Parent Buzz Newsletter - Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts

The Parent Buzz

 An e-newsletter for parents from Let's Be Honest                            September 2011   Issue 28

 
In This Issue
Planning Ahead: Birth Control Information for Youth AND Moms!
Sexual Health Information for Moms!
Sexual Health Counseling and Referral Hotline
Quick Links

Planning Ahead   

Birth Control Information for Youth AND for Moms!

  

Part of an effective comprehensive sex education for youth is to understand why and how birth control (contraception) is used.  Sex education is like any other education that is used as a prevention tool.  It is helpful for young people to know facts as well as family values ahead of the time when they are faced with a situation so that they can make safer and better-informed decisions related to their health.  Share your values about sexual intercourse in clear terms, for example, "Young people your age are too young to have intercourse.  Our family believes that intercourse should wait for (pick one or several) marriage/college/a mature love relationship/adulthood."  At the same time, let your adolescent know that you care about his or her health and you want them to be safe at the time in the future when they do decide to become sexually active.

 

In today's world, it is vital (as well as developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate) that by the end of middle school, young people have some basic information about contraception and condoms.  They need to know that there are many different methods of contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy but only latex and polyurethane condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.  They need to know that some contraception requires a visit to a health care professional and a prescription (i.e. birth control pills, Depo Provera, IUDs, the patch, and Nuva Ring), and others can be obtained at the drugstore, supermarket, or convenience store without a prescription (i.e. condoms, spermicide foams and gels.)   And, adolescents need to know that every method has advantages and disadvantages, and that no method, other than abstinence, is 100 percent effective.  Visit www.pplm.org to get more information on the variety of contraceptive methods available. 

Sexual Health Information for Moms!

 

Sexual health is important for mothers as well as daughters and sons! Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) can help you prioritize your own sexual health. Our dedicated health care professionals offer GYN services including annual exams, gynecological procedures, cervical cancer screening, pregnancy testing, and the HPV vaccine. In addition, we can discuss birth control options with you so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

 

Permanent Birth Control 

If your family is complete, we now offer Essure, a permanent birth control solution. Essure doesn't involve hormones, cutting, or the risks of general anesthesia or getting your tubes tied. Since no general anesthesia is required, it can be performed in the comfort of our Boston health center. Essure is covered by most insurance plans, so depending on your specific plan, payment may be as low as a simple co-pay.  Another option is the Essure FlexPay Plan, which is a one-of-a-kind loan program to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for Essure.  This option could be particularly helpful for individuals with high insurance deductibles.

 

The Essure procedure is very simple: a soft, flexible micro-insert is placed into your fallopian tubes to create a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. The procedure is quick and most women are able to leave within 45 minutes of having it done.

 

The Essure procedure offers women the following benefits:

  • No cutting
  • No going under general anesthesia
  • No slowing down to recover
  • No hormones
  • No guessing - a simple test can confirm when you can rely on Essure for birth control

...and never having to worry about unplanned pregnancy again!

 

Click here for more information about Essure. Visit us at www.pplm.org to schedule an appointment.

 

Long-Term Reversible Birth Control 

If you are not sure your family is complete, then the IUD might be the right option for you right now. IUDs are effective, long-lasting (up to 5 or 12 years), and reversible.

Click here for more information about IUDs.

 

Other Birth Control Services

Want to try the pill, patch or ring? We can help you with those methods too!

 

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us at 800-258-4448 or visit us online at  www.pplm.org.

Sexual Health Counseling and Referral Hotline   

 

Since 1974, our trained health center staff and volunteers have been available to discuss a wide range of issues including birth control, pregnancy options, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, and other aspects of reproductive health. All calls are anonymous, confidential and free of charge.

 

Please call us at 617-616-1616 or toll-free at 800-258-4448 option #3. We're here for you:

Mon. 9am-8pm

Tues. 9 am-8pm

Wed. 9am-6pm

Thurs. 9am-8pm

Fri. 9am-6pm

 

Visit our website for helpful tips, information about workshops, and much more. Don't miss an opportunity to be the primary sexuality educator for your children. 
 
Need help? Call our Parent Education Team at (617) 616-1658.
 
 

Sincerely,


Parent Education

 


 

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phone:(617) 616-1658
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts