provider directory of youth-friendly HEALTH CENTERS

Transcription

1 provider directory of youth-friendly HEALTH CENTERS THIRD EDITION

2 about us The mission of the Charleston County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Council (CCTPPC) is to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies in Charleston County through public education and advocacy in order to improve the quality of life in the Charleston community. To achieve its mission, CCTPPC provides information about teen pregnancy data and statistics, contraceptive access, community resources, effective teen pregnancy prevention programs, and comprehensive health and sexuality education policy. CCTPPC is a private, non-profit organization with an all-volunteer Board of community members who are committed to increasing knowledge about all methods of contraception and contraceptive access for teens and young adults. This Provider Directory of Youth-Friendly Health Centers lists health centers in Charleston County that provide services to teens and young adults, and gives information about many types of birth control and emergency contraception. This directory is available on our website: To requests FREE copies of this directory in booklet form, please contact CCTPPC at (843) or TeenInfo@cctppc.org. Find us on Facebook: Charleston County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Council The third edition of this directory is funded through generous grants from THE ROPER SAINT FRANCIS PHYSICIANS ENDOWMENT AND NEW MORNING FOUNDATION Copyright 2014, CCTPPC Second edition: 2011 First edition: 2008

3 table of contents general information 4 * birth control 4 * sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) and HIV/AIDS 4 health center locations 5-9 * health centers in this directory 5 * charleston 5-7 * hollywood 7 * johns island 7 * mcclennanville 7 * mount pleasant 8 * north charleston 8-9 * berkeley county 9 birth control methods * abstinence: choosing not to have sex 10 * intrauterine devices (iuds) 10 * the implant 11 * depo provera shots 11 * oral contraceptive pills * the vaginal ring 12 * the patch 12 * male condoms 13 * female condoms * spermicide 14 emergency contraception glossary 17-18

4 general information 4 BIRTH CONTROL Birth control (also called Contraception) is a method or device that is used to prevent pregnancy. There are many safe and effective birth control methods. This directory provides explanations of many types of birth control. Some birth control methods are better at preventing pregnancy than others, when used correctly. You should talk to a healthcare provider to get more information and to find out which methods are best for you. Some people experience side effects with some birth control methods: Talk to a healthcare provider for more information. In this directory, the birth control methods (pages 10-14) are listed in order of most effective to least effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It s important to remember that not all birth control methods protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND HIV/AIDS Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS are caused by infections that can be passed from one person to another during sex. These infections don t always cause symptoms. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms, which is why STDs are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can get an STD or HIV/AIDS if you have unprotected sex, which includes vaginal sex, oral sex, and anal sex. Unprotected sex is sex without a Male Condom or a Female Condom. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use a Male Condom or a Female Condom (see pages 13-14) every time you have sex. If you had sex with another person and did not use a Male Condom or a Female Condom, it s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about getting an STD test and an HIV/AIDS test even if you don t have any symptoms. If you DO have symptoms, it is very important to be tested so that you may get treatment. Some common symptoms are sores on the genitals, discharge from the penis or vagina, itching, and burning during urination. Untreated infections can cause serious health problems and even death. Many infections don t cause any symptoms. Some people have infections and they don t know it because they don t have symptoms and they spread the infections to other people. Practicing safer sex reduces your risk of getting infections. Safer sex means using a Male Condom or a Female Condom every time you have vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DIRECTORY WAS PRINTED IN APRIL HEALTH CENTER INFORMATION MAY CHANGE. AGE RESTRICTIONS AND AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRTH CONTROL AND EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION MAY ALSO CHANGE. IF YOU SEE A WORD THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IN THIS DIRECTORY, CHECK THE GLOSSARY ON PAGES

