Reproductive Health | Sexual Health and Reproduction Information

Teen Girls Reluctant To Finish the HPV Vaccine Shots

Many doctors are recommending that young women receive the HPV vaccination in order to protect women’s sexual health in the future. However, this series of three shots has created somewhat of a problem within the health community. While young women often rush to clinics and doctors to receive the first series of shots, many do not return for the second or third set. In fact, the numbers are astounding.

The HPV or human papillomavirus vaccine is a series of vaccination shots that are recommended for young women between the ages of 11 and 26. The shots are to be delivered by a health care center every three months for a period of nine months. The series of shots are believed to protect women against 80% of cervical cancers out there. With such a high probability of being protected from a serious form of cancer it is hard to believe that women are not finishing their series of shots.

In a recent study conducted by a major university they polled 3,294 women who started the series of HPV shots. These women came from all different races, backgrounds and areas. The study showed that of the women that were followed over 50% of the women received their shots later then the recommend time for them. Over 14% of the women did not complete the series of shots at all.

So what would cause the majority of the women to receive their shots later then the recommended date?

It is believed that the major contributing factor was the issue of insurance. Many of those that received the shots later were on public health care insurance plans and many did not know if they would have coverage when the next set of shots came up. Another factor that came up was that many of the women reconsidered receiving the vaccination and were unsure about finishing the dosage.

Filed Under: Health, Reproductive health Tagged With: Cervical cancer, HPV vaccine, Human papillomavirus

Different Types of Birth Control Available

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Many people wish to engage in a sexual relationship but do not want to run the risk of becoming pregnant. That is where birth control comes in. Birth control is a method of protection that protects the woman from becoming pregnant. In most cases birth control can be 98-99% effective in preventing pregnancies should it be used properly.

The key to preventing an unwanted pregnancy is to find a birth control method that works best for you. There are hundreds of different types of birth control on the market today and each one offers different benefits than the others. Here is a look at the different types of birth control methods that are available.

Hormonal Birth Control. Hormone birth control works in the form of a patch, vaginal ring or pills. This type of birth control works to prevent pregnancy through delivering high dosages of hormones. Hormone birth control sometimes needs to be taken daily, weekly or monthly.

Barrier Methods. Barrier birth control methods work by preventing the sperm and the egg from meeting. These methods must be used every single time a person engages in a sexual relationship. The different types of barrier birth control methods include condoms, form and spermicide, diaphragms and sponges.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD). Intrauterine devices are inserted into the woman’s uterus and prevents the release of the eggs so that the sperm and egg do not meet. These are one time devices that are inserted and last from five to ten years. They can be removed should the person wish to become pregnant.

Permanent Methods. This is only recommended after very careful thought. Both men and women can have a permanent method of birth control performed. These are usually done as surgical procedures and can sometimes be reversed. Women can have their tubes tied, while men can have a vasectomy. Rarely a person may become pregnant even if these procedures have been preformed.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual Education Tagged With: Barrier contraception, Birth control, Intrauterine device

What to Expect During Your First Gynecologic Exam

During every woman’s life they will have to undergo a gynecological exam. These exams could be needed because a woman is engaging in a sexual relationship, she is pregnant or just for precautionary measures. Whatever the reason for the visit the first gynecological exam will be the same across the board.

For those that do not know what to expect during a gynecological exam it can be a very frightening experience. However, a gynecological exam is no different than any other type of health care exam. Here is a look at what to expect during your first gynecological exam.

Routine Health Care Exams. The exam will usually start like a routine health exam. The nurse may take your weight, height, blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs. This is to give your gynecologist an idea of your overall general health as general health is related to women’s health.

Explanation Period. After the routine general health screening has been done either the nurse or the doctor will come in to talk about what you came to discuss. They will explain that everything is 100% confidential. You will most likely be fully clothed during this part of the exam.

Question Time. After explaining that everything is confidential the doctor will ask you various questions regarding your visit. They will ask you what medications you are on, how many sexual partners you have had and if you are experiencing any type of problems. This is not the time to lie or hide any facts as the doctor needs to know all information to help your health.

Examination. Every gynecologist will perform a different type of examination. Some will do a pelvic exam on the first visit others will not. A pelvic exam will look at the vulvua to check for anything abnormal. A breast exam will also be performed to make sure there are no lumps or bumps which could be a sign of breast cancer.

