Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases

When you are sexually active, you are not only at risk for pregnancy, but you are also at risk for getting an STI/STD every time you have sex.

Sexual Health
When you are sexually active, pregnancy is usually the greatest concern. You may be afraid of what your parents or boyfriend will do if you become pregnant. You may also be concerned that you will not be able to finish school or pursue your career. While pregnancy is something to be very concerned about, sexually transmitted infections are equally, if not more, worrisome. You are at risk for pregnancy if you have sex around ovulation (about 3 days a month), but you are at risk for getting an STI every time you have unprotected sex.

Sex and Dating
There are many pros and cons to dating, and it all depends on how you approach your relationships. If you feel that you are not ready or interested in having a committed relationship, you may want to postpone dating until you feel that you are ready.
The decision to have sex is a very important one, and there are lots of things to think about. Sexual relationships affect your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Whether you are considering sexual activity, or you have already had sex, there are risks for pregnancy and STIs even when using birth control or condoms.

The Basics
There are now more than a dozen STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), several of which are chronic, life-long infections. In the United States, it is estimated that there are 19 million new infections reported each year - over half of these occurring in young people ages 15-24. Presently, over 70 million people in the U.S. are infected or have been infected with an STI or STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease).

STIs & STDs: What are they?
An STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is an infection that does not show any physical signs or symptoms. It is contracted from another infected person through sexual activity. It becomes an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) when symptoms appear. It is important to remember that not all infected people will have signs or symptoms. The problem is that some of these STDs can cause a lot of damage and can be passed to your partner without your knowledge. You do not have to have symptoms to be contagious; you can spread the disease at any time.

STDs & STIs: Prevention
Did you know that some STIs can be spread through all forms of sex and/or intimate skin-to-skin contact (oral sex, outercourse, anal sex, mutual masturbation)? Condoms are not as effective as most think at preventing the spread of STIs. Using a condom during sex can sometimes reduce the risk for transmitting or contracting certain STIs, but using a condom never eliminates the risk entirely.



Please visit our website to learn more: http://www.optionsforwomennewyork.com/sexual-health

Contact Us Today for a free and confidential appointment. We're here to serve you.

The Care Center, Inc.
1930 Veterans Memorial Highway
Suite 15
Islandia, NY 11749

# 631-630-9779



Friday, August 23, 2013

Just For Men… Do You Think She's Pregnant?

For men… So you think she's pregnant? Do you want more information that might help you better understand and handle this situation?



Men, do you think she's pregnant?

You are not alone in this situation. The two of you can get through this. She needs you now more than ever.  It’s vitally important that you provide her with the support she needs -- emotionally and physically. Here are some tips on how you do this.

What To Do:

Talk with her and listen to her. Keep the lines of communication open between the two of you at all times. DO NOT close yourself off emotionally because this situation involves more than just you!
Be there for her. She needs you now more than ever before.

Talk with the people who care. In addition to keeping the lines of communication open between the two of you, it’s important to discuss the situation with parents and others who’ll be directly affected. Keeping this a secret will only add to the stress -- yours and hers.

Educate yourself. Collect information and seek advice from people you trust.

Be honest with her and yourself. Own and share at all times how you feel. You’ll be surprised at how much it will help her to know that you share the same concerns. You’ll be surprised at what you learn about yourself. 

And you’ll be proud that you're standing tall together!

What Not To Do:

Don’t run from your responsibilities. The more you try to avoid this situation, the harder things will get for the three of you. Now. And forever.

Don’t pressure her to do what you want. You both need to work together at all times. You're a team now!

Don't stop communicating with her. Express your feelings and add your input whenever it’s needed.

Contact Us Today for a free and confidential appointment. We're here to serve you.

The Care Center, Inc.
1930 Veterans Memorial Highway
Suite 15
Islandia, NY 11749

# 631-630-9779

www.OptionsForWomenNewYork.com