EPISODE ONE: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of symptoms newborn babies can experience if exposed to opiates in the womb. Exposure to drugs like heroine, methadone, morphine, suboxone, and fentanyl can cause NAS. Babies born drug dependent must spend their first days (or weeks) of life going through withdrawal. Symptoms babies can experience during the withdrawal period include seizures, muscle convulsions, digestive issues, mottled skin, vomiting, dehydration, piercing cry, fever, and poor weight gain. Later in life, these children are more likely to have behavioral issues, vision problems, poor motor development, and are at an increased risk of future drug use.
In America, a baby is born dependent on opioids every 25 minutes.
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities in the United States. But there are things we can do to combat this issue and help support women going through treatment and rehabilitation. If you suspect someone might be using opiates while pregnant encourage them to enter a treatment facility as quickly as possible but be aware that some treatment drugs can cause NAS. Make sure their medical provider knows they are pregnant.
Prenatal care, such as regular checkups and vitamins, are essential to a healthy pregnancy. The Knox County Health Department is a great resource for new moms. The KCHD offers free classes, testing, SNAP, WIC, and home visiting services.
Women’s Center
Born Drug Free TN
Strong Babies
Susannah’s House
High Risk Obstetrical Consultants
Citations:
Miller AM, McDonald M and Warren MD (2018). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Surveillance Annual Report 2017. Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN.
Patrick et. Al., JAMA 2012, Patrick et. Al., Journal of Perinatology 2015
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of symptoms newborn babies can experience if exposed to opiates in the womb. Exposure to drugs like heroine, methadone, morphine, suboxone, and fentanyl can cause NAS. Babies born drug dependent must spend their first days (or weeks) of life going through withdrawal. Symptoms babies can experience during the withdrawal period include seizures, muscle convulsions, digestive issues, mottled skin, vomiting, dehydration, piercing cry, fever, and poor weight gain. Later in life, these children are more likely to have behavioral issues, vision problems, poor motor development, and are at an increased risk of future drug use.
In America, a baby is born dependent on opioids every 25 minutes.
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities in the United States. But there are things we can do to combat this issue and help support women going through treatment and rehabilitation. If you suspect someone might be using opiates while pregnant encourage them to enter a treatment facility as quickly as possible but be aware that some treatment drugs can cause NAS. Make sure their medical provider knows they are pregnant.
Prenatal care, such as regular checkups and vitamins, are essential to a healthy pregnancy. The Knox County Health Department is a great resource for new moms. The KCHD offers free classes, testing, SNAP, WIC, and home visiting services.
Women’s Center
Born Drug Free TN
Strong Babies
Susannah’s House
High Risk Obstetrical Consultants
Citations:
Miller AM, McDonald M and Warren MD (2018). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Surveillance Annual Report 2017. Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN.
Patrick et. Al., JAMA 2012, Patrick et. Al., Journal of Perinatology 2015
EPISODE TWO: Condoms
A condom is a barrier method of protection made of latex (rubber) or polyurethane. It covers the penis and collects semen and other fluids, preventing them from entering their partner. Beware of condoms made from animal skin. They do protect against pregnancy, but not STDs.
Condoms are the only form of birth control that helps prevents pregnancy and STDs. With perfect use, condoms are 98% effective. With typical use, condoms are about 85% effective. We separate these two statistics because people don’t always know how to use a condom correctly. Condoms must be rolled all the way down the penis and used during every act of anal, oral, and vaginal sex.
When condoms are fun and different, people are more likely to use them. External, or male condoms, come in various colors, flavors (for oral sex), and with textured ribbing. Internal, or female condoms, stay in the vagina during sexual intercourse. They should not be used with a male condom. Never use more than one latex barrier at a time. When two condoms are used it increases the likelihood they will break.
Condoms can be purchased at grocery stores, drug stores, online, or at convenience stores and gas stations. Beware of gas station condoms. If they are in an outside bathroom then they may have been exposed to heat and are more likely to break. Try and stick with name brand condoms (Trojan, LifeStyles, ONE, Durex, Trustex, etc.). Health clinics and hospitals also frequently have free condoms for those who ask.
