of technology that can be dangerous-- like sexting and cyberbullying. These terms are only a few years old but have become so commonplace that they were recently added to the Oxford English Dictionary!

Sexting is defined as sending nude or semi-nude photographs or sexually explicit messages to another person. For some, these messages can give partners a new way to express their feelings or provide the opportunity to talk about something they wouldn’t usually say in person. However, it is against the law to create or send sexual images of anyone under age 18, even if you are sending pictures of yourself. Another thing to remember is that once you've sent a text or posted a picture, it can never completely be removed. Think about the consequences of sending messages. For example, you might be in a relationship now, but what happens if you break up or a get in a fight? The minute the picture leaves your phone it’s out of your control. According to MTV's A Thin Line project, "nearly 1 in 5 sext recipients have passed the sext along to someone else." Ask yourself, how would you feel when your private message becomes public gossip?

If you are being prompted to sext and are over age 18, the best thing to do is cut the conversation off, wait until you’re alone with that person and set some boundaries about what is appropriate for you. If you are under age 18, don’t sext. It is illegal and you could face serious consequences.

Pictures that young people sext can also be used to cyberbully someone. Cyberbullying happens when children or teens use the Internet to harass, intimidate and/or frighten their peers, former bullies, or other minors in their lives. Many teens do not believe that when they send cruel messages or spread lies about their peers online that they are engaging in harmful cyberbullying. These instances can range from an annoying classmate who occasionally messages you unpleasant remarks to very serious harassment that has led to physical violence and in some cases teen suicides. Think before you message others about how you would feel if those words were being directed at you, or one of your close friends. Above all, if someone is threatening, scaring or otherwise bothering you over the Internet the best thing to do is stop talking to them and tell a trusted adult.

Facebook and Twitter

Even if you're not sexting, social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter can place you in some dicey situations. We've all taken pictures that weren't so flattering. Now those moments we wish we could forget might follow us online forever. Technology makes it easier every day to upload a picture or video to the Internet, or post a nasty comment about a friend or enemy--there's even a cell phone out with a button that immediately sends your photos or videos directly to Facebook! We might not think much about our status updates, tweets, or mobile uploads now, but they might be damaging in the future. Imagine how embarrassing and devastating it could be if a college admissions person or potential employer saw an inappropriate picture/comment on your profile and that was their first impression of you; it could jeopardize your chances for gaining admission to that school or getting your dream job. Whether it impacts you or someone else, what you do on the Internet matters—maybe for a long, long time.

So before you text it, tweet it, or Facebook it, ask yourself these questions:

• How would others react to what I’m doing?
• Could these words/photos hurt me or someone else in the long run?
• If it's a private message, how would I feel if it goes public?

…and for more information about sexting and cyber bullying, check out these links:

http://www.athinline.org/facts/sexting
http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/sextech/
http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html

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

PPDE's VP of ED at SF Pride!

This year, I had the amazing opportunity to walk in the San Francisco Pride Parade in northern California as well as represent Planned Parenthood of Delaware at the Delaware LGBT Pride Festival in Rehoboth. Both experiences were deeply moving. It’s amazing how much love and acceptance one can feel when you are truly in a safe space. It’s even more powerful when each and every one of us is encouraged to celebrate the unique qualities of our fellow human beings. From coast-to-coast, it’s evident that more than ever we need to continue to fight for rights of all LGBTs to experience a life free of discrimination and bullying.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) people need a place where they can feel included and SAFE. Safe spaces are especially important for LGBT youth because of the bullying and harassment that commonly occurs in schools and other youth-serving community organizations. In fact, a recent study found that 90% of LGBT youth have been the victims of harassment, including verbal and physical attacks. Sometimes, it can even lead to depression and suicide, which was the case for Tyler Clementi, an 18 year-old freshman at Rutgers University. Tyler took his own life after his roommate secretly taped and broadcasted him being intimate with another male student.

As important as it is to have safe spaces for LGBT youth, many schools and organizations have no regulated policies in place to protect these young men and women. On November 17, 2010, the Sexuality Education Training Institute of Planned Parenthood of Delaware addressed this issue in a workshop called “Safe Spaces for LBGT Youth: Creating an inclusive environment.” In addition to receiving training on combating discrimination and identifying risk factors for harassment and violence, participants in this professional development workshop learned strategies for becoming a visible ally to the LGBT community. Want to know more about what you can do to become an ally? Check out www.plannedparenthood.org as well as www.advocatesforyouth.org, www.hrc.org and www.pflag.org.

