Sexual Orientation | Planned Parenthood

Medication Abortion Versus Surgical: Planned Parenthood Options Debated

Planned Parenthood has publicly stated that medication abortions are the preferred method of most women, as they are less intrusive, and considerably more private. However, the “Des Moines Register” believes that the surgical option is being overlooked due to misconceptions about the pain, bleeding, and invasive-ness of the procedure. The truth as the “Des Moines Register” reports it is that medication-induced abortions are far worse, being more protracted, uncomfortable, and causing bleeding for up to two weeks for most women who choose this method. Also, women who choose this method may see the child’s body pass in their own toilet, rather than having a quick and formal surgical abortion that prevents such discomforts.

The real question that the “Register” has failed to ask is: how many abortions, either medication-induced or surgical, has Planned Parenthood prevented through their birth control services and sexual health education? Though the gruesome details of abortions make for better readerships for cheesy tabloids like the “Register,” the truth is that Planned Parenthood is first and foremost interested in caring for people, and helping them to PLAN for eventual PARENTHOOD. Plan, as in prevent, until the time is right. Planned Parenthood is interested in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, providing affordable or free services to community members who live below the poverty line, and assisting those with surgical medical needs.

In addition to critically analyzing practices that Planned Parenthood necessarily offers, by public demand, to local communities, the “Register” has also stepped on their own feet. Initially supporting Planned Parenthood in an opinion piece about telemedicine and abortion, the “Register” back-stepped when their conservative readership ignited and threatened to cancel subscriptions. This caused the newspaper to swallow its pride, swallow it’s true opinion, and write what the local nay-sayers would have them write. Is that true journalism? Since when does a newspaper care about public interest? I thought they were all bought by Big Business, already!

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Abortion, Birth control, Clinics and Services, Des Moines Register, Health, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health, United States

Abortion Clinic Plot Targeted at Family Planning Facility

: Image via Wikipedia

There must be a proud Concord mama out there somewhere. A man from Concord, whom most believe is mentally unstable, plotted to attack what he called “an abortion clinic” that was actually a family planning facility, Planned Parenthood. Though many people think of Planned Parenthood as an abortion clinic, in truth, it is a family planning facility for teenagers, particularly those who live below the poverty line. Last Monday, a man from South Piedmont was charged with a plot to bomb the local Planned Parenthood facility and seen in federal court, in Greensboro.

This A-class character who sought to literally explore a facility filled with pregnant women, young teenagers, and impoverished patients and the nurses who assist them, used a popular social media site to encourage others to help. Mr. Justin Carl Moose, a regular Facebook user, probably has the CEO of Facebook re-questioning their choice to make Facebook public, rather than just for college kids. Moose encouraged people on his page to use extreme violence against those in need of Planned Parenthood, and those working there. Justin Moose also provided diagrams, pictures, and instructions for the design and creation of homemade bombs, which he didn’t realize could be made by young boys to explode cats, in addition to the Planned Parenthood. His short sightedness could have lead to the deaths of innocent, random community members, in addition to helpless, impoverished young people. Mrs. Moose, Justin’s mother, must be extremely proud of her son.

The website on Facebook had enough damaging information that investigations were also launched on other people who interacted with Moose. The only good thing to come out of this horrific scare is that perhaps as many as four shady characters have been red flagged for further investigation, in addition to Moose. Moose may face as much as 20 years in jail for his terror plot, as well as a fine of $250,000.

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Abortion, Clinics and Services, Facebook, Family planning, Health, Justin Moose, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health

Sexual Health and Your Dog: Is There a Planned Parenthood for Your Pooch?

You may know everything there is to know about Planned Parenthood, already. With all of that information you are well informed, and ready to assist young females and the odd young male who need help obtaining contraceptives. Well, you may begin to wonder, what sexual health assistance is there for your pooch? If you live below the poverty line, and you happen to have (a very fertile) black lab named Buddy, what can you do to prevent pooch pregnancy? Though it is far less important than the question of assisting young people, it remains a question that effects communities, as stray pets and excess puppies become a burden on counties, and are left to be euthanized.

Another question you may be asking yourself now, is, why would someone impoverished need a pet? Well, the answer to that question should be apparent: everyone needs and deserves love, and the love of a pet may be all that an individual has available. Does it then become an issue worth considering? Impoverished pooch pregnancy may seem like a small burden on communities, leading to cardboard signs outside of Costco, offering free puppies to anyone who doesn’t mind knowing a proper breed for the dog. However, when considered nationally, the cost of abandoned, stray, and re-claimed pets from neglectful owners, is a staggering expense for communities. In many countries including Turkey, stray animals are considered rightful owners of territories, like Alley A, for example. In other countries, stray pets are fed by generous community members who have scraps, such as in Ukraine. In Mongolia, stray dogs are often killed en masse before winter sets in, to prevent them from suffering and freezing to death.