If you live in the Knoxville area, free condoms are available at all county health departments, Condom Finder, most Cherokee Health Systems, the University of Tennessee Student Health Center, and most hospitals.
When storing condoms, make sure to keep them away from sharp objects. Never store condoms in your car or anywhere hot. Never store condoms in a wallet where they are flattened. Never open a condom package with your teeth. If you go out for the night and know you might have sex, it’s okay to keep condoms in your pocket for several hours, but do not keep them there for long. Your body heat can degrade the condom over time. The best place to keep condoms is in a cool dark place like a night stand or drawer.
How to Correctly Put on a Male Condom
Free Condom Finder
The CDC
LifeStyles
A condom is a barrier method of protection made of latex (rubber) or polyurethane. It covers the penis and collects semen and other fluids, preventing them from entering their partner. Beware of condoms made from animal skin. They do protect against pregnancy, but not STDs.
Condoms are the only form of birth control that helps prevents pregnancy and STDs. With perfect use, condoms are 98% effective. With typical use, condoms are about 85% effective. We separate these two statistics because people don’t always know how to use a condom correctly. Condoms must be rolled all the way down the penis and used during every act of anal, oral, and vaginal sex.
When condoms are fun and different, people are more likely to use them. External, or male condoms, come in various colors, flavors (for oral sex), and with textured ribbing. Internal, or female condoms, stay in the vagina during sexual intercourse. They should not be used with a male condom. Never use more than one latex barrier at a time. When two condoms are used it increases the likelihood they will break.
Condoms can be purchased at grocery stores, drug stores, online, or at convenience stores and gas stations. Beware of gas station condoms. If they are in an outside bathroom then they may have been exposed to heat and are more likely to break. Try and stick with name brand condoms (Trojan, LifeStyles, ONE, Durex, Trustex, etc.). Health clinics and hospitals also frequently have free condoms for those who ask.
If you live in the Knoxville area, free condoms are available at all county health departments, Condom Finder, most Cherokee Health Systems, the University of Tennessee Student Health Center, and most hospitals.
When storing condoms, make sure to keep them away from sharp objects. Never store condoms in your car or anywhere hot. Never store condoms in a wallet where they are flattened. Never open a condom package with your teeth. If you go out for the night and know you might have sex, it’s okay to keep condoms in your pocket for several hours, but do not keep them there for long. Your body heat can degrade the condom over time. The best place to keep condoms is in a cool dark place like a night stand or drawer.
How to Correctly Put on a Male Condom
Free Condom Finder
The CDC
LifeStyles
EPISODE THREE: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), also known as sexually transmitted infections, are infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, and syphilis that can ONLY be transmitted through the exchanged during sex acts. HIV and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood exchange (sharing needles) or unprotected sex.
The CDC estimates that 20 million people will be diagnosed this year with new STIs and half of those people will be 15-25 years old. These 20 million infections will cost the US an estimated 16 billion dollars to treat.
The most common symptom of an STD is no symptom, but other common symptoms include itching, burning when peeing, swollen testicles, abdominal pain, unusual discharge, rash, boils, fever, sore throat, and headache.
Bacterial STDs, like Chlamydia, can be cured with antibiotics. Viral STDs, like herpes, cannot be cured. However, there are effective treatment options for HIV, Herpes, and HPV. There is also a vaccine available for young people to help prevent HPV and the cancers is causes later in life.
Other than abstinence, the best way to avoid STDs is to use a latex barrier (condom, dental dam) every time there is an exchange of body fluids during a sexual act. This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It also includes the sharing of sex toys, although STD transmission on sex toys is very unlikely. It’s still a good idea to clean toys frequently.
Getting tested for STDs is crucial. Testing between each partner is ideal, though not possible for everyone. The CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year for bacterial STDs and every few years for HIV. STDs left untreated are the most dangerous to your health.
If you live in the Knoxville area, the Knox County Health Department is a great and inexpensive (sometimes free) place to get tested.
