So...What if I'm Pregnant?

If this thought is crossing your mind you are probably terrified, angry, sad, and unsure of what to do. take a deep breath...think about what happened.

1. Did you have intercourse? (vaginal penetration with a penis)
2. What sort of risky behavior did you engage in?
3. Did you use protection?
4. Did he ejaculate?
5. Have you missed a period?

Early Symptoms: missed period/ light period, breast tenderness, back pain, nausea, implantation bleeding (light spotting-very rare), darkening of area around breast, tiredness, and headaches.

Keep this in mind: sometimes emotional stress can manifest itself as physical ailments. Stress could cause a missed period/altered cycle, tiredness, and headaches.

Up for debate: does Pre-Ejaculatory fluid contain sperm?
In the "Journal of Assisted Reproduction Genetics, 2003 Apr;20(4):157-9. Zukerman asked "Does preejaculatory penile secretion originating from Cowper's gland contain sperm?" "Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel."
Their conclusion was "Preejaculatory fluid secreted at the tip of the urethra from Cowper's gland during sexual stimulation did not contain sperm and therefore cannot be responsible for pregnancies during coitus interruptus." You can't be more definitive than that.
Precum does not contain sperm UNLESS there was a previous ejaculation, then the sperm comes from semen still in the urethra.
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-90090.html

Get tested: Over the counter pregnancy tests are available (First Response, ept etc) that can tell you up to 4 days before a missed period but are only 99% accurate on the day of a missed period or after. Blood tests are also available from health clinics about 2 weeks after conception.

If you are pregnant: Welcome to the adult world...it is time to take responsibility for you adult decision. Here are your options: Ru-486 (abortion pill, 95% effective), abortion, adoption (open or closed), and having a child. Talk to your parents.

What Stars Doesn't Teach

Regardless of whether you choose to have sex or are unsure or know you don't want to practice abstinence or know you do want to refrain from sex it is important to become educated.

• Talk to your partner to make sure you both are on the same page. Communication is key.
• a condom is a latex tube that stops sperm from entering the vagina, if used correctly condoms are 98% effective at protecting you and your partner from pregnancy, STD's, and STI's.
  
• Use a condom.
  
• Contraceptives can be purchased at any store, your school may have them, or for free at Planned Pregnancy. Don't assume its the other person's responsibility and carrying one around with you is not slutty and doesn't make you "easy," it means you are safe and prepared.
• birth control pills are taken daily and contain hormones estrogen and progestin that suppress ovulation and is 98% effective. You need a prescription for birth control
  
• a diaphragm is a latex cup placed in vagina that blocks sperm from entering uterus, 90% effective with spermicide.
• the withdrawal method is withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation and is not a safe practice.
  
• douching after sex is also not a safe practice because the vagina has a natural pH balance (acidity) and helpful bacteria that can be affected by washing out the vagina. It can actually make women more susceptible to disease and infection.
• if you are afraid that you may be pregnant, "morning after pills" can prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after intercourse.
• no one can make you do something you are not ready for and it is never too late to change your mind.
  
• every year, 2.5 billion teens contract a sexually transmitted disease
• our body has no natural/effective immunity to any STD's, they are viruses and bacteria that can cause infertility, illness, discomfort, and even death.
  
• Viruses such as herpes, Human Papaloma virus, hepatitis (A,B,C,D,E,G), and HIV/AIDS have no cure only treatments that can delay the onset of symptoms and illness.
• Bacterial diseases can be cured with antibiotics, they are: chlamydia, pubic lice, yeast infection, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
• Currently there are vaccines that can protect you from viral sexually transmitted diseases: HPV vaccine (Gardasil), Hepititis vaccine only availiable for only A and B.
• again the ONLY 100% effective way of avoiding pregnany and disease is abstinence.
  

STARS and Abstinence

For those of you who don't know, Students Today Aren't Ready for Sex is an Oregon preventative program that travels to middle schools teaching about abstinence. The program has no religious affiliation nor does it force teens to choose this path, it is merely a source of information and methods for setting a personal limit and sticking to it. If you so choose, it teaches you how to say "no" and be heard. STARS' teachings (an overview):

1. Abstinence is the choice to refrain from risky behaviors such as sex, drugs, and alcohol. It is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Sex is a big decision that is often affected by the media- sex sells. Having sex will not make you seem older, cooler, or fit in.
   
3. If you feel peer pressure from your friends or significant other it is important to step back and remember that not "everyone is doing it" and evaluate your own personal stopping point. Are you only okay with just being friends, hand holding, hugging/kissing, above the waist, or below the waist. It is important to make this decision before you are in a risky situation.
4. Remember you can always say no. Practice being assertive. Say no, repeat yourself, and then suggest an alternative idea that you are comfortable with. Make sure you don't give an excuse or look unsure.

Rember that abstinence is the safest method of avoiding pregnancy, STI's, STD's, and any emotional ramifications of engaging in sexual activities.
STARS program website: http://www.stars-foundation.org/

Who I Am. What This is About.

Hello, My name is Piper and I am a senior in high school. As a STARS (Students Today Aren't Ready for Sex) teen leader I believe in abstinence, but that is not to say that I have never been tempted, unsure, or even in a risky situation. What helped me was talking to someone who was completely unbiased and could just give me information and tell me that what I was feeling is okay, its naturally, and it happens to a lot of people. I created this blog because it is hard to find accurate information about sex online, it is very difficult (bordering on impossible) to talk to a parent or licensed medical professional about sex, abstinence may be the safest option but for some people its not an option, and above all else, it is incredibly important that, regardless of your decision, you are safe and prepared. My goal is to create a place where people can talk to real people who have been in a similar position or who have thought the same thoughts and can offer advice. Keep this in mind because this is important...you are not alone.