Teen Mom Speaks 10 to 14 "I got pregnant at 13 and had my baby at 14. I wish I had known how insanely hard it would be. Forget the screaming baby and the poop running up their back while you're trying to rinse spit-up out of your freshly curled hair. It's the amount of stress, the lack of support, and the stereotypes that comes with being a teen mom and trying to prove people wrong. Nobody wanted the mom with a baby at their slumber party." — Jennifer, 23

CHLAMYDIA TESTIMONIALS Last year there was this guy I trusted and we ended up having unprotected sex. A few days later I started noticing discharge, severe burning and ulcers appeared. I went to the emergency room and they said it was a UTI (urinary tract infection), but I still went to my gynecologist and chlamydia came back positive. I ended up catching it again, I didn't have full penetrative sex, and he said he was clear of any infection so I don't know if I re-infected myself or it lived in my gut. My symptoms were discharge and a burning sensation and pelvic and lower abdominal pain, stay protected and get checked. Female patient, 19 Name, Title Previous Next 10 to 19

STI Treatment If your sexual history and current signs and symptoms suggest that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), laboratory tests can identify the cause and detect coinfections you might also have. Tests Blood tests. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later stages of syphilis. Urine samples. Some STIs can be confirmed with a urine sample. Fluid samples. If you have open genital sores, your doctor may test fluid and samples from the sores to diagnose the type of infection. Screening Testing for a disease in someone who doesn't have symptoms is called screening. Most of the time, STI screening is not a routine part of health care, but there are exceptions: The one STI screening test suggested for everyone ages 13 to 64 is a blood or saliva test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Experts recommend that people at high risk have an HIV test every year. Everyone born between 1945 and 1965. There's a high incidence of hepatitis C in people born between 1945 and 1965. Since the disease often causes no symptoms until it's advanced, experts recommend that everyone in that age group be screened for hepatitis C. Pregnant women. All pregnant women will generally be screened for HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia and syphilis at their first prenatal visit. Gonorrhea and hepatitis C screening tests are recommended at least once during pregnancy for women at high risk of these infections. Women age 21 and older. The Pap test screens for cervical abnormalities, including inflammation, precancerous changes and cancer, which is often caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Experts recommend that women have a Pap test every three years starting at age 21. After age 30, experts recommend women have an HPV DNA test and a Pap test every five years. A Pap test every three years is also acceptable. Women under age 25 who are sexually active. Experts recommend that all sexually active women under age 25 be tested for chlamydia infection. The chlamydia test uses a sample of urine or vaginal fluid you can collect yourself. Some experts recommend repeating the chlamydia test three months after you've had a positive test and been treated. Reinfection by an untreated or undertreated partner is common, so you need the second test to confirm that the infection is cured. You can catch chlamydia multiple times, so get retested if you have a new partner. Screening for gonorrhea is also recommended in sexually active women under age 25. Men who have sex with men. Compared with other groups, men who have sex with men run a higher risk of acquiring STIs. Many public health groups recommend annual or more-frequent STI screening for these men. Regular tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea are particularly important. Evaluation for hepatitis B also may be recommended. People with HIV. If you have HIV, it dramatically raises your risk of catching other STIs. Experts recommend immediate testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes after being diagnosed with HIV. They also recommend that people with HIV be screened for hepatitis C. Women with HIV may develop aggressive cervical cancer, so experts recommend they have a Pap test within a year of being diagnosed with HIV, and then again six months later. People who have a new partner. Before having vaginal or anal intercourse with new partners, be sure you've both been tested for STIs. However, routine testing for genital herpes isn't recommended unless you have symptoms. It's also possible to be infected with an STI yet still test negative, particularly if you've recently been infected. Treatment Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but not always cured. If you are pregnant and have an STI, getting treatment right away can prevent or reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected. Treatment for STIs usually consists of one of the following, depending on the infection: Antibiotics. Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Typically, you'll be treated for gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time because the two infections often appear together. Once you start antibiotic treatment, it's necessary to follow through. If you don't think you'll be able to take medication as prescribed, tell your doctor. A shorter, simpler course of treatment may be available. In addition, it's important to abstain from sex until seven days after you've completed antibiotic treatment and any sores have healed. Experts also suggest women be retested in about three months because there's high chance of reinfection. Antiviral drugs. If you have herpes or HIV, you'll be prescribed an antiviral drug. You'll have fewer herpes recurrences if you take daily suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral drug. However, it's still possible to give your partner herpes. Antiviral drugs can keep HIV infection in check for many years. But you will still carry the virus and can still transmit it, though the risk is lower. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it is. If you take your medications exactly as directed, it's possible to reduce your virus count so low that it can hardly be detected. If you've had an STI, ask your doctor how long after treatment you need to be retested. Getting retested will ensure that the treatment worked and that you haven't been reinfected. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Coping and support It can be traumatic to find out you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You might be angry if you feel you've been betrayed or ashamed if you might have infected others. At worst, an STI can cause chronic illness and death, even with the best care that's available. These suggestions may help you cope: Hold off placing blame. Don't assume that your partner has been unfaithful to you. One (or both) of you may have been infected by a past partner. Be honest with health care workers. Their job is not to judge you, but to provide treatment and stop STIs from spreading. Anything you tell them remains confidential. Contact your health department. Although they may not have the staff and funds to offer every service, local health departments have STI programs that provide confidential testing, treatment and partner services. Preparing for your appointment Most people don't feel comfortable sharing the details of their sexual experiences, but the doctor's office is one place where you have to provide this information so that you can get the right care. What you can do Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What's the medical name of the infection or infections I have? How, exactly, is it transmitted? Will it keep me from having children? If I get pregnant, could I give it to my baby? Is it possible to catch this again? Could I have caught this from someone I had sex with only once? Could I give this to someone by having sex with that person just once? How long have I had it? I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together? Should I not be sexually active while I'm being treated? Does my partner have to go to a doctor to be treated? What to expect from your doctor Giving your doctor a complete report of your symptoms and sexual history will help your doctor determine how to best care for you. Here are some of the things your doctor may ask: What symptoms made you decide to come in? How long have you had these symptoms? Are you sexually active with men, women or both? Do you currently have one sex partner or more than one? How long have you been with your current partner or partners? Have you ever injected yourself with drugs? Have you ever had sex with someone who has injected drugs? What do you do to protect yourself from STIs? What do you do to prevent pregnancy? Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you have chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV? Have you ever been treated for a genital discharge, genital sores, painful urination or an infection of your sex organs? How many sex partners have you had in the past year? In the past two months? When was your most recent sexual encounter? What you can do in the meantime If you think you might have an STI, it's best to not to be sexually active until you've talked with your doctor. If you do engage in sexual activity before seeing your doctor, be sure to follow safe sex practices, such as using a condom. < Previous Next >