5 health centers HEALTH CENTERS IN THIS DIRECTORY Health centers are listed in this directory because they let CCTPPC know that they are interested in providing healthcare to teens and young adults. Information listed was confirmed with each health center prior to the publication of this directory. All of the health centers listed provide STD and HIV/AIDS testing and some types of birth control. Not all health centers carry every birth control method. Contact the health center and ask for an appointment. Some health centers have walk-in clinics. You may want to ask about health insurance and the cost of services. Some health centers offer special programs that reduce the cost of healthcare for some people. Many health centers provide confidential services to people under age 18, but you may want to ask about their confidentiality policy if that is a concern for you. You may want to contact the health center and ask if they will provide services to you without parental consent, if that is a concern for you. charleston ADOLESCENT CLINIC (DOWNTOWN) MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 135 Rutledge Ave. Charleston, SC appointments: (843) website: hours: Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CHARLESTON WOMEN S MEDICAL CENTER 1312 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC phone: (843) or (800) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call for information about abortion services Spanish speaking services available DOCTORS CARE: CHARLESTON WEST 3424 Shelby Ray Court Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome No appointment necessary DOCTORS CARE: JAMES ISLAND 743 Folly Road Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome No appointment necessary 5

6 charleston continued 6 DOCTORS CARE: WEST ASHLEY 1851 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome No appointment necessary FETTER HEALTH CARE NETWORK (DOWNTOWN) 51 Nassau Street Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 1:00 to 2:00 daily) Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pharmacy on-site Spanish speaking services available MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA FAMILY MEDICINE CENTER 650 Ellis Oaks Drive Charleston, SC phone: (843) appointments: website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed Friday 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.) Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Pharmacy on-site Spanish speaking services available MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA MUSC WOMEN S HEALTH AT CANNON 135 Cannon Street, Suite 202 Charleston, SC phone: (843) appointments: (843) appointments: website: hours: Call for hours PLANNED PARENTHOOD CHARLESTON HEALTH CENTER 200 Rutledge Avenue Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pharmacy on-site Spanish speaking services available

7 charleston continued WEST ASHLEY FAMILY MEDICINE 1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Suite 1 Charleston, SC phone: (843) jgastright@hccoc.com website: hours: Call for hours hollywood FETTER HEALTH CARE NETWORK 5225 Highway 165 Hollywood, SC phone: (843) hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Spanish speaking services available johns island THE POINT TEEN CENTER: JOHNS ISLAND (Serves Ages 13 to 24) 3574 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC appointments: (843) phone (or text): (843) etalk@dhec.sc.gov website: hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments and walk-ins Spanish speaking services available FRANKLIN C. FETTER FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 3627 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC phone: (843) hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. mcclellanville ST. JAMES-SANTEE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 1189 Tibwin Road McClellanville, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 7

8 mount pleasant 8 ADOLESCENT MEDICINE ASSOCIATES 900 Bowman Road, Suite 304 Mount Pleasant, SC phone: (843) hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. DOCTORS CARE: IVY HALL HWY 17 NORTH 3074 Highway 17 North Mount Pleasant, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome No appointment necessary DOCTORS CARE: MOUNT PLEASANT 631 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome No appointment necessary MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA: ADOLESCENT CLINIC 2705 Hwy 17 North, Suite 100 Mount Pleasant, SC appointments: (843) website: hours: Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA: EAST COOPER FAMILY MEDICINE 1145 Six Mile Road Mount Pleasant, SC phone: (843) New patients: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MOUNT PLEASANT PUBLIC HEALTH CLINIC (DHEC) 1189 Sweetgrass Basket Parkway Mount Pleasant, SC phone: (843) or (843) appointments: (843) or (888) website: hours: Tuesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (by appointment only) For more information, contact the Public Health Clinic directly at (843) north charleston COASTAL WOMEN S CARE 9221 University Blvd. North Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