Here in America, the question of strays is limited. Without a facility, like a Planned Parenthood for pooches, though, the problem may become an expense that is too great to bear.

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Buddy, Costco, Mongolia, Pet, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health, Turkey, Ukraine

Sexual Health and Dating for Generation W (Your Grandparents!)

Divorced old people have begun using popular social media sites, and dating web sites like Match.com, to reinvigorate their sex lives. Although that may be disturbing information for Generation Y, Generation W doesn’t care! Older singles are on the scene, and putting themselves out there, again.

These older singles are oblivious to the dangers of dating, as many of the risks, such as aids, hepatitis, and herpes, were not well-known about in the past, nor were they as prevalent. So, older couples are experiencing issues relating to sexual health, STDs, and contraceptives. Embarrassed grandparents are often too shy to ask younger pharmacists or family members for contraceptive-related advice. Planned Parenthood could relay sexual health information to seniors who are brave enough to walk into a building that mostly serves teenagers. Furthermore, senior citizens are far less likely to use the internet to search for information, because it, too, was uncommon in their youth.

Older people tend to fear cancer, rather than VD, and feel that contraceptives like condoms are meant to protect against pregnancy. Believing condoms are only used to block pregnancy, many seniors leave themselves vulnerable to VD. Telegraph.co.uk wrote that older men are far more likely to contract herpes than any other age group, perhaps because of faltering health and medication interferences.

The sexuality and sexual health of senior citizens is important, and should be encouraged. However, Planned Parenthood and other similar organizations need to have informational pamphlets that would not embarrass older readers. It would help, too, if the photographs in the brochures were of seniors, so that the reader would feel like he or she is not alone. Too often, small factions of the population are not considered adequately, which leads to large problems. In the last decade, the number of seniors who contracted STDs has doubled. Though you want to believe your grandma is content mooning over her long deceased husband, you may need to take a closer look, and offer some advice.

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Life, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Reproductive health, Sexuality, Sexually transmitted disease

What Every Teen Ought to Know about Sex

That’s a simple solution, but for most teens it is not that simple. There is so much pressure and influence on teens to be sexually active—and it is not all from their peers. Movies and television have normalized the idea of teens having sex. Sex is sung about and talked about openly. Advertisements for the HPV vaccination make it sound like it is just assumed that teens will have sex.

In great-grandmother’s day, the most common form of pre-marital birth control was a chaperone. It was difficult to do more than hold hands with Aunt Harriet looking on. Queen Victoria’s mother slept with her every night until she was married. Unless she was a heavy sleeper, this would definitely have prevented the little princess from sneaking out at night.

Boys and girls today have more freedom, more choices, and more danger. Sex education should include information on how to use those choices responsibly. Any program we endorse, whether as educators, church leaders, or parents, should have the welfare of teens as the first consideration.

Teens need to be empowered to say no to sex if they want to, and to respect the boy or girl who says no. They need to be taught safety measures to prevent rape or sexual abuse—and what to do if it happens. They should be taught the emotional consequences of sexual activity and pregnancy. They should also be taught about birth control and disease prevention and treatment, not in a scare tactic way, but as facts.

Let’s not play “Truth or Consequences” with sex ed. Let’s teach the truth, the facts, in hopes of avoiding dangerous consequences of uninformed sexual activity among teens.

Two friends were talking about birth control. One friend was trying to discuss the various options like condoms and birth control pills, when the other announced, “I use a fail-safe birth control.” “What do you use?” the first friend asked. The other’s reply was simple. “It’s called a pair of pants!”
That’s a simple solution, but for most teens it is not that simple. There is so much pressure and influence on teens to be sexually active—and it is not all from their peers. Movies and television have normalized the idea of teens having sex. Sex is sung about and talked about openly. Advertisements for the HPV vaccination make it sound like it is just assumed that teens will have sex.
In great-grandmother’s day, the most common form of pre-marital birth control was a chaperone. It was difficult to do more than hold hands with Aunt Harriet looking on. Queen Victoria’s mother slept with her every night until she was married. Unless she was a heavy sleeper, this would definitely have prevented the little princess from sneaking out at night.
Boys and girls today have more freedom, more choices, and more danger. Sex education should include information on how to use those choices responsibly. Any program we endorse, whether as educators, church leaders, or parents, should have the welfare of teens as the first consideration.
Teens need to be empowered to say no to sex if they want to, and to respect the boy or girl who says no. They need to be taught safety measures to prevent rape or sexual abuse—and what to do if it happens. They should be taught the emotional consequences of sexual activity and pregnancy. They should also be taught about birth control and disease prevention and treatment, not in a scare tactic way, but as facts.
Let’s not play “Truth or Consequences” with sex ed. Let’s teach the truth, the facts, in hopes of avoiding dangerous consequences of uninformed sexual activity among teens.