Taking control of your sexual health can be empowering. Make sure to always use a condom, ask your partners STD status, and get tested regularly. Your sex life should be fun and safe.
CDC: Rise in Rates of STDs
CDC: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Homepage
CDC: STD Fact Sheet
How often should I get tested for STDs?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), also known as sexually transmitted infections, are infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, and syphilis that can ONLY be transmitted through the exchanged during sex acts. HIV and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood exchange (sharing needles) or unprotected sex.
The CDC estimates that 20 million people will be diagnosed this year with new STIs and half of those people will be 15-25 years old. These 20 million infections will cost the US an estimated 16 billion dollars to treat.
The most common symptom of an STD is no symptom, but other common symptoms include itching, burning when peeing, swollen testicles, abdominal pain, unusual discharge, rash, boils, fever, sore throat, and headache.
Bacterial STDs, like Chlamydia, can be cured with antibiotics. Viral STDs, like herpes, cannot be cured. However, there are effective treatment options for HIV, Herpes, and HPV. There is also a vaccine available for young people to help prevent HPV and the cancers is causes later in life.
Other than abstinence, the best way to avoid STDs is to use a latex barrier (condom, dental dam) every time there is an exchange of body fluids during a sexual act. This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It also includes the sharing of sex toys, although STD transmission on sex toys is very unlikely. It’s still a good idea to clean toys frequently.
Getting tested for STDs is crucial. Testing between each partner is ideal, though not possible for everyone. The CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year for bacterial STDs and every few years for HIV. STDs left untreated are the most dangerous to your health.
If you live in the Knoxville area, the Knox County Health Department is a great and inexpensive (sometimes free) place to get tested.
Taking control of your sexual health can be empowering. Make sure to always use a condom, ask your partners STD status, and get tested regularly. Your sex life should be fun and safe.
CDC: Rise in Rates of STDs
CDC: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Homepage
CDC: STD Fact Sheet
How often should I get tested for STDs?
EPISODE FOUR: How To Talk To Your Teen About Sex
Talking to your child or teen about sexual health can be awkward. You might feel unprepared or unsure how to even start the conversation. We’re here to help you feel better and more confident about having these crucial conversations with your children and teens. At Kayla’s Korner, we’ve compiled a list of helpful links with research-backed advice on how to have meaningful conversations with your kids about their sexual health. Below are great tips, tricks, and conversation starters all from reliable resources.
- Important tips to keep in mind: brought to you by My Body My Future
- from the Knox County Health Department.
- Set a good example
- Listen
- Ask Questions
- Use teachable moments
- Don’t jump to conclusions
- Do your kids have questions about sex but want an online source geared toward them? They can check out MyBodyMyFuture.com.
- Not sure you remember all the basics like anatomy and menstruation? Here’s a helpful guide.
- Do’s vs. Don’ts.
Don’t forget that social media and young people’s access to online information probably means your children are being exposed to messages about sexuality sooner than you were. If they’re already asking questions about sex, they’re ready to learn.
EPISODE FIVE AND SIX: EFFECTS OF UNINTENDED TEEN PREGNANCY
American teen pregnancy has been on the decline since it’s peak in 1990 (116.8 births per 1000 girls age 14-19). Increased access to birth control, comprehensive sex education, and targeted public health initiatives have all aided in this decline. However, in recent years this decline has plateaued. Of industrialized nations, America still has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates (21 births per 1000 teenage girls age 14-19) while Switzerland has the lowest (8 births per 1000 teenage girls age 14-19). Teen pregnancy can have rippling negative effects on both families and communities. In 2010, teen pregnancy and childbirth cost US tax payers $9.4 billion for increased health care, foster care, and increased incarceration rates among the children of teen parents.
Teen parents will earn about 30% less in their lifetime when compared to teens who graduate high school before having their first child. This decreased earning potential also impacts tax revenue and overall economic growth. By the age of 30, only 2% of teen moms will have a bachelors degree.
It's important to note that teen pregnancy effects some ethnicities more than others.
