I heard that there is a new kind of birth control method called "The
Shot". What is it?
How do you know if you have a sexually transmitted
disease?
When should I talk to my daughter about her
period?
Is the drop in the U.S. teen
pregnancy rate because of abstinence?
If fertility rates are dropping
around the world, does that mean population growth is finally under
control?
I heard that there is a new kind of birth control method
called "The Shot". What is
it?
The name of “the shot” is Depo-Provera, which is a hormonal
method of contraception for women given as a shot once every 12
weeks. It’s 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy (more
effective than the pill) but offers no protection against sexually
transmitted diseases. Some possible side effects may be:
break-through bleeding (bleeding between periods) weight gain no
periods while on Depo
Depo is a good choice for someone who has trouble remembering to
take a pill every day. Also, it does not interact with any
drugs, and there are very few people who should not use it.
Planned Parenthood carries Depo-Provera. Call 1-800-230-PLAN
for additional information.
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How do you know if you have a sexually
transmitted disease?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell because STDs do not always produce
noticeable signs. But there are some obvious symptoms you
should be aware of: a discharge from the penis or vagina
itching around the genitals or anus sores around the genitals, anus
or mouth pelvic pain or pain with urination or during intercourse a
redness or rash around the genitals or anus or on the palms of the
hands or soles of the feet a sour or bad odor from the vagina
organisms in the pubic hair or burrow marks in the skin around the
genitals that itch a lot, especially at night flu-like symptoms
or severe fatigue that is not caused by another disease
These can all be signs of sexually transmitted disease.
Make an appointment right away for a check-up. Planned
Parenthood treats STDs. Call 1-800-230-PLAN.
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When should I talk to my daughter about her
period?
Parents should talk to their children about issues of sexuality
from a very early age. Start by always using correct language
for body parts. Or interchange the slang and the correct usage
until you feel comfortable. You can say tummy, belly or
stomach, and your child probably will feel comfortable with each
word.
You should talk to your daughter about her period and about
puberty as you see bodily changes occurring, probably around fourth
grade. The first changes you are likely to see are breast buds
and some body hair. Kids really need to know that what they
are going through is normal -- and that THEY are normal.
Talking about this subject might seem difficult. But, by
talking with your children, you can help them to understand the
changes that are taking place. Planned Parenthood has many
resources which can help you know what to say. For more
information, call 1-800-230-PLAN for the Planned Parenthood center
nearest you.
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Is the drop in the U.S. teen
pregnancy rate because of abstinence?
Some teens are choosing to abstain from sexual intercourse, or
become more cautious in their relationships. But teens have
also become more responsible in their use of contraception.
They are using methods like oral contraceptives and condoms more
effectively and choosing more effective methods like Depo-Provera
and Norplant
According to The Alan Guttmacher Institute, credit for the drop
in teen pregnancy rates should be divided like this: 80% due
to more effective contraceptive practice and 20% due to decreased
sexual activity. Teen pregnancy fell 17% from 1990 to 1996 -- before
1996 welfare legislation set aside $250 million for abstinence-only
education and right after the introduction of Norplant and
Depo-Provera.
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If fertility rates are dropping
around the world, does that mean population growth is finally under
control?
Over the past 30 years, family planning programs have helped
increase contraceptive use dramatically. Yes, family size
worldwide has declined. The story of rate drops is real, but
actual numbers of people on the earth are another story altogether.
Today, more than one billion people -- nearly one-fifth of the
world’s population -- are between the ages of 15 and 24. Now
in their prime reproductive years, they are the largest childbearing
generation in history. And 85% of them live in less developed
areas of the world. The choices they make about their
sexuality and childbearing, dependent upon the resources available
to them, will determine population growth numbers and the planet’s
future.
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