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation, Sexual Problem Tagged With: Birth control, Condom, Human sexual behavior

Why Sexual Health is Important

Learning about the factors that impact reproduction and sexual function is extremely important in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STD’s. The unwillingness of people who choose not to educate themselves about sexual health, nor discuss their personal sexual concerns can face serious sexual health disorders.

Sexual health disorders can include:

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases, such as: HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Herpes, Genital warts, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Trichomoniasis

• Infertility problems

• Cancer

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Endometriosis

• Urinary tract infections

• Incontinence

• Painful intercourse

• Erectile dysfunction

• Diminished sexual drive

Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common communicable diseases in the U.S.A today. There are 13 million men and women who are affected by STD’s in America each year; two-thirds of those who are affected are teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. Almost every STD can effectively be treated if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

Safe and effective birth control options include:

• Abstinence

• Birth Control Pill

• Birth Control Patch

• Birth Control Sponge

• NuvaRing

• Depo-Provera shot

• Diaphragm

• Cervical Cap

• Male Condom

• Female Condom

• IUD

• Spermicide

• Morning After Pill

Sexual disorders can impact not only the physical health of an individual, but also their mental and emotional health. Poor self-image and relationship problems may arise as well. Being responsible by arming yourself with proper knowledge on birth control options and STD prevention is the best defense for unwanted pregnancies and sexual disorders.

Sexual intimacy is a fundamental part of being human. Affection, love, and sex can contribute to personal well-being and a healthy relationship with a partner. While there are many positive aspects of sexual intimacy, there are also many sexual illnesses and negative consequences that can affect a person’s health. Learning about the factors that impact reproduction and sexual function is extremely important in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STD’s. The unwillingness of people who choose not to educate themselves about sexual health, nor discuss their personal sexual concerns can face serious sexual health disorders. Sexual health disorders can include: • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, such as: HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Herpes, Genital warts, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Trichomoniasis • Infertility problems • Cancer • Pelvic inflammatory disease • Endometriosis • Urinary tract infections • Incontinence • Painful intercourse • Erectile dysfunction • Diminished sexual drive Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common communicable diseases in the U.S.A today. There are 13 million men and women who are affected by STD’s in America each year; two-thirds of those who are affected are teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. Almost every STD can effectively be treated if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Safe and effective birth control options include: • Abstinence • Birth Control Pill • Birth Control Patch • Birth Control Sponge • NuvaRing • Depo-Provera shot • Diaphragm • Cervical Cap • Male Condom • Female Condom • IUD • Spermicide • Morning After Pill Sexual disorders can impact not only the physical health of an individual, but also their mental and emotional health. Poor self-image and relationship problems may arise as well. Being responsible by arming yourself with proper knowledge on birth control options and STD prevention is the best defense for unwanted pregnancies and sexual disorders.

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation, Sexual Problem Tagged With: Infectious disease, Sexually transmitted disease

Struggling with Infertility

More than 10% of Americans, both men and women, are unable to conceive children. It is a rapidly increasing problem that affects many, and can be an emotionally and physically painful process. Many people just don’t understand why they can’t create a child. Understanding what causes infertility is often the first step in overcoming this obstacle. Some people may practice behaviors that could contribute to infertility, and they are simply unaware. Some examples of this include a history of or current untreated sexually transmitted diseases, other health problems, previous injury, tobacco and/or alcohol use, and carrying excess weight. All of these factors cause a lot of stress on a body and can make it very difficult to conceive and carry a healthy child. Eliminating these behaviors or getting to a healthier weight may help a person conceive a baby. Educational resources at Planned Parenthood clinics are very useful for couples struggling to conceive. Counselors are on staff to help discuss the problems, as well as emotional struggles, involved with infertility. Both males and females can be infertile, and in some cases, both partners may be contributing to the difficulty in conception.

Once a couple has been counseled and has been trying unsuccessfully for a year, testing and treatments can be available depending on the reason for infertility. Planned Parenthood clinics can also offer other options for couples who have exhausted all options and are still unable to have their own children. Hundreds of babies are born every year who will be placed for adoption and would greatly benefit from a loving and stable home environment. Surrogacy is also a viable option, allowing another body to carry a couple’s child for them. Infertility is a common problem among couples, and while the process is extremely frustrating, Planned Parenthood clinics have plenty of resources to make it a little less overwhelming.