emergency contraception Emergency Contraception Emergency contraception consists of methods that can be used by women after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception methods have varying ranges of effectiveness depending on the method and timing of administration. LEARN MORE

Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. How common is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. How is bacterial vaginosis spread? Researchers do not know the cause of BV or how some women get it. We do know that the infection typically occurs in sexually active women. BV is linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina. Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This places a woman at increased risk for getting BV. We also do not know how sex contributes to BV. There is no research to show that treating a sex partner affects whether or not a woman gets BV. Having BV can increase your chances of getting other STDs. BV rarely affects women who have never had sex. You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. How can I avoid getting bacterial vaginosis? Doctors and scientists do not completely understand how BV spreads. There are no known best ways to prevent it. The following basic prevention steps may help lower your risk of developing BV: Not having sex; Limiting your number of sex partners; and not douching. I’m pregnant. How does bacterial vaginosis affect my baby? Pregnant women can get BV. Pregnant women with BV are more likely to have babies born premature (early) or with low birth weight than pregnant women without BV. Low birth weight means having a baby that weighs less than 5.5 pounds at birth. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. How do I know if I have bacterial vaginosis? Many women with BV do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may notice: A thin white or gray vaginal discharge; Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex; Burning when urinating; Itching around the outside of the vagina. How will my doctor know if I have bacterial vaginosis? A health care provider will examine your vagina for signs of vaginal discharge. Your provider can also perform laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal fluid to determine if BV is present. Can bacterial vaginosis be cured? BV will sometimes go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms of BV you should be checked and treated. It is important that you take all of the medicine prescribed to you, even if your symptoms go away. A health care provider can treat BV with antibiotics, but BV may return even after treatment. Treatment may also reduce the risk for some STIs. Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated. BV may be transferred between female sex partners. What happens if I don’t get treated? BV can cause some serious health risks, including: Increasing your chance of getting HIV if you have sex with someone who is infected with HIV; If you are HIV positive, increasing your chance of passing HIV to your sex partner; Making it more likely that you will deliver your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; Increasing your chance of getting other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. These bacteria can sometimes cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it difficult or impossible for you to have children. < Previous Next >

