Getting Informed

Do you know everything there is to know about contraceptives, STIs/STDs, morning after pill, adoption, abortion, post-abortive syndrome, fertility or natural family planning? The St. Croix Valley LifeCare Center wants to help you gain the knowledge needed to make decisions regarding these topics.CONTRACEPTION

What is Contraception? It is an artificial method of manipulating the natural biological functions of the reproductive system in order to prevent pregnancy. 

What it does…
It is important to remember that whenever we administer something artificial into our bodies in order eliminate or suspend reproductive functions...we are opening ourselves up to serious side effects and complications.  Our society has desensitized us to the terminology "side effects" to the point that we gloss over the true meaning of what that might entail.  No matter what your decision is about contraception - it's important that you make an INFORMED decision.  You have the RIGHT to know what you are putting into your body, what it will do to you in the long run.  

         You have the RIGHT to know that there is another option...a safe option that puts YOU back in control of your
         fertility...your biology...your health. 


What you NEED to know about the following before you decide to use the following:

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS/ DISEASES

What is the difference between Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections? ¹²   

STI – Sexually Transmitted Infection occurs when a pathogenic organism(s) is present in the human body, causing an infectious process but not a disease. Not all STIs result in the development of a STD.

STD – Sexually Transmitted Disease results from damage caused by a Sexually Transmitted Infection that has progressed. All STD’s are preceded by STI(s). These terms are often used interchangeably.

    Some facts:

• By age 24, 1 in 3 sexually active people will have contracted an STI.
• Women are biologically more susceptible than men for STIs.
• Adolescent females are at higher risk to certain STIs than are adult women due to anatomical differences of the uterine cervix associated with age.
• STIs can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs leading to infertility.
• 4 out of 8 most common STI’s are incurable: Genital Herpes, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV).
• Many infected with a STI have no signs or symptoms.
• STIs can be spread by shared needles in the use of drugs, body piercing and tattooing.
• STIs can be spread by vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
• Some STIs can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby.
• Nearly 50% of all new STIs diagnosed are in 15-24 year olds.
• There are over 35 different kinds of STIs.
• STIs are contagious even when no symptoms exist.

What are the signs? 
Here are some of the most common symptoms of STI/STD(s):

  Men

• Abnormal discharge from the penis 
• Burning with urination
• Pain or swollen testicles
• Sores or warts on external genitalia, lips or mouth, tongue, nose, throat or anus
• Fever
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• NO Symptoms

  Women

• Abnormal discharge from the vagina 
• Burning with urination
• Pus-like discharge
• Pelvic pain 
• Vulvar itching, burning and/or pain
• Wart-like growths on external genitalia, lips or mouth, tongue, nose, throat or anus
• Fever
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Abnormal PAP Smear
• NO Symptoms

Think you might have an STI/STD? Click here (www.stdwizard.com)

ADOPTION

What do I need to know about adoption?
(See Your Options – Adoption)

       
Sources:

1. Before You Decide. 2003. Carenet
2. Birth Control Pills: How They Work. 1999. American Life League
3. Depo-Provera. 1997. American Life League
4. Fertility Appreciation. 
5. Healing After Abortion. 2002. Focus the Family. www.family.org/pregnancy
6. IUD. 2007. American Life League
7. The Morning After Pill. CareNet
8. Norplant. 1997. American Life League
9. www.nuvaring.com
10. www.orthoevra.com
11. The Pill: How does it work? Is it safe?. 1993. The Couple to Couple League
12. STI/STD Facts Sheet. 2007. ULCC
13. Patient Rights for the woman who is seeking a legal abortion. 2004. Life Dynamics Incorporated