Filed Under: Health, Reproductive health Tagged With: Gynaecology, Pelvic examination, Women's Health

The Growing Number of By Choice Virgins

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It seems that most people these days are talking about sex. It’s in the newspapers, magazines, movies, and everywhere else that people are these days. It’s the topic that everyone keeps bringing up, except for those who aren’t having sex at all. In some communities, the idea of a person who isn’t sexually active is a strange concept. After all, the thought these days is that it’s just assumed that people in relationships, regardless of the level of commitment, are having sex. When people encounter someone who isn’t having sex at all, it may be a bit jarring. But the little known secret is that there are a growing number of people who aren’t having sex, and for a variety of acceptable reasons.

Many people these days are opting on waiting until marriage for reasons of faith. In many religions, it’s considered something that is done to unite a man and a woman in marriage. People who are devout to their faith have adapted this view and are saving themselves for marriage.

Many people are abstaining from sex because of the rampant disease that is growing around the world. Sexually transmitted infections are a big deal and they are ruining a lot of people’s lives. People are waiting until they are in a long-term and trusting relationship before taking the next step. They want to make sure they are at a place with the person where they can shop for apartments for rent in Seattle before they hop into bed with them.

This doesn’t mean that it’s the majority. There are a number of people out there that are still choosing to have sex. It’s that there are many that see sex as a burden, something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and only to be entered into when they can handle the responsibility.

Filed Under: Health, Reproductive health Tagged With: Human sexual activity, Sexual intercourse, Sexually transmitted disease

Ways to Make Your First Gynecological Exam Less Scary

Some women have their first gynecological exam as young as 12 or 13. Others wait until they have reached 18 or 21. No matter what age you go to the gynecologist for the first time it can be a frightening experience. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make that first gynecological exam less scary for you.

Research Gynecological Exams. You do not need to go in depth and know every medical procedure but you should have an idea of what is going to happen at the exam. There are many helpful sites online that will talk about what happens and what to expect. If you need to call the doctor’s office and talk to a nurse they will walk you through the exam and what to expect.

Have a Chaperon. It might sound awkward asking someone to come into the examination room with you for a gynecological exam but it will really make you feel better. Many doctors even recommend bring a friend or family member to the first visit as it will ease any tensions that you might have going into the exam.

Choose Doctors You Trust. Many girls will go to a recommended gynecologist that their mothers or general doctor recommended. Make sure that you are familiar with the doctor and that your friends or family members have gone to them before. This could ease any tensions you are feeling.

Let the Nursing Staff Know You Are Nervous. If you let the nursing staff know that you are nervous they will usually walk you through the exam when you get there. Sometimes they will bring the doctor in to meet before the exam so that you are not presented with any surprises. As long as you voice your concerns the nursing staff can work with you to ease your fears of nerves.

Filed Under: Health, Reproductive health Tagged With: doctors, Gynaecology, Test (assessment)

Making the Right Choices

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If you are sexually active, you should make sure you get regular check-ups from your doctor, especially if you don’t practice safe sex. There are many diseases that you can catch from people that look normal on the outside.

If you have had a drug or alcohol abuse problem, you’ve no doubt made some bad choices in partners while under the influence. Before you contract a disease, visit MichaelsHouse.com to get the rehabilitation help that you need in order to be drug and alcohol free.

No matter what kind of choices you made when you were drunk or high, now is the time to change them and your lifestyle. It is okay to say no when put in an uncomfortable position. You should know that you never have to have sex with someone you don’t want to. Unfortunately, many people addicted to drugs will sometimes do anything to get their next fix, and having sex with people for money is one of those things.

You can take control of your life and be on the path to healing yourself. Once you are out of rehab you will be much better off than you were going in. You can change your life and start living positively, instead of wondering where your next drugs are going to come from.

Make sure you attend AA meetings or another support group that is available. You can be around other people that are going through the same situation as you, and together you will be able to help each other get through the hard times. That’s the purpose of support groups.

You can also find a buddy – someone that can motivate you and be your support system in your time of need. You can be accountable for each other and talk each other out of any bad cravings you may have for drugs or alcohol.

Filed Under: Advice, Health, Reproductive health Tagged With: Alcoholics Anonymous, Disease, Substance abuse, Support group