Welcome to teens for repro health: by teens, for teens
What we’re about:
I’m sure many of you have had the universal teenage experience: sitting in a musty health class, learning “sex ed.” In reality, the information that most of us receive is not enough to protect us and help us make better choices – that’s where our program comes in.
As teens, we don’t usually get taught much about contraception and consent, as there is a sense of guilt and shame surrounding it. The reality is, we need to learn about these things for emotional and physical safety. These are very difficult topics, but don’t worry, we’re here for you. This blog will be a resource to learn about contraception, safe sex, and more. Additionally, we have access to amazing medical professionals to help answer your anonymous questions. No matter what, we’ve got your back.
As teens, we know how confusing, embarrassing, and overwhelming sex and everything related to sex can be, but together we can develop our sexuality safely and without shame.
Barrier Methods
DISCLAIMER: do not use barrier methods as a primary form of birth control. Barrier methods are used to prevent STI/STDs and as a backup to birth control.
Barrier methods are a form of birth control that prevent sperm from reaching the egg and in general attempt to restrict fluid exchange. They do this through a variety of methods but every one is important individually - both as a method of birth control and for protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections. We’ve covered what the basic barrier methods are below and some things you should know about each of them. Reach out if you have any questions!
1.Male Condoms
a. (Male) Condoms are the most well known form of barrier birth control. To put it simply, you put on a latex condom (or an alternative material, if you or your partner is allergic) to cover the penis in order to prevent fluid mixing.
b. THINGS TO KNOW: Condoms can expire and you should remember to examine them for any breakage before use. Keeping unused condoms in warm places like in your back pocket can weaken the condoms and lead to less effective prevention.
2. Female Condoms
a. (Female) condoms are worn inside the vagina as a method of contraception. A lot of people don’t know that the vagina is actually a part of the vulva. The vagina is the hole in the vulva.
b. THINGS TO KNOW: female condoms may split or tear. They are also not as widely available as male condoms, so they are often more expensive.
3. Diaphragm
a. A diaphragm is a silicone form of birth control that you fold like a diva cup and insert into your vagina to sit at your cervix, preventing sperm from getting there. It’s used with spermicide, a gel that kills sperm.
b. THINGS TO KNOW: You MUST use spermicide for this method to be successful. Diaphragms are reusable and should be left in for at least 6 hours after ejaculation but not more than 30.
4. Sponge
a. The sponge is very similar to the diaphragm. It is foam and blocks the cervix by being inserted up to 24 hours before engaging in sex
b. THINGS TO KNOW: sponges do not prevent the transmission of STIs, so condoms are necessary as well. The success rate of Sponges is also less than that of IUDs and hormonal birth control.
Alabama decision on embryos
A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Alabama has caused quite a stir, reducing the divide between church and state, and putting families and jobs on the line.
On February 16 the Alabama supreme court decided that embryos created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are considered children in the state of Alabama.
IVF includes the process of removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries, using sperm to fertilize it in a laboratory, then returning the embryo to the woman’s womb. IVF is used for couples that are struggling to conceive and any other family planning for donors, same-sex couples, etc.
IVF is a very expensive process, so doctors will extract and fertilize many eggs at a time. Eggs not being used are kept in a special freezer, which is also incredibly expensive. At some point, once a pregnancy is confirmed and/or a family’s IVF treatment is over, these eggs are discarded. With the new Alabama Supreme Court decision, only one egg can be fertilized at a time, which would be extremely costly for those trying to get pregnant. These eggs also often undergo genetic testing.
The Alabama Supreme Court cites an act created in 1872, the “Wrongful Death of a Minor Act.” When this law was created, IVF technology did not exist.
The ruling not only affects reproductive health, but the economy and jobs in Alabama. After the ruling, fertility clinics in Alabama closed, including one at the University of Alabama. As a result, doctors, genetic counselors, secretaries, nurses, and more are now unemployed. Additionally, those with scheduled procedures in Alabama can no longer receive them.
This decision has incited negative feedback. Many feel this decision is contradictory, as it seems the original aim of legislation following the Dobbs decision was for more women to be pregnant and have children. It appears to many that this is simply an attack on women's rights and an attempt to control women's bodies and decisions. Additionally, many are angered by the statements of Alabma’s chief justice, who quotes the book of genesis and other religious ideals to support this decision.This is an outright violation of the United States Constitution, as it links the decision to religion, excluding and indoctrinating disparate religious communities.
People in other states with limited and/or restricted abortion access are now nervous, as similar legislation is possible in these places as well. The immediate distaste with the decision has led to anger against the Alabama supreme court, leading them to backpedal their decision slightly. On March 6, the governor of Alabama signed a law protecting IVF doctors from legal liability. While this is positive as it keeps these doctors operating, no longer afraid to run their business, it places a lot of negative pressure on those trying to get pregnant. This now places all the legal liability on the parents, and further restricts the reproductive health and rights of women.
This new decision has led to amplified distress and uncertainty as people, specifically women and minorities, around the country wait with baited breath for what will come next.