“Less favorable socioeconomic conditions, such as low education and low-income levels of a teen’s family, may contribute to high teen birth rates. Teens in child welfare systems are at higher risk of teen pregnancy and birth than other groups. For example, young women living in foster care are more than twice as likely to become pregnant than those not in foster care,” (CDC).
Children of teen parents are also more likely to:
-have a higher risk for low birth weight and infant mortality;
-have lower levels of emotional support and cognitive stimulation;
-have fewer skills and be less prepared to learn when they enter kindergarten;
-have behavioral problems and chronic medical conditions;
-rely more heavily on publicly funded health care;
-have higher rates of foster care placement;
-be incarcerated at some time during adolescence;
-have lower school achievement and drop out of high school;
-give birth as a teen; and
-be unemployed or underemployed as a young adult. -Youth.gov
To help your child avoid unintended teen pregnancy, you can have frequent open and honest conversations with them about sex throughout their lives. Even if you hope your child will remain abstinent until a certain time, explain safe sex. Almost all American adults will phase out of abstinence at some point in their lives. Teach your children about self-respect and how to respect their partner. Fear, intimidation, and false medical information are not effective ways to reduce teen pregnancy.
If you need an IUD, Nexplanon, or Depo Provera, please call 865-657-8372 to schedule your appointment for a free LARC!
Youth.gov
CDC
Guttmacher Institute
EPISODE SEVEN: Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives:
Besides abstinence, long acting reversible contraceptives are the most effective forms of birth control. IUDs and the arm implant are over 99% percent effective because you can’t forget to take them or use them incorrectly. They are placed by a medical professional and only removed when they expire or the patient wants them removed. LARCs come in hormonal and non-hormonal versions.
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are placed inside the uterus where they work by stopping ovulation or inhibiting sperm motility. The hormonal IUD is a small T-shaped device that releases progesterone slowly over time to prevent ovulation. The non-hormonal IUD, Paraguard, is a small T-shaped device made of biosafe plastic and copper coils. The copper works by inhibiting sperm movement and their ability to reach the egg. Unlike hormonal methods of contraception, ParaGard can be used while breastfeeding an because there is no risk of passing on dangerous levels of hormones to the infant.
Nexplanon is a match-sized soft plastic rod that is placed under the skin in the upper arm. It slowly releases progesterone into the blood stream, preventing ovulation, for three years.
Like all forms of birth control, IUDs and Nexplanon have pros and cons. Always review your options and educate yourself before switching contraceptive methods. Here is a list of pros and cons for the hormonal IUD, non-hormonal IUD, and the implant. Education is empowering and will help you navigate conversations with your physician.
Many people chose LARCs for long term pregnancy prevention. LARCs allow people to take their time deciding if (and when) they want to become pregnant again (or for the first time). However, not everyone is comfortable having a device inserted for birth control. And that’s okay. Having many options for birth control is empowering and we should all be free to chose what works best for ourselves and our lifestyles.
If a LARC is something you’re curious about, please call our office at 865-249-7851 and ask any questions you may have. You can also schedule an appointment to receive a free LARC at 865-657-8372.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Bedsider.org
CDC
EPISODE EIGHT: Prescription Birth Control
We know that LARCs are the most effective forms of birth control, but that doesn't mean they are the best option for everyone. The most popular form of birth control is America is the Pill. The pill works by stopping ovulation and making it harder for the sperm to get inside the uterus. It must be taken at the same time everyday. The Pill is a higher dose of hormones than hormonal LARCs, which some people need. If a patient has endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, acne, or PMS their doctor might prescribe the Pill to alleviate symptoms. The Patch works the same way as the Pill, but it is placed on the skin and lasts for one week. The Nuva Ring is placed in the vagina for three weeks then removed for one so the period can take place.
Talk to your healthcare provider when deciding what birth control works best for your body and lifestyle.
