Planned Parenthood: Excellent Advice for Sexual Health and Relationships

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Everyone has to acknowledge that relationships are a vital aspect of sexual health and healthy lifestyles. Whether romantic of familial, casual or passing, relationships help us to identify who we are in contrast to others. Planned Parenthood is a great resource for teenagers who are in confusing situations, and who need support with difficult interpersonal decisions. Advice online ranges from determining if a given relationship is good for you, to figuring out if you are safe in a relationship, and relationship responsibilities.

The following is a list of common concerns that teenagers have about sexual health, and whom to consult:
Sex, birth control (Planned Parenthood)
Divorce, abuse (School counselor)
Rape, sexual abuse (Police, or Planned Parenthood)

Any issue can be resolved for teenagers if they are willing to address it with the correct authorities on the topic. Though everyone would like to be happy in relationships, and to build trust and intimacy, some people have a lot of questions and barriers that need to be addressed with therapists before they can safely open up to new partners. People must learn what makes any relationship unhealthy, or healthy, for them on a personal level. Something that could be construed as abuse to one person might be welcome by another, but in general, healthy and unhealthy relationships are easy to determine, even if ‘abuse’ is not.

Relationships come with certain obligations and responsibilities that partners must acknowledge if they are to be successful. Following through with commitments is an important aspect of interpersonal and sexual health. Though STDs and birth control are easy to research online, a true authority on sexual health, like Planned Parenthood or a trusted counselor, is necessary to determine relationship boundaries if a teenager is uncertain of his or her role. With a little luck and a lot of work, most relationships can work out and be happy, that is, if they have the initial spark!

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Relationship Counseling for Abuse

Many couples encounter problems with their relationships on a daily basis. Some do not know what is okay when dealing with relationship troubles, such as those involved in abusive relationships. Some Planned Parenthood clinics offer relationship counseling for individuals or couples who need guidance from a trained professional. There are many ways people can be hurt in relationships; emotional, verbal, sexual, and physical abuse are more common in many relationships and should never be tolerated. However, some do not understand that what they are experiencing is classified as abuse. Counselors at Planned Parenthood clinics can help individuals understand what constitutes abuse.

If a person at any point feels that they are being abused in any way by their partner, they should not question this instinct. They should instead immediately get themselves (and children, if they are around) into a safe environment, such as a friend or family member’s home, hospital, a center for abused women and children, or a Planned Parenthood clinic. Staff members can help these individuals to discuss the situation and get any necessary treatment. For example, if a person is sexually abused, they may need to be physically examined to remove DNA from their abuser to help protect them in the future, as well as be tested for STDs and pregnancy. No matter what type of abuse is occurring in a relationship, a zero tolerance policy should always exist and no one should have to live with this kind of pain and suffering. There is always a safe place to turn, and a partner who is abusive will almost never change. Individuals who are involved in an abusive relationship deserve better, even if they do not agree, and every person deserves emotional and physical safety. Planned Parenthood staff members are trained to handle these situations, and can help to remove a person from a dangerous situation and find a safe place for them to be away from the abuser.

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