Sexual Health
When you’re sexually active, pregnancy is usually your greatest concern. While pregnancy is something to be very concerned about, STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are equally, if not more, worrisome. You are only at risk for pregnancy about three days per month (around the time of ovulation), but you are at risk for getting an STI every time you have sex.
WHAT IS AN STI?
STIs are common. Some can be cured. Some cannot. Many have lifelong effects.
STIs are diseases passed from person to person during sexual activity (e.g. vaginal, oral and anal sex, outercourse or mutual masturbation). STIs can be transmitted through bodily fluids and, in some cases, skin-to-skin contact.
It’s important to remember that not everyone infected with an STI will experience signs or symptoms. But STIs can still cause severe damage, and can be passed to your partner(s) without your knowledge. You don’t need to be experiencing symptoms to be contagious. You can spread the disease at any time.
PREVENTION
Condoms are not as effective as you might think when it comes to preventing the spread of STIs. Using a condom during sex can reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting certain STIs, but using a condom never eliminates the risk entirely. Vaccinations exist for some STIs, but not all. The only sure way to avoid infection is to refrain from engaging in sexual activity.
If you think you may have an STI, call us to talk with a peer counselor and get a referral for STI testing right in your community. Facing the possibility of a sexually transmitted disease is scary, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
TREATMENT
Some STIs can be treated and even cured with medications. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. Other STIs cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed. Being checked for STIs is easy and harmless, and your health and safety is certainly worth it.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.
Pregnancy
Be informed/Be encouraged/Be Strong
Don't get caught worrying about being pregnant before you are sure. A missed period is the most common indication, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are pregnant.
COMMON PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS
Contact us today to make an appointment for a free and confidential pregnancy test. Which can be followed up with an ultrasound and/or accurate information about - abortion, adoption and parenting - **We in NO way ever refer for or recommend abortion**
HOW ACCURATE IS THE TEST?
Our tests are laboratory rated. They can detect the hCG pregnancy hormone as early as 7 days after conception or 21 to 24 days after the first day of your last period. The test is 97- 99% accurate.
CAN I HAVE A RETEST IF MY TEST IS NEGATIVE AND MY PERIOD DOESN'T START?
Yes, you may be rescheduled for another test. The hCG hormone doubles every 2.2 days during the first three months of pregnancy.
SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR IF I HAVE A SECOND NEGATIVE TEST AND HAVE NOT STARTED MY PERIOD?
If you have concerns about missed periods and your pregnancy test continues to be negative, you may want to see your health care provider for assessment. If you need resources for health care, we can provide you referrals.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.
Abortion: Things to Consider Before You Decide
BE INFORMED / BE ENCOURAGED / BE STRONG
INFORMED DECISION CHECKLIST:
Disclaimer: We do not provide or refer for abortion services.
For Men
So you think she might be pregnant. What now? First confirm the pregnancy and then talk through your options. We are here to help you make an informed decision. All of our services are free and confidential.
Here's some additional advice that may be of benefit to you right now.
THE DO'S
When you’re sexually active, pregnancy is usually your greatest concern. While pregnancy is something to be very concerned about, STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are equally, if not more, worrisome. You are only at risk for pregnancy about three days per month (around the time of ovulation), but you are at risk for getting an STI every time you have sex.
WHAT IS AN STI?
STIs are common. Some can be cured. Some cannot. Many have lifelong effects.
STIs are diseases passed from person to person during sexual activity (e.g. vaginal, oral and anal sex, outercourse or mutual masturbation). STIs can be transmitted through bodily fluids and, in some cases, skin-to-skin contact.
It’s important to remember that not everyone infected with an STI will experience signs or symptoms. But STIs can still cause severe damage, and can be passed to your partner(s) without your knowledge. You don’t need to be experiencing symptoms to be contagious. You can spread the disease at any time.
PREVENTION
Condoms are not as effective as you might think when it comes to preventing the spread of STIs. Using a condom during sex can reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting certain STIs, but using a condom never eliminates the risk entirely. Vaccinations exist for some STIs, but not all. The only sure way to avoid infection is to refrain from engaging in sexual activity.
If you think you may have an STI, call us to talk with a peer counselor and get a referral for STI testing right in your community. Facing the possibility of a sexually transmitted disease is scary, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
TREATMENT
Some STIs can be treated and even cured with medications. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. Other STIs cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed. Being checked for STIs is easy and harmless, and your health and safety is certainly worth it.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.
Pregnancy
Be informed/Be encouraged/Be Strong
Don't get caught worrying about being pregnant before you are sure. A missed period is the most common indication, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are pregnant.
COMMON PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS
- Late or missed period
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Lightheaded or fainting
- Backaches
- Food cravings or aversions
Contact us today to make an appointment for a free and confidential pregnancy test. Which can be followed up with an ultrasound and/or accurate information about - abortion, adoption and parenting - **We in NO way ever refer for or recommend abortion**
HOW ACCURATE IS THE TEST?
Our tests are laboratory rated. They can detect the hCG pregnancy hormone as early as 7 days after conception or 21 to 24 days after the first day of your last period. The test is 97- 99% accurate.
CAN I HAVE A RETEST IF MY TEST IS NEGATIVE AND MY PERIOD DOESN'T START?
Yes, you may be rescheduled for another test. The hCG hormone doubles every 2.2 days during the first three months of pregnancy.
SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR IF I HAVE A SECOND NEGATIVE TEST AND HAVE NOT STARTED MY PERIOD?
If you have concerns about missed periods and your pregnancy test continues to be negative, you may want to see your health care provider for assessment. If you need resources for health care, we can provide you referrals.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.
Abortion: Things to Consider Before You Decide
BE INFORMED / BE ENCOURAGED / BE STRONG
INFORMED DECISION CHECKLIST:
- Do I know how far along I am?
- Do I understand the potential risks?
- Have I considered all my options?
- Will I feel pain?
- Have I recently been tested for sexually transmitted infections?
- Am I feeling very uncertain or having difficulty making the decision?
- Before I got pregnant, did I believe abortion was wrong?
- Will I feel the need to keep the abortion a secret?
- Am I being pressured or forced? Do I know my rights as a minor? Can I be forced to go through with it if I don't want to?
Disclaimer: We do not provide or refer for abortion services.
For Men
So you think she might be pregnant. What now? First confirm the pregnancy and then talk through your options. We are here to help you make an informed decision. All of our services are free and confidential.
Here's some additional advice that may be of benefit to you right now.
THE DO'S
- Listen. The situation involves more than just you. Take your time and don't rush this decision.
- Stay Calm. She needs your support now more than ever. She may be carrying the pregnancy, but you play an important role too.
- Talk about it - not only with each other, but prepare to talk with parents and others close to the situation. Hiding the news from people who can genuinely help you only increases the stress.
- Gather all the facts. Get all the information and seek wise counsel so you can make the best decision for both of you.
- Express yourself honestly - it's normal to have feelings of anger, frustration and fear. But make sure she knows she is not alone.
- Don't bail. The more you run from this, the harder it becomes to think and act clearly.
- Don't pressure her. Applying pressure will only push her away, possibly into a regretful situation. You will do well to work together as a team.
- Don't forget. You have a very active role in this situation. Listen to input as well as give your thoughts.