It’s common to talk about “the birds and the bees” or puberty with your child. But it’s not as common to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including STIs like chlamydia. But according to Planned Parenthood of the Southwest, 15- to 24-year-olds account for 75% of chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnoses. This statistic makes it critical to talk about chlamydia with your child or teen – even if you don’t think they’re sexually active. Where Do Stigmas Come From? Negative stere...
Are you a woman age 15 or older who needs birth control, family planning, postpartum, or other health care services? Healthy Texas Women can help. Managed by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), the Healthy Texas Women program offers these benefits to eligible women—at no cost. Who can apply for Healthy Texas Women? You can receive these benefits if you are a woman: Who does not have health insurance. Who is a resident of Texas. Between 18 to 44 years old. Between 15 to ...
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women. The symptoms can be mild. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. The good news is that cervical cancer is easy to prevent—especially if you start early. Girls as young as 11 years old can get a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) , a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. Keep reading to learn more about how girls and women of all ages can prevent cervical cancer. What is the cervix? The cervix connects the lower part of the ...
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, more commonly known as HIV, is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system. If untreated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. AIDS is the final, most advanced stage of HIV. HIV can be treated. But it must be treated for life. Without treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications like severe infections and some kinds of cancers. Signs and Symptoms If a person is going to have symptoms, they will usually appear within two to four weeks a...
When you are sexually active, it’s important to understand your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia is the most common STI. It infects almost 3 million Americans every year – and 14- to 24-year-olds are most likely to be affected. How do you get and spread chlamydia? Most people get chlamydia by being sexually active. The infection is found in semen and vaginal fluids that can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra (tube where urine comes out), eyes, and throat. A ...
As a parent, you know it’s important to talk to your children about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This is especially true when they become teenagers. What about sex education your teens receive in junior high or high school? While some schools offer it, many do not. Either way, you should plan to discuss your values and beliefs about sexual behavior with your children—along with the facts. What topics should you cover? You might be embarrassed to start the conversation a...
Do you need no-cost birth control pills, diaphragms, condoms, or other family planning services? If you live in Texas, here are two options to consider. You might be able to get birth control through: Parkland HEALTH first , a health plan for people on STAR (Medicaid) The Healthy Texas Women Program Parkland HEALTH first family planning services help you to: not get pregnant plan ahead of time for a healthy pregnancy and baby get and stay healthy for any children you already have What does the HEALTH fi...