9 north charleston continued DOCTORS CARE: NORTHWOODS 8091 Rivers Avenue North Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome No appointment necessary FETTER HEALTH CARE NETWORK (ENTERPRISE SITE) 2047 Comstock Ave. North Charleston, SC phone: (843) hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 1:00 to 2:00 daily) Spanish speaking services available NORTHWOODS PUBLIC HEALTH CLINIC (DHEC) 2070 Northbrook Blvd. #A-20 North Charleston, SC phone: (843) appointments: (843) or (888) website: hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m For more information, contact the Public Health Clinic directly at (843) TRIDENT FAMILY HEALTH 9228 Medical Plaza Drive North Charleston, SC phone: (843) website: hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 1:00 to 2:00 daily) berkeley county THE POINT TEEN CENTER: GOOSE CREEK (Serves Ages 13 to 24) 106 Westview Blvd. Goose Creek, SC phone (or text): (843) appointments: (843) website: hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments only Spanish speaking services available THE POINT TEEN CENTER: MONCKS CORNER (Serves Ages 13 to 24) 109 West Main Street Moncks Corner, SC phone (or text): (843) appointments: (843) website: hours: Monday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Appointments and Walk-ins Spanish speaking services available 9

10 10 birth control methods ABSTINENCE: CHOOSING NOT TO HAVE SEX (MOST EFFECTIVE) Being abstinent means not having sex. Abstinence is the only way to be absolutely sure that you won t become pregnant or get an STD or HIV/AIDS. Many people choose to be abstinent until they are ready for a sexual relationship or until they find the right sexual partner. People also choose to be abstinent so that they may focus on school, a career, or extracurricular activities. People are also abstinent to support their personal, moral, or religious beliefs and values. Sexual relationships can be very risky for teens. Abstinence is a very good way to postpone taking those risks until you are older and better able to handle them. If you decide to stop being abstinent, make sure that you have information about how and where to get birth control methods and Male or Female Condoms so that you won t become pregnant and you will protect yourself from STDs and HIV/AIDS. INTRAUTERINE DEVICES (IUDS) (MOST EFFECTIVE) IUD stands for Intrauterine Device. An IUD is a small T-shaped piece of flexible plastic. To get an IUD, you must see a healthcare provider, who will talk with you about whether an IUD is likely to be the best birth control choice for you. A healthcare provider puts an IUD into your uterus through your cervix using special instruments. When the IUD is in place, a short string will hang down into your vagina. IUDs last a long time from three to 10 years. If you use an IUD, you should have regular checkups to make sure that everything is okay. You must see a healthcare provider to get an IUD removed. If you use an IUD to prevent pregnancy, you don t need to remember to take a pill every day, and there is nothing to put in or put on before you have sex. IUDs work mainly by preventing sperm from coming in contact with eggs so that pregnancy cannot happen. IUDs do not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) with an IUD. There are three kinds of IUDs available in the United States: The ParaGard IUD lasts up to 10 years and is also known as the copper IUD. It releases a tiny amount of copper, which prevents pregnancy. The ParaGard IUD is also a type of Emergency Contraception (see page 16). There are two types of Hormonal IUDs: the Mirena IUD, which lasts up to five years; and the Skyla IUD, which lasts up to three years. Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of the synthetic hormone progestin to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. Hormonal IUDs may also prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries.

11 THE IMPLANT (MOST EFFECTIVE) The Implant is a small, flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that a healthcare provider puts into your upper arm just below the skin. To get The Implant, you must see a healthcare provider, who will talk with you about whether The Implant is likely to be the best birth control choice for you. Once it is put in, The Implant releases the synthetic hormone progestin, which prevents eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. Once the Implant is in your arm, you can feel it, but you can barely see it. After it is put in, The Implant works for three years. After that, it should be removed by a healthcare provider. The Implant is available under the brand names Implanon and Nexplanon. If you use The Implant to prevent pregnancy, you don t need to remember to take a pill every day, and there is nothing to put in or put on before you have sex. The Implant does not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) while you are using The Implant. DEPO-PROVERA SHOTS (VERY EFFECTIVE) The Depo-Provera shot (also called Depo ) is an injection of the synthetic hormone progestin that is given to you by a healthcare provider every three months. To get Depo-Provera shots, you must see a healthcare provider, who will talk with you about whether these shots are likely to be the best birth control choice for you. The progestin in the shot works by keeping eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. You will need to visit your healthcare provider every three months to get a Depo-Provera shot. If you are two or more weeks late getting a shot, your healthcare provider may ask you to take a pregnancy test, or may advise you to use Emergency Contraception (see pages 15-16). If you get Depo-Provera shots every three months to prevent pregnancy, you don t need to remember to take a pill every day, and there is nothing to put in or put on before you have sex. Depo-Provera shots do not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) while you are getting Depo-Provera shots. ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS (VERY EFFECTIVE) Oral Contraceptive Pills (also called Birth Control Pills) are tablets that you swallow one pill every day. Oral Contraceptive Pills are made of hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) that work by preventing eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. To get Oral Contraceptive Pills, you must get a prescription from a healthcare provider, who will talk with you about whether Oral Contraceptive Pills are likely to be the best birth control choice for you. Oral Contraceptive Pills may be purchased at drugstores, health centers, and some supermarkets with a prescription from a healthcare provider. You will need to remember to swallow a pill every day. You might find it helpful to take the pill when you do something else that you do every day, (continued on page 12) 11

