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Advicenators discussion: Teen Pregnancy
karenR wrote Tuesday April 14 2009, 7:11 am:
Q: Am I Pregnant?
Q: What do I do if I'm Pregnant?
Q: Symptoms of pregnancy?
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Overview
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has the highest teenage pregnancy rate of all developed countries. About 1 million teenagers become pregnant each year and 95 percent of those pregnancies are unintended. Of those unintended pregnancies, almost one-third end in abortion.
If you are a young woman who finds out that you are pregnant, there are a variety of options for you:
1. Have the baby and take care of it.
2. Have the baby and place the baby up for adoption.
3. Have the baby and have a foster parent care for it for a short time.
4. Have the baby and live with her parents.
5. Have an abortion (done by a doctor in a state where it is legal).
If you decide to have the baby and take care of it, this can mean a big change in your life. Having a baby can be wonderful, but it is also hard work and costs a lot of money. The support of the child's father and your parents helps, but you may have to do this alone. Ask if this is something you are prepared to do. You must also get prenatal health care (special health care during pregnancy) right away.
Adoption means that you and the baby's father have decided that you cannot take care of the baby, and an agency or private attorney places the baby with another family. This is the adoptive family. It is important to get accurate information about adoption laws in the country and state where you reside. This is what trained option counselors, or professional pregnancy counselors, can help you find out.
If you aren't ready for a baby now, but will be in a few months or years, you could find a foster parent to care for the baby for a short time. Foster care means the baby is cared for by another person while you get ready to raise the baby permanently. Foster care can be difficult to arrange and may not be available in some areas of the U.S.
If you can tell your parents, regardless of your decision, it is often helpful. Many parents will be upset at first, but they may find out eventually anyway. It is better not to try to hide the fact that you are pregnant.
Symptoms
You may be pregnant if you have had sexual intercourse and have the following symptoms:
• Missed period
• Short, scant period
• Sore, tender or swollen breasts
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Mood swings
These symptoms most often don't occur until you have missed your period for about two weeks, but this varies from woman to woman. Symptoms can occur earlier for some women, sometimes just a week after a missed period. For more information on pregnancy symptoms, click here.
If you missed your period but have not taken a pregnancy test, don't assume you're pregnant. Continue to use contraception. Remember that the length of your menstrual cycle can vary.
If you have any or all of these symptoms, but don't want to go to a clinic yet, buy a home pregnancy test at any pharmacy. The test reacts to one of the many hormones in a woman's body. The hormone called HCG (human gonadotropic hormone) is in your body only when pregnant. Urine pregnancy tests are therefore designed to react with HCG after it is secreted into a pregnant woman's blood and urine. Many home pregnancy kits may be accurate as early as several days after a missed period.
Be sure to follow the test's directions when taking a home pregnancy test. You can use home pregnancy tests at any time of the day, but the urine is most concentrated in the morning. Be sure to refrain from aspirin use the day before and the day of the test.
Results can be one of two things:
1. Positive: Almost always means that you are pregnant. False positives (tests that says you are pregnant when you really are not) are very rare. Things that cause a false positive include marijuana, aspirin, hormones, birth control pills, methadone, tranquilizers and soap or protein in urine.
2. Negative: Usually means that you are not pregnant. False negatives (tests that say you are not pregnant when you are) are fairly common. This happens if it is too early in the pregnancy to get accurate results.
Treatment
Deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult. An option counselor can help both women and girls with this decision. They will not make the decision or try to convince you to choose a particular course of action. Rather, they help all women decide for themselves.
These counselors have accurate information about all pregnancy options--having the baby, adoption, foster care and abortion. You do not need your parents' permission to talk with an options counselor, even if you are under 18. However, if you want to include your parents or partner in the decision, the options counselor can help.
If you believe that you have become pregnant within the past 24 to 48 hours but do not want to be pregnant, there is an emergency contraception method known as Plan B. It is FDA-approved and sold over the counter.
Prenatal care must be obtained soon after you find out that you are pregnant. It helps pregnant women stay healthy and have healthy babies. During prenatal visits you will have your blood and urine tested. You will also probably receive a prenatal vitamin to take every day. You also do not need parental permission to get prenatal care.
Prenatal care is especially important for teenagers, since teens are more likely to have a baby that weighs less than other babies at birth. Low-birth weight babies are more likely to have serious illnesses. An exam early in your pregnancy can help prevent this.