October is National Family Sexuality Education Month

October is National Family Sexuality Education Month, and what better way to honor it than to celebrate comprehensive sexuality education! This year, we’re celebrating the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), which allows schools and educators to do just that-- provide comprehensive, medically-accurate, age-appropriate sex education!

PREP provides $55 million for states to provide evidence-based sex education on:

• Pregnancy prevention
• Abstinence
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention
• Responsible decision-making
• Healthy relationships
  

With an estimated 750,000 unplanned teen pregnancies and 4 million new STI transmissions among teens per year, it is clear that these topics need to be addressed. Pregnancy and STIs are 100% preventable and providing youth with factual, age-appropriate information is the first step in prevention.

Numerous studies have shown that comprehensive sex education can help kids abstain from sex, increase contraceptive use, and reduce teen pregnancies. And, we know that abstinence-only messages don’t work. Planned Parenthood of Delaware, along with teens and parents everywhere, are using Sex Ed Month to applaud Congress and the Obama administration for taking the first step toward protecting the health of the nation’s youth and empowering them to make good decisions for their bodies.

Need an excuse to bring up this sometimes tough topic? Take a peek at the Planned Parenthood list of upcoming workshops for the fall!

Sexting: Knowing the Risks and Staying Safe

Cell phones have become an essential accessory for our generation. The explosion in technology has led to people incorporating it into their personal relationships—including “sexting” (shorthand for sexy-texting) which can be anything from a sexy text message to nude or semi-nude pictures. The allure of sexting is the belief that it’s discreet, convenient, and (supposedly) safe. And because you’re sending them to someone you know and trust, it’s easy to think that pushing SEND is harmless; if it doesn’t become physical, then you can’t get hurt, right?

As it turns out, sexting can be very dangerous because these messages can be saved forever, forwarded to strangers, and shown to other people without your consent. All it can take is one fight with your significant other who forwards your pictures to their entire contact list. At this point, you can do nothing to stop those messages from spreading or to stop them from being accompanied by your number, face, and an extra message to "Pass it on!"

Many things could happen to you at the center of a Sexting situation:

• If you are under 18, sending naked pictures of yourself can be considered producing and possessing child pornography (a felony that could land you in prison or permanently on the national sex offender list).
• You could become a victim of bullying and harassment from peers.
• You could also be blackmailed into giving out more compromising photos of yourself, an act referred to as Sextortion.

So the next time you get a risqué text or want to send one, think to yourself:

• Would I say these things to him/her in person? Am I ok with others knowing what I say or do?
• How would others react to what I’m doing? Could this text hurt me in the long run?

If you are being prompted to sext, the best thing to do is cut the conversation off, wait until you’re alone with that person and set some boundaries about what is appropriate for you.

Parents and providers can attend a FREE upcoming sexting workshop! Click here for more information.

…and for more information about sexting and sextortion, check out these links:

• A Thin Line
• MSNBC
• Connect Safely
  

What's the big deal about Twilight?

If you haven’t yet noticed that Twilight has become a worldwide phenomenon, you might be a little out of the loop. And if you haven’t yet been asked whether you’re for team Team Jacob or Team Edward, it’s probably only a matter of time.

So much controversy seems to surround this series, however, that blogs and opt-ed pieces like this, have popped up everywhere. While the films may seem fairly benign – just another show about teen angst wrapped in a modern day love triangle, filled with mythical creatures like vampires and werewolves - there may be more to its message. Is Bella the delicate damsel in distress, needing constant supervision and protection from the men in her life? Or is she the woman in charge, able to go after the man she wants, while deciding her own fate? There are so many theories floating around that it’s enough to boggle the mind. This is where Planned Parenthood of Delaware (PPDE) has stepped in to help parents and providers sort out these themes and find ways to help teens negotiate media messages.

As part of our Summer of Learning series, PPDE will be presenting our next workshop, Twilight, Teens and Vampires: The world of teen relationships through the pop culture lens on July 15th from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This workshop will discuss some important themes of the movies, while examining messages teens are receiving about relationships from popular culture. Is there anything parents and other adults can do to combat unrealistic messages portrayed in media? How do these images and messages impact youth? In this workshop we will examine these questions and much more (while of course watching some favorite clips from the movies. For all of you fan-mothers out there, this might be quite enticing.)