12 2 birth control methods continued ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS (CONTINUED) such as brushing your teeth or eating dinner. If you forget to take a pill, you may need to use a back-up method of birth control, such as Emergency Contraception (pages 15-16). There are many types of Oral Contraceptive Pills, and they are all a little different. Some Oral Contraceptive Pills cause side effects, but also provide some benefits and protections: Talk to a healthcare provider for more information. If you have side effects from one type of pill, talk to a healthcare provider to figure out another type of pill that will work for you. Oral Contraceptive Pills do not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) while you are taking Oral Contraceptive Pills. THE VAGINAL RING (VERY EFFECTIVE) The Vaginal Ring (also called NuvaRing, the brand name) is a thin, flexible ring that is about two inches across. You put it the ring into your vagina. The Vaginal Ring stays inside your vagina for three weeks, and then you take it out. Then, after one week, you put a new ring into your vagina. To get The Vaginal Ring, you must get a prescription from a healthcare provider, who will talk with you about whether The Vaginal Ring is likely to be the best birth control choice for you. When The Vaginal Ring is put in correctly, you can t feel it. The Vaginal Ring has the same hormones that are in Oral Contraceptive Pills, which prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. If you use The Vaginal Ring to prevent pregnancy, you don t need to remember to take a pill every day, and there is nothing to put in or put on before you have sex. The Vaginal Ring does not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) while you are using The Vaginal Ring. THE PATCH (VERY EFFECTIVE) The Patch (also called Ortho Evra, the brand name) is a small thin square of plastic that sticks to your skin (on your upper arm, stomach, buttocks, or back). You stick one new Patch on your skin every week for three weeks in a row. Each week, you peel off the Patch and put on a new one. At the beginning of the fourth week, you peel off the old Patch and you do not wear a Patch for that week. Then you put on a new Patch every week for the next three weeks again. To get The Patch, you must get a prescription from a healthcare provider, who will talk with you about whether the Patch is likely to be the best birth control choice for you. The Patch releases the same hormones that are in Oral Contraceptive Pills, which prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. If you use The Patch to prevent pregnancy, you don t need to remember to take a pill every day, and there is nothing to put in or put on before you have sex. The Patch does not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) while using The Patch.