Teenagers are also more likely to eat improper foods during pregnancy. It is important to remember that whatever you eat, your baby eats, too. To have a healthy baby, you must also eat the right foods.
The same goes for alcohol use during pregnancy. If you drink any kind of alcohol, it reaches your baby right away. This can result in a baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Many babies with FAS are mentally retarded. Some have faces that don't look normal. Others have heart problems. Since even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risks of birth defects, the safest choice is to not drink at all during your pregnancy. After your baby is born, you should still avoid alcohol if you are breast-feeding.
Prevention
There are a variety of methods that can prevent pregnancy. The first is abstinence. However, if you do choose to have sex, there are a variety of contraceptives such as condoms, oral contraceptives or the Depo-Provera shot.
Ask Your Physician
Remember, you can be pregnant and have no symptoms at all except a missed period. If you have had sex without using birth control and are worried you might be pregnant, talk with a health care provider or with a counselor at your clinic.
If you use a home pregnancy test and suspect you are pregnant even though the results of the test are negative, you should have a pelvic exam by a GYN health care provider and blood test.
If you are going to continue your pregnancy, be sure to find a clinic or an obstetrician for prenatal care that you like and answers your questions.
If you want help quitting drugs, alcohol or cigarettes during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider or a local community support group.
karenR wrote Tuesday April 14 2009, 7:14 am:
Birth Control Methods
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Overview
Contraception is a very important key to sexual health and well-being. Did you know that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 25 percent of women who have intercourse without a form of birth control will become pregnant within one month and 85 percent will become pregnant within one year?
There are many methods of birth control to consider:
• Abstinence
• Male condoms
• Female condoms ("femidom")
• Contraceptive Sponge
• Depo-Provera or Lunelle injection
• Diaphragm
• Oral contraceptives ("The Pill")
• Spermicides
• NuvaRing
• Ortho Evra patch
There is also an IUD (Intrauterine Device) for those sensitive to hormones. It is a small plastic device inserted into the uterus that is often covered with copper. However, this is NOT recommended for teenagers because the uterus may be too small and more prone to pelvic inflammatory disease.
You can use the Rhythm Method, although it can be as low as 75 percent effective and does not prevent STDs. This consists of charting your menstrual cycle and other signs to predict unsafe days. It calls for periodic abstinence or condoms during "unsafe" days. It is NOT recommended for teenagers because it requires a very regular period, which is uncommon in young females.
Finally, there is something called the "withdrawal" method, although this is not technically a form of contraception. This method requires the male to remove his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. This is very ineffective because it does not account for the fluid released before ejaculation, which contains sperm.
If you have unprotected vaginal intercourse, you may need emergency contraception, known as Plan B. This can help prevent conception after unprotected vaginal intercourse by keeping the egg from joining with the sperm or implanting in the uterus. If you are 18 years of age or older, you can obtain this as an over-the-counter medicine. If you are under 18, this is only possible if you have transportation to a clinic or health care provider available confidentially and quickly. This method must be used as soon as possible. It should be used 24 to 48 hours after sex, although it may be effective up to 72 hours after. Also, it consists of a high dose of hormones, which can make teens very sick.
Before You Choose a Birth Control Method
Choosing a birth control method is a very personal decision, but one you might want to discuss with your sexual partner. To choose a birth control method, consider how well each one will work for you. Ask, "How effective is it? How will it fit into our lifestyle? How safe is it? Is it affordable? Does it protect us from sexually transmitted diseases?"
These are important questions that are worth taking some time to think about. Talk to your sexual partner or parent if you can.
Ask Your Physician
You CAN get a prescription for birth control without parental consent in the United States. You can also see a health care provider without anyone else knowing. Contact Planned Parenthood or your normal health care provider.
karenR wrote Tuesday April 14 2009, 7:16 am:
Info On Condoms
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Overview
Condoms are excellent for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Condoms made of latex are the best in preventing STDs. Lamb-skin condoms for people with a latex allergy are thought to have an increased risk of transmitting STDs due to the porous nature of the material.
Condoms also prevent seminal fluid, which contains sperm, from entering the vagina. This prevents against unwanted pregnancy.
Condoms are easy to use and purchase. They can be purchased at drugstores, supermarkets, through mail order or the internet.
Notes on Condom Use
1. Check the expiration date of the condom.
2. Do NOT use oil-based lubricants with a condom. This means no Vaseline, hand lotion or baby oil. They can create holes in latex. Be sure to only use water-based lubricants.