Center for Young Women's Health
We know that LARCs are the most effective forms of birth control, but that doesn't mean they are the best option for everyone. The most popular form of birth control is America is the Pill. The pill works by stopping ovulation and making it harder for the sperm to get inside the uterus. It must be taken at the same time everyday. The Pill is a higher dose of hormones than hormonal LARCs, which some people need. If a patient has endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, acne, or PMS their doctor might prescribe the Pill to alleviate symptoms. The Patch works the same way as the Pill, but it is placed on the skin and lasts for one week. The Nuva Ring is placed in the vagina for three weeks then removed for one so the period can take place.
Talk to your healthcare provider when deciding what birth control works best for your body and lifestyle.
Center for Young Women's Health
EPISODE NINE: Over the Counter Birth Control
Every year Americans use 450,000,000 condoms. The Pill might be the most popular form of birth control in the US, but condoms are the oldest method still in use today. When used correctly, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STD transmission. With typical use and human error (not storing condoms correctly, forgetting to squeeze the tip) condoms are 80-85% effective. It's important to always store and use a condom correctly. Here's a helpful link.
Another form of OTC birth control is spermicide. It works by chemically inhibiting sperms ability to move. On it's own spermicide is not very effective at preventing pregnancy. When used with condoms it increases the effectiveness of both. Spermicide can be purchased at drug stores and grocery stores. Some women report irritation when using a spermicidal lubricant, so it might be a good idea to test out before having sex.
Emergency contraceptives can now be purchased over the counter. EC's like Plan B and Next Choice work by stopping ovulation and making it harder for the fertilized egg to implant if ovulation has taken place. EC's are 79-89% effective if taken 72 hours after unprotected sex. They are more effective at preventing pregnancy if taken sooner. However, if you are overweight or obese they are less effective. EC's are available at drug stores, grocery stores, and local pharmacies.
Bedsider.org - Emergency Contraception
Bedsider.org - Condom Effectiveness
Birth Control.com
EPISODE TEN: Where to Get Free Birth Control in Knoxville:
Access to reliable birth control is crucial for reproductive healthcare. Learning about various forms of birth control can be overwhelming at first, but it's important to know all available options. Every body is different and every lifestyle is different.
Long acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and Nexplanon are the most effective forms of birth control besides abstinence and sterilization. If you're interested in learning more about LARCs or other forms of birth control, please watch the Kayla's Korner videos on our social media accounts or read our previous blog posts. If you know you would like to receive a LARC for free, call our scheduling department at 865-657-8372.
If you live in Tennessee, chances are you live close to an A Step Ahead office. We have offices in Memphis, Jackson, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville. Anyone who is capable of becoming pregnant, regardless of insurance status, can receive Nexplanon, any IUD, or the Depo Provera shot from A Step Ahead. If you live in Knoxville and are interested in the Pill, the Patch, Nuva Ring, or Ella (prescription emergency contraceptive) you can visit the Knox County Health Department, Bedsider.org, Cherokee Health Systems, or the University of Tennessee for students.
To find condoms near you: Condom Finder
EPISODE ELEVEN: Birth Control Myths
Myth 1: Taking the Morning After Pill too much will make you infertile. No. The morning after pill or Ella only affect you once. If you are already pregnant, they will not harm the existing pregnancy. Emergency contraception keeps patients from becoming pregnant by preventing ovulation and increasing cervical mucus so it’s hard for the sperm to reach the egg. EC's are not as effective as the Pill, IUDs, or condoms, but they are available during an emergency or accident.
Source
Myth 2: The Pill makes you gain weight. Technically yes, but not body fat. Some ingredients in the Pill can make people retain fluid, while others may cause appetite increases. It’s important to monitor your caloric intake and exercise when starting a new pill pack. You may find you need to work out more often to counteract the increase in your appetite. If you do gain water weight it can usually be remedied by switching to a lower dose pill or one containing progesterone instead of estrogen.
Source
Myth 3: The Pill is only used as a contraceptive. False. The hormones estrogen and progesterone have many health benefits for different ailments. Progesterone-only pills can help alleviate menstrual cramps, lighten periods, and lower the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Other variations of the Pill help prevent acne, bone-thinning, cysts in the breasts or ovaries, iron deficiency, and PMS.