13 MALE CONDOMS (MODERATELY EFFECTIVE) Male Condoms are rolled down over the penis and worn during sex. They are made of thin latex or plastic, and they prevent pregnancy by collecting semen inside them, which keeps sperm from entering the vagina. Pregnancy can t happen if an egg doesn t come in contact with sperm. Male Condoms should always be used with Spermicide (see page 14) for them to work best at preventing pregnancy. Most Spermicides contain Nonoxynol-9, which has some risks: Talk to a healthcare provider for more information. By covering the penis and keeping semen out of the vagina, anus, or mouth, Male Condoms also reduce the risk of STDs and HIV/ AIDS, which can be passed from one person to another during unprotected vaginal sex, oral sex, and anal sex. Male Condoms made of latex are the best for reducing your risk of STDs and HIV/AIDS. Male Condoms have no side effects except for people who are allergic to latex. People who are allergic to latex should use Male Condoms made of plastic. Even though Male Condoms are only moderately effective in preventing pregnancy, they are very effective in preventing STDs and HIV/AIDS. To protect yourself from getting infections, you should always use a Male Condom or a Female Condom when using other birth control methods. Anyone of any age may buy Male Condoms without a prescription. They are available on the shelves in drugstores, health centers, some supermarkets, and also online. Male Condoms should be kept in a cool, dry place. Use only waterbased lubricants with latex Male Condoms. Check the label on the lubricant to find out if it water-based. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, creams, and oils will damage the Male Condom and cause it not to work. Be sure to check the expiration date on the wrapper before you use a Male Condom. If the expiration date has passed, do not use it. Each package of Male Condoms includes detailed instructions. Be sure to read and understand how to put on the Male Condom and how to take it off before you use it. Use each Male Condom only once. If a Male Condom breaks during sex, pull out the penis quickly. If semen has leaked into the vagina, you should consider getting Emergency Contraception (see pages 15-16), and seeing a healthcare provider to get tested for STDs and HIV/AIDS. FEMALE CONDOMS (MODERATELY EFFECTIVE) A Female Condom is a pouch that you put inside your vagina before you have sex. It has flexible rings at each end and looks like a giant Male Condom turned inside out. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch inside the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vagina during sex. Female Condoms prevent pregnancy by collecting semen, which keeps sperm from entering the vagina. Pregnancy can t happen if an egg doesn t come in contact with sperm. Female Condoms should always be used with Spermicide (see page 14) for them to work best at preventing pregnancy. Most Spermicides contain Nonoxynol-9, which has some risks: Talk to a healthcare provider for more (continued on page 14) 13

14 4 birth control methods continued FEMALE CONDOMS (CONTINUED) information. Female Condoms also reduce the risk of STDs and HIV/AIDS, which can be passed from one person to another during unprotected vaginal sex. Even though Female Condoms are only moderately effective in preventing pregnancy, they are very effective in preventing STDs and HIV/AIDS. To protect yourself from getting infections, you should always use a Male Condom or a Female Condom when using other birth control methods. Anyone of any age may buy Female Condoms without a prescription. They are available on the shelves in drugstores, health centers, some supermarkets, and also online. Female Condoms can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants. SPERMICIDE (LEAST EFFECTIVE) Spermicide contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving so that it cannot come in contact with eggs. If sperm and egg do not meet, pregnancy cannot happen. You put Spermicide into your vagina before you have sex. Spermicides are available in different forms, including creams, film, foams, gels, jelly, and suppository form. Each type is used in a slightly different way. Each package of Spermicide includes detailed instructions. Be sure to read and understand them before you use Spermicide. For some types, you need to wait 10 minutes after you put in the Spermicide before you have sex. You must put in more Spermicide each time you have sex. Anyone of any age may buy Spermicide without a prescription, and it is available in drugstores, health centers, some supermarkets, and online. When used alone, Spermicide is not very effective at preventing pregnancy. It is more effective when used with a Male Condom or a Female Condom. Even if you don t use another method of birth control with Spermicide, your chance of getting pregnant is much less than if you use no birth control at all. The most commonly used Spermicide in the US is called Nonoxynol-9, which has some risks: Talk to a healthcare provider for more information. Spermicide does not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infections, it s important to use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14) with Spermicide. There are three other forms of birth control that are used with Spermicide, but they are generally not better at preventing pregnancy than the other methods listed in this directory. The Diaphragm and The Cervical Cap (also called FemCap, its brand name) are silicone cups that you put inside your vagina. The Sponge (also called Today Sponge, the brand name) is made of plastic foam and contains Spermicide; you put The Sponge into your vagina before you have sex. These methods block sperm from coming in contact with eggs so that pregnancy cannot happen. They should always be used with Spermicide. Talk to a healthcare provider for more information about these birth control methods. These methods do not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of getting infected, it s important to always use Male Condoms or Female Condoms (see pages 13-14).