To register, please email edudept@ppde.org

June is National HIV Testing Month

Have you been tested recently?

Well, now’s the time! Celebrate National Testing Month (and National Testing Day – June 27th ) by taking an HIV test! It may be passed the 27th but its not to late to get tested.

Did you know…

• Someone in the US is infected with HIV every 9 ½ minutes.
• By 2007, Delaware’s AIDS incidence rate was ranked 6th highest in the nation.
  

Don’t you think it’s worth it then, to take the time to have an HIV test? Early diagnosis is important in order to seek treatment and prevent the spread to others.

Planned Parenthood of Delaware offers rapid HIV testing which involves a small finger prick and a tiny drop of blood. You are able to get your test results within about 10 minutes. See, that doesn’t sound so bad…right? It’s quick, virtually painless, and can be such a relief knowing your results. At least you won’t still be questioning whether or not you could be infected. Your partners will thank you too.

To make an appointment for an HIV test please call 1.800.230.PLAN

And for more information about HIV Testing Day or to find events in your area, visit the CDC website.

Get Yourself Tested – for FREE!

April is Get Yourself Tested (GYT) month.

Did you know…?

• 50% of sexually active young people will contract an STI (sexually transmitted infection) by the time they reach age 25
• At least one out of four teen girls in the U.S. has an STI and many women who have an STI do not have any symptoms
• 19 million new STI cases are reported each year and 50% of these cases occur in young people between 15-24
• Less than half of adults 18-44 have ever been tested for an STI other than HIV/AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus is the most common STI in the US - over 5 million people are affected each year
  

During the month of April, come to any Planned Parenthood of Delaware medical center and receive a FREE test for HIV, Chlamydia & Gonorrhea. It is very important to be tested regularly if you or someone you know is sexually active.

Wilmington 655-7293
Newark 731-7801
Dover 678-5200
Rehoboth 645-2737

Offer only valid April 1 - 30, 2010.

Check out these fun STI videos:

Mission: Eliminate Chlamydia

What is Disordered Eating?

Do you ever find yourself constantly preoccupied with eating? Keeping obsessive track of your daily calorie intake? Weighing yourself every day? Hating yourself for "slipping up" or eating the occasional treat? Are these habits becoming more and more of an obsession?

These seemingly harmless health-conscious acts are often warning signs for the onset of eating disorders, which affect one in five American women. The two most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, characterized by self starvation and excessive weight loss, and bulimia nervosa, characterized by a cycle of binge eating and subsequent behaviors such as induced vomiting. These disorders are often about much more than food- they arise from physical, social, and emotional issues.

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are struggling to cope or survive with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, both of which pose life threatening consequences. Millions more are affected by binge eating disorders.

Media messages and social obsession have a strong influence on the development of eating disorders in young girls. It is important to remember that there are a variety of healthy body types that are not often shown on TV and in the movies. Click here to see a range of healthy body sizes and shapes.

Having a positive body image is the first step to being able to maintain a happy and healthy life, free from disordered eating. While it is important to eat healthy and exercise, doing anything compulsively or in excess could lead to negative health consequences.

Check out these tips to develop and strengthen your body image:

1. Eat healthy and exercise regularly, but don’t punish yourself for eating the occasional treat or taking a day off to rest!

2. Don’t compare yourself to others- confidence is everything!

3. Surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself and who can provide you with support.

4. Write down a list of the things you like and admire about yourself- look at it frequently!

5. Involve yourself in activities that you enjoy- being happy personally and professionally will make you happier with yourself!

For more information on eating disorders check out Sex Etc.org, The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness, and the National Eating Disorders Association.

Celebrate National Condom Week!

National Condom Week is February 14-21! To celebrate this year test your condom skills by playing The Condom Game brought to you by Sex, Etc.

…and pick up your FREE safer sex packet at your local Planned Parenthood of Delaware!

What is safer sex?