Trichomoniasis Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms. What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. How common is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected with trichomoniasis. How do people get trichomoniasis? The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. It probably depends on factors like a person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others. What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis? About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go. Men with trichomoniasis may notice: Itching or irritation inside the penis; Burning after urination or ejaculation; Discharge from the penis. Women with trichomoniasis may notice: Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals; Discomfort with urination; A change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell. Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years. What are the complications of trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner. How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby? Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds). How is trichomoniasis diagnosed? It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your health care provider can examine you and get a laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis. What is the treatment for trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women to take this medication. It is not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication. People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated. Also, wait 7- 10 days after you and your partner have been treated to have sex again. Get checked again if your symptoms come back. How can trichomoniasis be prevented? The only way to avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis: Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test results; use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis. But the parasite can infect areas that are not covered by a condom – so condoms may not fully protect you from getting trichomoniasis. Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of STIs before you have sex with a new partner. That way you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life. If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other STI, talk to a healthcare provider. < Previous Next >

Amy Poehler's Smart Girls WEBSITE

Emergency contacts If you find yourself in a scary situation and need help here are few numbers to get you the support you need.... THE SAFE PROJECT The SAFE Project provides emergency services and advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. *24-Hour Crisis Line *Emergency Shelter *Crisis Response Team *Assistance to clients who have been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault Call NOW

online resources Online Resources Birth control Pregnancy

UNI-T Flier UNI-T Flier

Pubic Lice "Crabs" Also called crab lice or “crabs,” pubic lice are parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. Pubic lice infestation is found worldwide and occurs in all races, ethnic groups, and levels of society. Pubic lice have three forms: the egg (also called a nit), the nymph, and the adult. Nit: Nits are lice eggs. They can be hard to see and are found firmly attached to the hair shaft. They are oval and usually yellow to white. Pubic lice nits take about 6–10 days to hatch. Nymph: The nymph is an immature louse that hatches from the nit (egg). A nymph looks like an adult pubic louse but it is smaller. Pubic lice nymphs take about 2–3 weeks after hatching to mature into adults capable of reproducing. To live, a nymph must feed on blood. Adult: The adult pubic louse resembles a miniature crab when viewed through a strong magnifying glass. Pubic lice have six legs; their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab. This is how they got the nickname “crabs.” Pubic lice are tan to grayish-white in color. Females lay nits and are usually larger than males. To live, lice must feed on blood. If the louse falls off a person, it dies within 1–2 days. Pubic lice usually are found in the genital area on pubic hair; but they may occasionally be found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpits, mustache, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Pubic lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes of children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse. Lice found on the head generally are head lice, not pubic lice. Animals do not get or spread pubic lice. Signs and symptoms of pubic lice include the following: Itching in the genital area Visible nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice Pubic lice usually are spread through sexual contact and are most common in adults. Pubic lice found on children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse. Occasionally, pubic lice may be spread by close personal contact or contact with articles such as clothing, bed linens, or towels that have been used by an infested person. A common misconception is that pubic lice are spread easily by sitting on a toilet seat. This would be extremely rare because lice cannot live long away from a warm human body and they do not have feet designed to hold onto or walk on smooth surfaces such as toilet seats. Persons infested with pubic lice should be examined for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. A pubic lice infestation is diagnosed by finding a “crab” louse or egg (nit) on hair in the pubic region or, less commonly, elsewhere on the body (eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, armpit, perianal area, groin, trunk, scalp). Pubic lice may be difficult to find because there may be only a few. Pubic lice often attach themselves to more than one hair and generally do not crawl as quickly as head and body lice. If crawling lice are not seen, finding nits in the pubic area strongly suggests that a person is infested and should be treated. If you are unsure about infestation or if treatment is not successful, see a health care provider for a diagnosis. Persons infested with pubic lice should be investigated for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. Although pubic lice and nits can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye, a magnifying lens may be necessary to find lice or eggs. Treatment A lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat pubic (“crab”) lice. These products are available over-the-counter without a prescription at a local drug store or pharmacy. These medications are safe and effective when used exactly according to the instructions in the package or on the label. Lindane shampoo is a prescription medication that can kill lice and lice eggs. However, lindane is not recommended as a first-line therapy. Lindane can be toxic to the brain and other parts of the nervous system; its use should be restricted to patients who have failed treatment with or cannot tolerate other medications that pose less risk. Lindane should not be used to treat premature infants, persons with a seizure disorder, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lindane will be applied, infants, children, the elderly, and persons who weigh less than 110 pounds. Malathion* lotion 0.5% (Ovide*) is a prescription medication that can kill lice and some lice eggs; however, malathion lotion (Ovide*) currently has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of pubic (“crab”) lice. Both topical and oral ivermectin have been used successfully to treat lice; however, only topical ivermectin lotion currently is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of lice. Oral ivermectin is not FDA-approved for treatment of lice. How to treat pubic lice infestations: (Warning: See special instructions for treatment of lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes. The lice medications described in this section should not be used near the eyes.) Wash the infested area; towel dry. Carefully follow the instructions in the package or on the label. Thoroughly saturate the pubic hair and other infested areas with lice medication. Leave medication on hair for the time recommended in the instructions. After waiting the recommended time, remove the medication by following carefully the instructions on the label or in the box. Following treatment, most nits will still be attached to hair shafts. Nits may be removed with fingernails or by using a fine-toothed comb. Put on clean underwear and clothing after treatment. To kill any lice or nits remaining on clothing, towels, or bedding, machine-wash and machine-dry those items that the infested person used during the 2–3 days before treatment. Use hot water (at least 130°F) and the hot dryer cycle. Items that cannot be laundered can be dry-cleaned or stored in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks. All sex partners from within the previous month should be informed that they are at risk for infestation and should be treated. Persons should avoid sexual contact with their sex partner(s) until both they and their partners have been successfully treated and reevaluated to rule out persistent infestation. Repeat treatment in 9–10 days if live lice are still found. Persons with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Special instructions for treatment of lice and nits found on eyebrows or eyelashes: If only a few live lice and nits are present, it may be possible to remove these with fingernails or a nit comb. If additional treatment is needed for lice or nits on the eyelashes, careful application of ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment (only available by prescription) to the eyelid margins 2–4 times a day for 10 days is effective. < Previous Next >