3. Do NOT allow a penis to enter the vagina before putting on a condom. Some fluid may be released from the penis before ejaculation, and it may contain sperm.
4. NEVER reuse a condom.
5. Broken condom? Don't panic but immediately put spermicide into the vagina using an applicator full of spermicide. In fact, a condom is more effective if always used with a spermicide.
6. Condoms should never be kept in a wallet, pocket or a hot car's glove compartment. This can destroy the latex.
Ask your Physician
Some people are sensitive to latex, and may even get a rash from them. Possible allergy to spermicide-treated condoms or scented condoms should be looked into by your doctor.
karenR wrote Tuesday April 14 2009, 7:19 am:
Depo Shot Info:
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1. No More Ovulating
Depo-Provera, sometimes referred to as the Depo Shot, is an injectable birth control method that prevents pregnancy for up to three months. Doctors administer the shot in three-month intervals in either the buttocks or upper arm. The actual medication is similar to progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries every month with the menstrual cycle. The Depo shot prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg during each monthly cycle. If an egg isn't released, than pregnancy is unlikely to occur.
2. It's Highly Reliable
Depo-Provera is one of the most effective birth control methods available. With a 99.7 percent effectiveness rate, it is as effective as a woman getting a tubal ligation and more effective than any other forms of birth control like the sponge, the pill or diaphragms. However, Depo-Provera doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are not in a long-term committed relationship, then using a condom is necessary to protect against STDs.
3. Periods May Be a Thing of the Past
Most women experience changes in their menstrual cycle once on Depo-Provera. Some of the changes women experience include changes in menstrual bleeding, irregular or unpredictable periods, spotting, reduced periods or no periods at all. Roughly, 50 percent of women experience no menstrual cycle after their first year on Depo-Provera. Not having a period isn't harmful and normal cycles resume once a woman stops getting the shot. Other side effects include discomfort, headaches, weakness or fatigue, nervousness, abdominal cramps and weight gain.
4. Pregnancy Still Possible After Depo-Provera
After you stop taking Depo-Provera, your ovulation returns to normal. You can get pregnant again as soon as the last of the medication leaves your system. On average 83 percent of women were pregnant within a year of ending their shots. This average is similar to the number of women who become pregnant within a year not having used Depo-Provera. However, it's important to note that on average it takes 9 to 10 months after you receive the last shot before you conceive. So, if you're looking to definitely get pregnant within the next year, Depo-Provera is not for you.
5. Not for Long Term Use
You shouldn't take the Depo Shot for longer than two years, unless there aren't any other forms of birth control right for you. Using Depo-Provera can cause calcium depletion in your bones. The longer you use it, the more calcium you can lose. The calcium may not return after you stop using Depo-Provera and your risks of osteoporosis can increase.
karenR wrote Tuesday April 14 2009, 7:20 am:
Oral Contraceptives (the pill)
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Overview
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of women in the United States have taken birth control pills at one time in their lives. It is the most frequently used method of birth control. The hormones in the pill work by preventing ovulation. If a woman doesn't ovulate, she can't get pregnant.
Before Using Birth Control Pills
There are many pros to taking birth control pills. They are highly effective in preventing pregnancy when taken at the same time each day. In addition, they often reduce menstrual cramps and cause lighter periods. Birth control pills may also protect against uterine and ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts and acne.
However, birth control pills do not prevent the transmission of STDs. Condoms must be used along with birth control pills to offer this kind of protection.
Birth control pills are 90-95 percent effective when pills are missed or taken at a different time each day. When the pills are taken at the same time every day, they are 99 percent effective, according to the FDA. For tips on remembering to take your birth control pills, click here.
Weight gain, nausea, and irregular vaginal bleeding, or 'spotting,' may result. If you develop spotting, the problem can often be solved by a different pill or dose. For other side effects, click here.
The effectiveness of the pill is lowered when taken with several medications, including most antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, tuberculosis medication including INH, and migraine medications. St. John's Wort also interferes with the effectiveness of the pill. You can get pregnant if you are taking any of these drugs so you must use a back up method of birth control during the course of your treatment.
Ask Your Physician
If you are having sex or plan to have sex, talk to a gynecologist about birth control pills. You may also talk to your physician about birth control pills if you have moderate to severe acne. If you are currently taking the pill, tell your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any antibiotics or herbal supplements.
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