Safer sex involves protecting yourself from getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during sex play. Any sex play which involves skin-to-skin contact is not completely risk free, but there are ways to reduce those risks.
How can we practice safer sex?
• Understand and be honest about the risks we take.
• Keep our bodily fluids (blood, pre-cum, semen, vaginal fluid) out of each other's bodies.
• Always use male or female condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse.
• Always use condoms or other latex barriers for oral sex.
• Don't have sex play when we have a sore or outbreak caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• Find ways to make safer sex as pleasurable as possible.
Why have safer sex?
• Because it reduces our risk of getting an STD
• Because it reduces anxiety and fear about getting or transmitting an STD
• Because it reduces our risk of unplanned pregnancy
• Because there are many other sexual activities to engage in besides intercourse that can be fun and intimate
• Because it can be very pleasurable and exciting
For more information check out Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Rise in Teen Pregnancy Rate…Again?!

Yes you heard it right. Not only has the teen pregnancy rate in the United States risen for the first time in over a decade, but it has now risen for the second consecutive year.

2005 saw the first increase in teen pregnancy rates after a 14 year decline and 2006 quickly followed suit.

Could it be that abstinence-only education has played a role in this rise?

With this current trend, it’s a wonder why some people still take an abstinence-only-until-marriage approach to sex education. How much more research must show how ineffective these programs actually are before people pay attention? Luckily, the President supports comprehensive sex education which means more money going toward programs which are evidence-based.

Planned Parenthood of Delaware believes strongly in the importance of comprehensive sex ed and offers a variety of educational programs to the community. To view our list of services or to schedule a workshop, click here.

And to read more about teen pregnancy in the U.S., check out this Washington Post article.

Love Smart this Valentine’s Day

National Condom Week Feb. 14 - 21, 2010



Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and have you thought about how you want to express your love this year? Pick up a free “Love Smart” safer sex condom packs with two Proper Attire® condoms, lubricant, and candy. The free packs are available during regular business hours at PPDE medical centers in Wilmington, Newark, Dover and Rehoboth. For medical center hours and locations, check out www.ppdel.org.

Or express your love a different way. For many people “making love” doesn’t mean having sex at all. So what else do people do then? There are many fun and romantic ideas to show your love to someone special on Valentine’s Day or any other day. Check these out:

• Share your future goals and dreams
• Hold hands
• Make-out on the couch
• Cook dinner together
• Talk a long walk
• Give each other a massage
• Exercise together
• Have a picnic in your living room
• Write one reason you love that person everyday for the whole month
• Make your partner’s favorite meal
• Surprise your partner at work or school
• Watch a movie and cuddle
• Leave a handwritten note
• Choose a favorite song together
• Send romantic text messages throughout the day
• Give each other nicknames
• Dance
• Go for a hike
• Sing your favorite song to each other (or one you wrote)
• Write a poem for your partner
• Watch the sunrise or set together
• Go star gazing
• Make a list of things you like about one another
• Go on a day trip to a new place
• Play your favorite board game together
• Program a special ringtone on each other’s phones
• Call a radio station and dedicate a song to your partner

Now for those of you interested in getting’ it on in the bedroom this V-Day, stay tuned for our next blog on how to stay safe with condoms. More on National Condom Week next blog!

Protect Yourself From HPV

Did you know that HPV currently infects 6 million people in the US each year?

Wouldn’t it be great if there was an easy way to not only protect yourself from getting the most common strands of HPV but also significantly decrease your risk of getting cervical cancer? Well now there is!

There are currently two vaccines on the market, Gardasil and Cervarix, which protect against the two strands of HPV causing about 70% of cervical cancers in women. Gardasil also protects against two common types of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts. The 3-dose vaccine is recommended for all girls ages 11 to 12, and can be given to girls 9 to 26 years old.

Worried about cost? Many insurance companies will cover the cost of the 3-dose vaccine if you’re within the recommended ages. Check with your insurance company to see if you qualify. Remember that getting the HPV vaccine is an investment in your future health!

While the vaccines are highly effective, they do not protect against all strands of HPV or other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). HPV vaccines are highly recommended, however there are still many other things you can do to decrease your risk of exposure to HPV.

Reduce your risk by…
1) Abstaining from sexual activity, or if you are sexually active, being sure to use condoms every time you have sex.
2) Limiting your number of sexual partners
3) Getting Regular Pap tests
4) Getting checked by a health care provider

To make an appointment to get your HPV vaccine, call 1-800-230-PLAN

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that HPV, the Human Papilloma Virus, has been linked to cervical cancer? HPV is a very common virus which may produce warts or certain kinds of cancer, including cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early. One way to detect it is through a regular Pap test. A Pap test is a sample of cervical cells collected during a pelvic (GYN) exam.