15 emergency contraception Emergency Contraception (also called EC ) is a safe, effective back-up birth control method that can prevent pregnancy after you have unprotected sex or if your birth control method fails. EC works before a pregnancy begins. If you have sex without a birth control method, pregnancy doesn t happen right away. It can take up to six days for sperm and an egg to meet after you have sex. If sperm and egg do not meet, pregnancy cannot happen. EC works by preventing eggs from coming in contact with sperm, so that pregnancy cannot happen. 15 Emergency Contraception is a good choice if you forget to use your regular birth control method (which could happen with Oral Contraceptive Pills or The Patch), or if your birth control method slips off or breaks (which could happen with a Male Condom or a Female Condom), or if your birth control method doesn t work for any reason. Emergency Contraception is also a good choice if you were forced to have unprotected vaginal sex. Emergency Contraception will NOT stop a pregnancy if it has already started, and it will NOT work if you are already pregnant. If you take EC when you are already pregnant, it will not end the pregnancy or cause any problems for the embryo or fetus. Emergency Contraception can be used every time you have unprotected sex and every time your birth control method fails. Emergency Contraception Pills will not prevent pregnancy if you have unprotected sex after taking the pills. Emergency Contraception Pills should not be used as your regular form of birth control because there are other forms of birth control that work better and are much cheaper. If you are sexually active and want to keep from getting pregnant, you should talk to a healthcare provider about a birth control method that is best for you (see pages 10-14). Emergency Contraception Pills work better at preventing pregnancy the sooner you take them. The longer you wait to take them, the less effective they are at preventing pregnancy. You should take Emergency Contraception Pills as soon as possible after you have unprotected sex or your birth control method fails. You may want to consider buying Emergency Contraception Pills even if you don t need them right now so that you will have them in case an accident happens. Accidents do happen That s why we have Emergency Contraception! Some people experience side effects after taking Emergency Contraception Pills. Talk to a healthcare provider for more information. The cost of Emergency Contraception depends on many factors, including your health insurance, where you live, and where you buy it. Emergency Contraception does not protect you from STDs or HIV/AIDS. If you had sex with another person and did not use a Male Condom or a Female Condom, it s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about getting an STD test and an HIV/AIDS test.

16 6 emergency contraception continued Emergency Contraception Pills are also called Plan B and The Morning After Pill. Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way are Emergency Contraception Pills. One pill should be swallowed as soon as possible after you have unprotected sex or when your regular birth control method fails. Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way work better at preventing pregnancy if you take one pill at least three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex or contraception failure. They contain a high dose of the synthetic hormone progestin, which prevents eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way are available on store shelves in drugstores, health centers, and some supermarkets. They are no longer kept behind pharmacy counters. Anyone of any age may purchase Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, and My Way without showing identification or proof of age. Levonorgestrel tablets are EC Pills that should be swallowed as soon as possible after you have unprotected sex or when your regular birth control method fails. You should swallow one pill right away, and you should swallow a second pill 12 hours after you swallow the first pill. Levonorgestrel tablets work best at preventing pregnancy if you take them at least three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex or contraception failure. Levonorgestrel tablets contain the synthetic hormone progestin, which prevents eggs from leaving the ovaries so that pregnancy cannot happen. Levonorgestrel tablets are kept behind the pharmacy counter. Anyone age 17 and older may purchase levonorgestrel tablets, but you must ask for them at a pharmacy counter, and you may be asked to show identification to prove your age. If you are age 16 or younger, you must have a prescription from a healthcare provider and identification to prove your age in order to get levonorgestrel tablets. Ella is an Emergency Contraception Pill that is effective at preventing pregnancy if you swallow it at least five days (120 hours) after you have unprotected sex or when your regular birth control method fails. Unlike other Emergency Contraception Pills, which become less effective the longer you wait to take them, ella is fully effective for all five days after unprotected sex or contraception failure. Ella works differently that other Emergency Contraception Pills. Ella blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone in the female body, and works by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs. Ella is kept behind the pharmacy counter, and you must have a prescription from a healthcare provider to purchase ella. Anyone of any age may purchase ella with a prescription from a healthcare provider and identification to prove your age. The ParaGard IUD (see page 10) may be used as Emergency Contraception when it is put in by a healthcare provider within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex or contraception failure. The Paraguard IUD is even more effective at preventing pregnancy than Emergency Contraception Pills. The Paraguard IUD can be left in as your regular birth control method for up to 10 years. To get The Paraguard IUD, you must see a healthcare provider.

