Have a Safe Date
We are all looking to meet that one perfect person that will change our lives completely, change the way we see ourselves, the way we look at situations, our perspectives, and almost every important aspect of our lives. The peculiarity lies in the possibility of that person being either the love of our lives or our worst nightmare. It all depends on how well we respond to red flags and listen to our gut feelings. We want you to find your soulmate without having to incur any damages and live happily ever after with “the one”. For that to be possible, you should have the highest regard for your personal safety, yes even higher than pleasure. And we will help you with a guide to safe date! Read on!
Don’ts First!
We are very sorry to keep the good things on hold and put the restrictions first, but really, don’ts come first. Because safety comes before pleasure, we are listing some important things it would be best for you to keep in mind for a healthy dating experience.
Know where to stop
The way to connect is to know each others’ likes and dislikes, but in all cases, avoid oversharing. They definitely do not need to know where you were born, where you work, and obviously not where you live. Save your phone number for later too. Financial information like bank details should be off-limits until you establish trust.
Meeting for the first time? Be wise
Planning to go offline after chatting for a while? Never agree to be picked up from your place for the first date. After online dating sites gained popularity, reports of physical, emotional, and mental abuse went up. We certainly do not want any of that to happen.
Do not let them use your belongings
You must keep an eye on all of your belongings when you meet up. Do not let them use your phone unless it is a genuine emergency. You never know how tech-savvy your partner is and what hell can break loose if they get hold of information from your devices.
No “your place or mine” after the first date, please
It is a given, but still necessary to be said. Do not get in their personal vehicles and definitely not inside their house. Do not bring them home either. Is it not a bit too early for that? Get to know each other better before you take your relationship to the next level.
Time for Do’s, finally!
Okay, enough with the restrictions let us get you to the good part real quick. Excited? Us too!
- Search them up before you meet
This is the digital age we are living in. It sounds better to know them more than they have told you about themselves before meeting in person.
- Keep your device charged
You never know what is coming, better be prepared. Mobile phones are the quickest way to send for help.
- Share your whereabouts
Always let someone you trust know where you will be with, who you will be with and what time to expect you back.
- Listen to your gut
You know this already, but sometimes we are so looking forward to something interesting in life, that we forget the most basic of rules. Common sense is what you should use before dating apps. It is never wise to ignore red flags. Trust your gut feelings rather than be sorry later.
- Learn to say “No”
It is just the start. You do not need to be concerned about hurting their feelings if you are uncomfortable. Practice some ‘leaving early’ excuses before you go to meet them.
- Sexual Safety
Here comes the most important safety precaution. You must know well about their sexual history before going intimate. Communication is the key here. Talk about all the details and what safety measures you both would prefer to use. Use contraception you find comfortable. Testing is just as important too. The stigma around sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will need time to be lifted, but you need to avoid unwanted pregnancies and infections while enjoying yourself.
We meet new people every day, make new friendships and connections while putting our best out there. However, while we are at it, we are so focused on making the most out of every connection; we forget that personal safety should be our foremost priority. Especially when it comes to a romantic relationship, an extra layer of sexual safety gets added. For ensuring your sound sexual health and your partner’s, visit the 24/7 Labs website, loaded with helpful information and for availing testing kits as well. Dating is vulnerable, handle with care!
- Published in STDs
All you need to know about menstrual cups
A menstrual cup falls in the category of feminine hygiene products. They are made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or plastic and are generally reusable. People simply vacate the cup, wash it with a cleanser and water, and insert it again. Cups can hold more blood than other ways, leading numerous women to use them as an eco-friendly preference for tampons. And depending on your outflow, you can wear a cup for over to 12 hours. Menstrual cups have swiftly become a popular option for tampons and pads. But should you frame the switch just because everyone seems to be doing so right now? Let’s get into it.
How does it work?
A menstrual cup is aimed for use inside the vagina during your period. The cup does not absorb your menstrual outflows like tampons or pads. Maximum menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber. However, you will want to buy silicone cups to avoid any issues, If you are sensitive to latex. You can use a cup through your cycle, but you might need to change it more frequently on heavy outflow days to guard against leaking. To do this, just remove and wash your cup after 12 hours, or when leaking occurs.
All the pros
- It is eco and wallet-friendly: A reusable cup that costs$ 30 to$ 40 can last up to 10 years. That means lesser waste in dumps and lesser money over time.
- You can leave it in for long hours: Tampons need to be changed every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your outflow. But cups can stay around longer, so they are good for nighttime protection. And once you get the hang of working in it, there is no need to wear a backup pad or liner.
- It holds further: A menstrual cup can hold 1 ounce of liquid, roughly twice the quantity of super-absorbent tampon or pad. The difference can be a comfort on your heavy outflow days.
- There’s less odor: Menstrual blood can smell when exposed to air. But your cup forms a tight seal.