Filed Under: Prenatal Care, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Health, Infertility, Pregnancy, Sexually transmitted disease

How Does the Birth Control Pill Really Work?

Progestin also aids in preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mucus in the cervix is thickened, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg that may have been released. Also, the lining of the womb is made thinner in order to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.

The pill is intended to be taken for 21 days straight. The last remaining 7 pills are placebo pills, meaning that they don’t contain any hormones. A woman will have her period when she stops taking the pills that contain the hormones and begin taking the last 7 pills. If this is the first time a woman is taking the pill, then it’s important to use an additional form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After the first 7 days the pill will begin working alone to prevent pregnancy.

If a woman forgets to take the pill or accidentally skips a dose, then she is at risk for pregnancy. A backup form of birth control should be used, or she should avoid having sex for a little while. The pill is a very safe and effective form of birth control if taken everyday. Even missing 1 day can increase the chances of pregnancy.

There are positive side effects that most women are delighted with. The pill usually makes periods lighter, improves acne, reduces cramps, and also protects against certain forms of diseases and cancers.

Unfortunately, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Continuing to use condoms while on the pill is a good idea because condoms protect against STD’s.

The birth control pill, commonly referred to as “The Pill”, is an oral contraceptive pill used by females as a birth control method. The combination pill contains man-made female hormones- estrogen and progestin, which are naturally produced in the ovaries. The hormones in the pill suppress the pituitary gland, which stops ovulation. Ovulation is the development and release of an egg in the ovary. If ovulation stops and there is no egg to be fertilized, then a woman cannot get pregnant.
Progestin also aids in preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mucus in the cervix is thickened, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg that may have been released. Also, the lining of the womb is made thinner in order to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.
The pill is intended to be taken for 21 days straight. The last remaining 7 pills are placebo pills, meaning that they don’t contain any hormones. A woman will have her period when she stops taking the pills that contain the hormones and begin taking the last 7 pills. If this is the first time a woman is taking the pill, then it’s important to use an additional form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After the first 7 days the pill will begin working alone to prevent pregnancy.
If a woman forgets to take the pill or accidentally skips a dose, then she is at risk for pregnancy. A backup form of birth control should be used, or she should avoid having sex for a little while. The pill is a very safe and effective form of birth control if taken everyday. Even missing 1 day can increase the chances of pregnancy.
There are positive side effects that most women are delighted with. The pill usually makes periods lighter, improves acne, reduces cramps, and also protects against certain forms of diseases and cancers.
Unfortunately, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Continuing to use condoms while on the pill is a good idea because condoms protect against STD’s.

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Sexual Orientation, Sexual Problem Tagged With: Cervix, Health, Pregnancy

Male Sexual Health Issue Revealed- Erectile Dysfunction

Here are just a few possible causes of impotence:

• Irregular blood pressure or blood sugar levels

• Hormonal imbalances

• Certain medications

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Heavy smoking

• Diseases: Liver disease, Kidney disease, Pituitary disease

• Testicle disorder

• Physical damage: Pelvic injury, Bladder injury, Spinal cord injury, Penile injury Testicle injury, Prostate surgery

• Nerve disorders

• Brain disorders

• Psychological distress: Anxiety, Stress, Guilt, Fatigue, Depression, Performance anxiety, Fear of STD’s, Sadness, Emotional disorder

This list only encompasses a few possible causes of impotence; there are many, many more. Interestingly enough, nearly 70% of impotence cases are caused by kidney disease, diabetes, or an underlying disease. While psychological aspects such as fear and anxiety are linked to impotence, they are rarely the cause of it- they are typically the reaction to impotence.

Treatment for Impotence:

Impotence can usually always be diagnosed and treated for men of all ages. First, a doctor has to check if you have any medical problems or are taking certain medications that may cause erectile dysfunction. The treatment will then depend on what issues are actually causing impotence. The doctor may prescribe an oral medication, such as Viagra, inject medication directly in the penis, prescribe a hormone medication, hormone treatments, or suggest therapy or counseling to help address psychological issues.

Couples should discuss any sexual health concerns they have, including impotency, in order to treat the dysfunction and strengthen their relationship.