The current recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for women are:

• Pap testing beginning at age 21 or 3 years after the onset of sexual activity.
• Pap testing repeated at least every 3 years.

Another important prevention method is the HPV vaccine. This protects women against two of the HPV types that cause 70% of all cases of cervical cancer.

Planned Parenthood of Delaware offers GYN exams, Pap tests, and the HPV vaccine. Click here for a list of our Medical Centers to make an appointment, or call for walk-in hours.

And for more information, visit Planned Parenthood Federation of America or the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.

Don't Forget About Breast Health

This year, nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why it is so important to complete a monthly Breast Self-Exam (BSE) and have a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider. Yearly mammograms (X-rays of the breasts) are recommended for women over the age of 40 or for women with a family history of breast cancer.

How Can I Reduce My Risk?

While there is no absolute method of preventing breast cancer, like many different types of cancers there may be ways to reduce the risks of acquiring it. Check out these tips for living a healthy lifestyle:

* Eat a low-fat, high fiber diet
* Eliminate as much of the saturated and trans fats from your diet as possible
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Exercise frequently
* Drink less alcohol
* Take a multivitamin with folic acid


Visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure to learn more about breast cancer risk factors.

Are You Sex Smart?

A recent study conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that half of participants, ages 18-29, were not using contraception consistently and many are at least 'slightly likely' to have unprotected sex within the next 3 months. Yikes! You may be wondering just how the education system has failed to provide such basic information about preventing pregnancy...

Could it be that the past years of abstinence-only education are to blame for this severe gap in knowledge among 20-somethings?

1 in 5 participants from the study report not having had any sex education in school which has caused a severe lack of basic knowledge about condoms and other methods of birth control. In fact, many people still believe some common myths about pregnancy. Let’s decipher a few here:

MYTH: Having sex standing up reduces the risk of pregnancy. (18% of men from the study thought this was true.)

FACT: Let’s remember that sperm serve one function – to do everything possible to seek out and fertilize an egg. Even the laws of gravity are no match for their industrious effort. Don’t mess with the mighty sperm – remember it only takes 1.

MYTH: Using two condoms is better than one. (28% of men from the study incorrectly believed this.)

FACT: One condom is sufficient to prevent pregnancy, if used PROPERLY for EVERY act of intercourse. Using more than one can create friction, possibly increasing the chance that the condom will tear. Friction is not a good thing when using condoms, and the more lubrication the less friction there will be, so use a water-based lube whenever possible.

MYTH: Pulling out before ejaculation won’t cause a pregnancy.

FACT: Remember that a man produces a fluid called pre-ejaculate before ejaculation, and often cannot tell when this happens. Each drop of pre-ejaculate contains 20-40 thousand sperm... and how many sperm does it take to create a pregnancy? That’s right…just 1.

Now that we’ve dispelled some common pregnancy myths, it’s your turn to test your sex-pertise. Check out these fun fact quizzes at Sex, Etc.

And to read the full CNN article about the gaps in young people’s sex knowledge click here.

December is AIDS Awareness Month

This month is dedicated to increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS, a global epidemic. It’s important to continue educating the public and funding more research and medical interventions to assist those who are HIV positive and those living with the condition known as AIDS. While treatment options have gotten better over the years, there is still work to be done.

World AIDS Day was December 1st, but there are still ways to get involved in the cause.

1) Education

Educate yourself and the people you know about HIV/AIDS. If you need help, try these websites for more information:

Planned Parenthood Federation of America
AIDS Delaware
Teens Health
POZ
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2) Prevention

To prevent yourself from getting the virus, remember to use condoms for every act of intercourse. HIV can be spread through oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and from blood to blood contact (e.g. sharing needles).

3) Testing

HIV testing is a quick and virtually painless process now. Rapid testing at Planned Parenthood of Delaware only requires a finger prick and about 10 minutes to wait for results. Take a friend or partner with you and get tested together!

Early detection is key!

Please call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment for a confidential HIV test at Planned Parenthood of Delaware, or visit our web site for locations and information.