- You can have mess-free coitus: Most silicone and rubber menstrual cups must be removed before coitus. But the soft, disposable ones are designed with coitus in mind. They look like a diaphragm, so they are shaped like a block. Your spouse can not feel them, and there is no blood to worry about.
A few cons
- Discarding can get messy– or awkward: Even if you find it easy to fit the cup, removing it can be tricky. In a sit or squat, you need to use your pelvic floor muscles to push the cup down, further reach up and capture the stem.
- It can be difficult to find the right size: Cups come in different sizes depending on your age, outflow, and whether you have had a child. Still, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge, more so if you have an angled uterus or low cervix. It can take some trial and error to find the right cup for you.
- It could intrude with an IUD: Some manufacturers do not recommend using a menstrual cup if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) worked in, as there is a chance the cup could pull on the string or dislodge it.
Safety regarding menstrual cups
In most cases, menstrual cups are not unsafe, as long as people follow the manufacturers’ instructions. There is also no proof to suggest that menstrual cups are any more dangerous than other internal period products, similar to tampons. The good news is that, unlike tampons, menstrual cups do not soak up any of your vaginal natural fluids, so they can safely be used overnight. As with tampons, a menstrual cup can take some getting used to, and you may find it tricky to work in and remove it at first. Once you understand how to do it, it should be smooth and safe to use.
Benefits of menstrual cup
A cup can last for longer hours. Nevertheless, doctors recommend replacing your cup every year to reduce the hazard of irritation or infection from its material. Buying a menstrual cup will bring you lesser than the total quantity spent on tampons and sanitary napkins every year. Menstrual cups hold five times the quantity of blood tampons and sanitary napkins can hold. When fitted rightly, a menstrual cup will reduce your chances of leakage significantly. Sanitary napkins can create rashes and itching in your intimate area. With menstrual cups, this possibility is excluded.
Complications
Although numerous people use menstrual cups without enduring any complications, there are some possible troubles with using them. Numerous of these troubles are comparable to those of using other internal menstrual products. Researchers have identified the following troubles :
Leakage
Pain or minor injuries
Allergic responses
Urinary problems
Dislodging an intrauterine device (IUD)
Infection
Toxic shock syndrome(TSS)
Now we know,
Menstrual cups provide great protection and are safe to use. However, a person has to follow the necessary guidelines. There is no proof that they are any more dangerous than tampons. Unlike tampons and sanitary napkins, you do not have to worry about leakages or constantly change your menstrual cup during the night. Always read the manual on the packaging and become familiar with the cup before trying it for the first time. It may take several attempts to figure out how to use a cup, so tolerance and perseverance are crucial. seldom, menstrual cups can induce pain, urinary problems, or infection. However, it is important to stop using the product and speak to a doctor or gynecologist, If this occurs.
- Published in Basic Wellness
Abortions and Miscarriages in Teens
The world around us changes overnight in our teens. It is important for us to play safely. Know it well before taking your first step forward. Teen pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their health and their sexual and reproductive health. Girls need to be able to make decisions about their bodies and the future and to be able to access appropriate health and education services. Because young people in other developed lands are getting rich sex education and more access to contraception and family planning services, they have more low rates of pregnancy and abortion. For example, in the Netherlands, where teen sex is almost identical as in the U.S., pregnancy rates are only nine times higher than those in the United States.
Choice
It is important that you have enough information about all the options before making a decision. Unfortunately, many young people delay seeking advice during pregnancy, perhaps hoping that it will not be true. For those who choose to continue their pregnancy this delay could mean missing out on important maternity care. But it is important that you get a right treatment. Adolescents have higher rates of complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and are at greater risk for postpartum depression. It is also important to eat well and stop drinking and smoking during your pregnancy. Talk to a doctor who can discuss your pregnancy with great confidence.
If you choose to terminate (abortion), a delay in confirming the pregnancy may affect the type of termination available. For example, medical termination, or taking a contraceptive pill, is only done with a pregnancy less than 9 weeks).
Physical Risks of Adolescent Abortion
- Young abortion patients are twice as likely to experience cervical dislocation during abortion compared to older women because adolescents have smaller cervical organs
- Bleeding and panic
- Adolescents are also at greater risk of post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometritis (inflammation of the uterus)
- Adolescents are more susceptible to infections because they do not produce infections found in the cervix of older women which protects them from infection.
- They are at high risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) and other serious problems such as premature birth, stillbirth and frequent abortions.
Psychological and emotional consequences
- Deterioration of autonomy.
- Sleep, lust and sexual dysfunction.
- Decreased motivation.
- Disruption in human relationships.
- Guilt and over-anxiety.
- Depression and suicidal tendencies.
- Drug abuse.
How do you keep yourself safe and protect teen pregnancy and abortion?
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent a miscarriage. Only you, as the parent can decide for yourself what is right and what is wrong. There are many ways to feel close to someone without sex and there is no need to rush. You get to set your boundaries – physically and emotionally. If you are thinking about having sex, start with information. Learn how to protect yourself from STDs and unplanned pregnancies. Information can help you gain confidence.