There are numerous sexual health issues that affect men only. One of the most common sexual health problems that men suffer from is impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction. Impotence is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. There are a lot of misconceptions that impotence only occurs when a man is stressed, smokes too much, or is over a certain age. While these things may have some truth to them, they are not the only factors.
Here are just a few possible causes of impotence:• Irregular blood pressure or blood sugar levels• Hormonal imbalances• Certain medications• Heavy alcohol consumption• Heavy smoking• Diseases: Liver disease, Kidney disease, Pituitary disease• Testicle disorder• Physical damage: Pelvic injury, Bladder injury, Spinal cord injury, Penile injury Testicle injury, Prostate surgery• Nerve disorders• Brain disorders• Psychological distress: Anxiety, Stress, Guilt, Fatigue, Depression, Performance anxiety, Fear of STD’s, Sadness, Emotional disorder
This list only encompasses a few possible causes of impotence; there are many, many more. Interestingly enough, nearly 70% of impotence cases are caused by kidney disease, diabetes, or an underlying disease. While psychological aspects such as fear and anxiety are linked to impotence, they are rarely the cause of it- they are typically the reaction to impotence.
Treatment for Impotence:Impotence can usually always be diagnosed and treated for men of all ages. First, a doctor has to check if you have any medical problems or are taking certain medications that may cause erectile dysfunction. The treatment will then depend on what issues are actually causing impotence. The doctor may prescribe an oral medication, such as Viagra, inject medication directly in the penis, prescribe a hormone medication, hormone treatments, or suggest therapy or counseling to help address psychological issues.
Couples should discuss any sexual health concerns they have, including impotency, in order to treat the dysfunction and strengthen their relationship.

Filed Under: Sexual Orientation, Sexual Problem Tagged With: Blood pressure, Sexual intercourse

The facts about Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

If you or your partner is infected, it may take weeks, months or years for any signs and symptoms to appear. Sometimes symptoms may actually never appear. Most symptoms of HPV appear as genital warts. These warts can be found in the mouth, throat, or inside and outside the vagina. After having sexual contact or sexual intercourse with an infected partner, these warts may take weeks, months or years to appear. Or again, signs may not appear at all.

In most cases, the body will fight off HPV naturally. But in other cases, if the body cannot fight off HPV, then genital warts and symptoms will begin to appear.

The only way to tell if you have HPV is to get an HPV test by a doctor. Unfortunately, there is no test currently available to test if a male has HPV. An HPV test tests samples of cervical cells to identify if high-risk HPV is present. A high-risk HPV infection increases the chance of it progressing to cervical cancer. Only a small percentage of people will develop cervical cancer if the high-risk abnormal cells are not removed.

Other types of cancers can be caused by HPV, including vaginal cancer, anal cancer, vulvar cancer, and penile cancer.

Having numerous sexual partners can put you at risk for an HPV infection. Even if you are protecting yourself by using condoms, this does not guarantee against being infected with HPV because both male and female condoms provide limited protection.

The best way to lower the chance of being infected with HPV is to get vaccinated. Cervarix and Gardasil are two vaccines that can protect females from the certain HPV strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. HPV is a viral infection that is spread through sexual skin-to-skin contact. It’s transmitted by skin-to-skin contact vaginally, anally or orally with a partner who already has Human Papillomavirus. HPV contains over 100 diverse viruses, with a minimum of 30 strains that cause different forms of cancer. Currently, there is no cure for HPV.
If you or your partner is infected, it may take weeks, months or years for any signs and symptoms to appear. Sometimes symptoms may actually never appear. Most symptoms of HPV appear as genital warts. These warts can be found in the mouth, throat, or inside and outside the vagina. After having sexual contact or sexual intercourse with an infected partner, these warts may take weeks, months or years to appear. Or again, signs may not appear at all.
In most cases, the body will fight off HPV naturally. But in other cases, if the body cannot fight off HPV, then genital warts and symptoms will begin to appear.
The only way to tell if you have HPV is to get an HPV test by a doctor. Unfortunately, there is no test currently available to test if a male has HPV. An HPV test tests samples of cervical cells to identify if high-risk HPV is present. A high-risk HPV infection increases the chance of it progressing to cervical cancer. Only a small percentage of people will develop cervical cancer if the high-risk abnormal cells are not removed.
Other types of cancers can be caused by HPV, including vaginal cancer, anal cancer, vulvar cancer, and penile cancer.
Having numerous sexual partners can put you at risk for an HPV infection. Even if you are protecting yourself by using condoms, this does not guarantee against being infected with HPV because both male and female condoms provide limited protection.
The best way to lower the chance of being infected with HPV is to get vaccinated. Cervarix and Gardasil are two vaccines that can protect females from the certain HPV strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

Filed Under: Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Anal cancer, Sexually transmitted disease