women's Empowerment websites Teen Feminist Hi! My name is Jules Spector and I live in NY, NY. I am 19 years old and I strongly believe in equal rights for men, women, and everyone who doesn't identify with either! Spark Movement SPARK Movement is a girl-fueled, intergenerational activist organization working to ignite and foster an antiracist gender justice movement to end violence against women and girls and promote girls’ healthy sexuality, self-empowerment and well-being. By providing feminist, girl-focused training, consulting services, curricula and resources, SPARK aims to arm activists, educators, community leaders, and girls themselves to foster coalitions and partnerships in order to ignite and support a global young feminist movement. In 2016, with support from the NoVo Foundation and the Ittleson Foundation, we launched “SPARK2.0,” and transitioned from a single, lean, centralized organization working intensively with a core of approximately 35 girls selected annually, to reclaim our original “scaling out” collaborative, movement-building model designed to support and extend a network of people and organizations working with and on behalf of girls. Ban Bossy When a little boy asserts himself, he's called a “leader.” Yet when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded “bossy.” Words like bossy send a message: don't raise your hand or speak up. By middle school, girls are less interested in leading than boys—a trend that continues into adulthood. Together we can encourage girls to lead. Amy Poehler's Smart Girls Change the world by being yourself.Founded by artist Amy Poehler and producer Meredith Walker, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls organization is dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. We emphasize intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend. Articles What Does Sex Positive Mean? Have you ever heard the term “sex positivity” and wondered what it meant? Nowadays, talking about sex has become much more acceptable. The taboos surrounding sex are decreasing, and the benefits of sex are much more well known. But do you know what being sex positive entails? READ MORE Sex Positivity: Educate, Empower, Self-Define! Sex positivity is the belief that consensual sexual expression is both healthy and important in contributing to a safe and inclusive campus climate. Sex positivity is grounded in comprehensive sex education, exploring and deconstructing gender norms, and promoting body positivity and self love. It fosters safe spaces in which different identities and sexual expressions are valued and bodily autonomy is paramount. Sex positivity transforms our relationship with ourselves, each other, and our communities and can impact policy. READ MORE 3 Empowering Sex Tips We Should Be Giving Young Women Like many girls, I got my first sex tips from women’s magazines.... READ MORE