Healthy relationships have a few things in common: communication, respect and trust. In healthy relationships, people spend time together, but they make their own decisions and have their own lives as well. If your relationship is healthy, you can talk about any problem whether it is bad or difficult. Talk about your limitations when it comes to sex, whether you are ready or not, discuss birth control methods and STD tests. It is all about listening to the other person and respecting their opinion.
The teen should consult a trusted professional
No matter what abortion procedure you take, your first step is to confirm your pregnancy. If you have not yet received an ultrasound, it will be necessary before proceeding with the procedure, to show how far you are and what abortion procedure you will need. It is also important to diagnose and treat STDs (STIs) before there is an invasive procedure; STDs can be transmitted through your cervix (which opens with any abortion) into your uterus.
Free and confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasound and STD tests and treatments, contact Step One, a trusted pregnancy medical center. In the United States, children have the right to have an abortion without the consent of their parents unless otherwise provided by law. Medical abortion is not successful, it requires a surgical procedure to complete the abortion.
- Published in Basic Wellness, Pregnancy Testing
The efficiency of barrier method
The prevention of pregnancy stands as a crucial part of modern practice. Also, it is of major public health interest. Method for controlling fertility is necessary and desired. It is known as barrier method. Traditionally, the method of birth control centered almost exclusively on the deterrence of unwanted conception. Now, the goal of recent birth control has shifted towards delivering more complete health to women. Primarily reproductive health, providing women with effective contraceptives. Considerably of on-contraceptive benefits and lifestyle advantages of various methods. There stands very little information to authorize a comparison about how effective the barriers would be. Therefore, the research on this matter continues.
Barrier contraceptives stand as devices that physically prevent the dissemination of sperm within the vagina. Similarly, it obstructs the access of spermatozoa to the upper genital tract. Again, there are numerous that lists the chemical as well as physical barrier methods of contraception. Also, these can be used independently or in combination.
Some physical barrier methods are:
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
- Contraceptive vaginal sponge
Some chemical methods are:
- Spermicidal gels
- Jellies
- Creams
- Vaginal foams
- Films
- Suppositories
- Tablets
We can barely mark concrete differences in the effectiveness of these barrier methods. We can even find some similarities. Also, these methods are associated with the sexual behavior of the user. As each sexual manner provides a particular situation. Then, the partner decides whether to use the method or not. Both partners should decide before encountering sexual intercourse. Therefore, the barrier method expects a necessity for motivation as well as cooperation from the partner.
You can rely on the fact that barrier methods are safe.
Pros:
- Unlike IUD, you can utilize them as per your necessity.
- You can purchase most barriers without a prescription.
- Also, the barriers that need a prescription can be utilized multiple times.
- Sometimes spermicides and condoms exist unrestricted as well as available at the clinic very easily.
- Also, these non-hormonal barriers can be used by everyone.
- Again, you need not have to worry about breastfeeding while accepting them.
- Moreover, there appears no impact on your other health problems. For instance, blood pressure.
- These are extremely reasonable than hormonal birth control methods.
- Furthermore, condoms offer bed protection against STDs during P-in-V intercourse, anal sex as well as oral sex.
- Diaphragms perform 80-90% beneficial while preventing pregnancy. Also, when you use a spermicide along with the diaphragm, the effective percentage increases. As it kills sperm on contact.
Cons:
- The first and foremost is to remember to use them before sexual intercourse.
- There remains a lot of complaints about condoms that interfere with the sensation.
- Again, various people are allergic to spermicides. As a result, condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps regimes.
- Although they assure effectiveness yet they still lack efficiency from the non-barrier method.
With the correct and consistent use of barrier methods effectiveness in STDs as well as HIV stands enhanced. Also, recently these methods are overlooked. Even not prescribed. Hence, people frequently fail to use them and change to alternate methods. Sometimes they abandon using them with no contraception that leads to more disappointments. On the contrary, some of the barrier methods are more acceptable by the users as they provide more privacy. Particularly the women who do not want to reveal their sexual activity.
It is also helpful for women who do not want to consult a doctor. Overall, the preferences of the users are critical considerations recommending a contraceptive method. Because obtaining the correct use of these barrier methods can keep you safe from STD transmission. Again, the barrier methods assure you with the prevention of infertility. Sometimes we counter the occurrence of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) that is rare. It is however associated with the diaphragm and sponge as researched.
The bottom line
Use them! If you are planning for sexual intercourse, use them to prevent the above-mentioned issues. As you can see, all the methods are most effective. Not only effective but also affordable birth control measures. Barrier methods have come a long way from the past 50 years and science made them informative as well as easy to utilize. The most common scenery in sexual intercourse is that the male is responsible for organizing condoms. While the women are responsible for not getting pregnant out of it. However, they should stimulate both to protect themselves against STDs. Contraception methods are available for both sexes.
- Published in STDs