Source
Are there other birth control myths you'd like to see us debunk? Email your questions to [email protected].
EPISODE TWELVE & THIRTEEN: Bacterial and Viral STDs
All bacterial STDs are curable with the proper application of antibiotics. However, if these STDs are not caught early, they can cause lasting damage including scarring and infertility. It is vital to get tested every 6 months to a year and alert your partners about any viral STDs. Viral STDs cannot be cured. Retroviral medications can make the symptoms less severe, but most people will continue to have break outs throughout their lives. In the case of HPV, there is a vaccine. HIV can now be combated with PrEP, which must be taken everyday and reduces a patients risk of contracting HIV by 90%.
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Herpes
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Hepatitis C
EPISODE Fourteen: HIV & AIDS
Since it's discovery in the early 1980's, the human immunodeficiency virus has been responsible for millions of deaths world wide. During that time a diagnosis meant certain death. Today things are different. At least in America and other developed nations. Medications like PrEP and PEP have helped make life more manageable and fulfilling for people living HIV positive. However, many of these medications are expensive and cost is a major barrier for American's living with HIV. HIV also affects different groups and populations more severely. Men who have sex with men and people of color, especially of African decent, are at the highest risk. Condoms and other barrier methods are a vital component in preventing the spread of HIV and other STDs.
HIV is a blood born virus which means it cannot be cured and can only be transmitted through blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions. The virus attacks a specific kind of white blood cell and replicates in the blood cell until it bursts. Left untreated, a patient is diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome when their white blood cell count reaches critically low levels. Without white blood cells a person cannot fight off disease, cancer, or infection. Learn more about HIV, PrEP, PEP, and where to get tested here.
Education and the proper use of barrier methods is the best way to prevent the spread of HIV and eradicate it from society.
If you know you're HIV positive, but are having trouble paying for your medication visit HIV.gov.
Other Knoxville resources for HIV/AIDS:
Knox County Health Department
Positively Living
Bedsider.org
Helen Ross McNabb HIV Center
EPISODE Fifteen: Aphrodisiacs
The best way to boost your sex drive with food is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, be active, and limit alcohol consumption.
Psychology Today
EPISODE Sixteen: Fertility Awareness and Sexual Health Apps
If you're capable of becoming pregnant you probably also menstruate. Thankfully, there's an app for that. Several actually. Apps like Clue and Period Diary help users track their menstrual cycles, mood, cravings, and if they've taken their birth control. Knowing when your period or period symptoms might occur can help you plan your life more efficiently. Period apps can especially be helpful at the doctors office when they ask the usual "when was your last period?"
If you're trying to become pregnant there are also apps like Fertility Friend, Glow, and Kindara which use various methods to determine when someone is most likely to get pregnant. One in ten American couples struggle to become pregnant so apps like these might be a good first step. Fertility treatments from a specialist are not always covered by insurance. However, no app can replace the expertise of a physician.
EPISODE Seventeen: Prioritizing Sexual Health
Sexual health is an umbrella term for all of the physical, emotional, and social aspects of human sexuality. Besides regular STD testing and screenings people must also focus on themselves. No one knows your sexual health and needs better than you. Being proactive means visiting your doctor and making sure you have pleasurable sexual experiences free from coercion, discrimination, or violence. Prioritizing yourself means being honest and open about what you expect and desire, but not at the expense of someone else. Sex is a natural and normal part of life. We should never be ashamed of that or let it fall to the wayside.
EPISODE Eighteen: How to Talk to Young Kids About Sexual Health
It can be difficult to have important discussions with your teens and preteens about sexual health. Approaching these topics with a young child can feel even scarier. It's important to talk to children of all ages about sexual health. When they begin learning names for their body parts make sure to teach them the real names of their genitals. Using pet names for "vagina" and "penis" will only cause confusion and make it difficult for a child to disclose sexual assault if it ever happens. For very young kids, you can begin with teaching them about boundaries and what to do if someone crosses one. As they grow older and begin interacting with others, teach them how to respect the boundaries of others.
