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November 2013
HEALTH DISPARITIES
Healthy Holiday Celebration
Sexual health is just as important as eating healthily and exercising
regularly. It is important to take steps to prevent you from getting an
infection or from giving one to your partner, as well as decrease the risk
of unwanted pregnancies. Most importantly, don’t forget that consent is
sexy!
!
Common Contraception Myths
• I won’t get pregnant if my partner pulls out before he ejaculates/ practices
withdrawal. Some pre-ejaculate with sperm can be released before climax, and
some men may not be able to withdraw in time.
• The Pill is effective immediately after you begin taking it. About one
complete menstrual cycle is needed for the Pill to prevent ovulation.
Alcohol 101
• I won’t get pregnant if I douche after sex. After ejaculation, the sperm enters
the cervix of the woman and are out of reach of douching solution.
What is a standard drink?
Condom Use
Condoms can prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
They are inexpensive and do not require a prescription. Condoms are usually
made of out latex, so those with latex allergies must be sure to use condoms
made from other materials.
“The Pill”
The birth control pill, also known
as “the pill,” is taken by mouth
to prevent pregnancy; however,
the Pill does not protect against
STDs. The Pill contains small
amounts of synthetic estrogen
and progesterone. You need to
have a doctor’s prescription to get birth control pills. Your body will need 1 to 3
months to adjust to the pill, so you need to use another form of birth control
during this time. Side effects of the pill include nausea, weight gain, sore breasts,
spotting between periods, and mood changes.
Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pill)
There are two types of emergency contraception pills-- levonorgestrel (Plan B) or
ulipirstal acetate (ella). They have higher doses of estrogen and progesterone.
The morning-after pill is most effective within 24 hours of unprotected sex, but
can be used up to 5 days after. You do not need a prescription for Plan B if you
are older than 17. If you are taking birth control pills, resume your pills after
Plan B.
Source: CDC, Cleveland Clinic, Planned Parenthood, Web MD
One drink is equal to 0.6 oz. of 100%
alcohol. This is the same as 12 oz. of beer, 5
oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of liquor. Your liver
can process about one drink per hour.
Alcohol Safety
There are about 80,000 deaths a year
because of alcohol use. Drinking can have
various effects, from slurred speech to
severe liver damage.
Depending on factors like gender, weight,
and metabolism, your Blood Alcohol
Content (BAC) may vary. The legal BAC is
0.1. You can find more info at
bloodalcoholcalculator.org /bac-charts.
Safe Drinking Tips
• Drink 8 oz of water per alcoholic drink to
reduce the effects of a hangover. Eating
before and during drinking slows down
how fast your body absorbs alcohol.
Never drink on an empty stomach!
• Dark drinks have stronger effects than
light ones. Do not mix the two!
• Someone drunk can choke on their vomit
or have severe dehydration. Keep them
hydrated and on their side.
• Always have a designated driver!