Teaching your child empathy early on will help lay the foundation for learning consent later in life.
Try to talk early and often about sexual health. Reserve judgement as best you can. If your child feels they can come to you with questions about sexual health, that's a win.
ODPHP
EPISODE Nineteen: Sexual Assault
In America, one in three women and one in six men will experience sexual violence at some point in their lives. So the chances are you know many people who have experienced sexual assault. America has a dark history of blaming victims of sexual assault and rape for their experiences. A fact that makes it difficult for victims to come forward. In a Durham University study, "not being believed" was a rape survivors biggest fear. It is imperative we believe survivors when they disclose sexual assault or rape.
If someone discloses to you that they have been raped or assaulted try your best to be an active listener. Don't act too shocked or upset. This isn't a problem you can fix. What you can do is offer your help. Ask if they need to be driven to the hospital for a rape kit or the police station to report the incident. If the victim decides to pursue no legal action simply ask what you can do to support them.
Fast Facts: Women of color and trans women are the groups most likely to experience sexual assault or rape in America.
To Report A Possible Rape
UNC Greensboro
NSVRC
EPISODE 20: Teachable Moments:
As we've said before, talking about sexual health with children early on is important. Parents can start by teaching children the correct names for their body parts and move on to Good Touch/Bad Touch. However, parents often wonder when is the right time to bring up the finer points of sexual health and love. Some might wait for puberty or for children to begin asking questions, but research tells us it's better to start before. Teachable Moments offer an opportunity to discuss aspects of sexual health without having to plan a sit down discussion. A Teachable Moment is an unexpected opportunity to teach a child. In regards to sexual health, it can happen when a friend announces they're pregnant, during a (surprisingly) steamy TV show, or when during bath time. However a teachable moment comes up: take advantage of it. When sexual health comes up naturally, and a parent is able to discuss it without appearing awkward, the child will see it as a normal topic rather than a shameful one. Parents can explain that sexual health and body parts are private and still keep an open discussion at home.
If a teachable moment comes up that will take a while to explain (or one a parent isn't fully prepared for) they can table it for later by saying something like "Let's learn more about this when we get home tonight. We can Google it together." When a parent starts the sexual health conversations they are taking control of the direction.
For more helpful tips:
CDC
The Washington Post
EPISODE 21: How To Put On A Condom Correctly
Condoms are the only form of birth control that also protects against HIV and STDs. When used correctly they are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. The cost of condoms can be a barrier to some, but your local health department should always have free condoms available. If you're not sure where to get free or low cost condoms near you, visit Bedsider Condom Finder.
How to put on a condom correctly in 5 east steps:
1. BEFORE opening the condom check the expiration date and do the bubble test
1 a. The bubble test makes sure the condom has not been intentionally or unintentionally damaged. Hold the condom between your thumb and forefinger. Squeeze gently. You should see an air bubble pop up around your fingers. If the condom goes completely flat it means the package has been damaged and you should throw it away.
2. Open condom with fingers NEVER teeth
3. Roll condom onto the erect penis (roll all the way down to the base)
4. After everyone is finished, point the penis away from your partner and remove the condom. Throw away in a trash can and never flush it down a toilet.
EPISODE Thirty: What does transgender mean?
March 31st is Transgender day of Remembrance. Even though trans people are more visible in America than ever before, trans folk are still more likely to experience violence, suicide attempts, and depression than the general population. A trans person is anyone whose gender identity differs from the one assigned to them at birth. Trans folk have existed as long as cis folk, or people who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Native American, Early African, Hawaiian and many other cultures all recognize (and in some cases idolize) trans identities.
Every trans person has a different lived experience. If you know a trans person, it's important to respect their chosen name and pronouns. This might be confusing at first, especially if you've known a person by a certain name or set of pronouns for a long time, but respecting them is very important. For helpful definitions, helpful resources, and further education, please visit the sites below!
Definitions
Military Ban
the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
Are you a trans person looking for healthcare?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