17 glossary Allergic Having a bad reaction to something, which is sometimes harmful Anal Sex The sexual behavior of a penis being put into an anus Anus The opening of the buttocks through which waste matter leaves the body Back-up Method A method of birth control that is used in addition to your main method of birth control, such as Male Condoms, Female Condoms, and Emergency Contraception Birth Control Something used to prevent pregnancy, also called contraception Cervix The lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina Confidentialilty Policy A legal agreement that makes sure that your personal health information will be kept a secret from everyone, unless you give permission for it to be shared. If a health center or a healthcare provider has a Confidentiality Policy, it means that your medical information cannot be discussed with anyone else. Contraception Something used to prevent pregnancy, also called birth control Contraception Failure When the method of birth control you are using does not work Discharge A liquid or other substance that comes out of something Effective Successful; something that is effective is working well. Eggs The female reproductive cells inside the ovaries that can become fertilized by male sperm, which can lead to pregnancy Embryo An organism in its early stages of development Estrogen A hormone that naturally occurs in the female body; produced by the ovaries Expiration Date The date on a package when a product is no longer safe to use Fertilize To cause an egg to begin to develop, which can lead to pregnancy Fetus An organism that develops from an embryo after eight weeks of pregnancy Genitals The sexual and reproductive organs of both males and females Healthcare Provider A licensed Physician or Nurse Practitioner who provides medical information, testing, services, treatment, and prescriptions HIV/AIDS The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens a person s immune system, preventing the person from fighting off everyday infections. If you have unprotected vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex (or share needles) with a person who is infected with HIV, you can become infected with HIV. AIDS is the diagnosis given to people whose bodies have become weakened by HIV. If you had sex with another person and did not use a Male Condom or a Female Condom, it s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about getting an HIV/AIDS test even if you don t have any symptoms. Hormone A chemical made naturally in our bodies that controls how different parts of our bodies work Identification Proof of who you are and how old you are Infection Something that can cause disease, serious health problems, or even death if not treated Injection The act of forcing a liquid drug into someone by using a special needle; a shot Intercourse Sexual activity between people that involves putting a penis into a vagina or an anus Latex Rubber material that some condoms are made of Lubricant A substance that causes something to be slippery and to move more smoothly. Lubricants that are made of oil can damage latex condoms; examples of oil-based lubricants are petroleum jelly (Vasoline ), creams, and baby oil. Only lubricants that are water-based should be used with latex condoms; examples of water-based lubricant brands include K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, Wet, and Maximus. Check the label on the lubricant to find out if it water-based. Moderately Fairly, reasonably, somewhat; working not very good but also not very bad Morning After Pill Another name for Emergency Contraception Pills (see pages 15-16) Nonoxynol-9 A type of Spermicide 17

18 8 glossary continued Oral Sex The sexual behavior of using the mouth and/or tongue to stimulate a person s genitals Ovaries Organs in the female body that produce, store, and release eggs once each month. Ovaries also produce hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. Parental Consent A requirement for people under a certain age to get permission from one or both parents (or a legal guardian) before healthcare services will be provided. Some health centers and healthcare providers will not provide services to teenagers without parental consent. Penis The male sexual and reproductive organ that releases sperm Pharmacy A place where drugs and medications are sold Plan B Another name for Emergency Contraception Pills (see pages 15-16) Pregnancy / Pregnant The condition of a female person who is carrying a developing embryo or fetus inside her body Prescription Instructions from a healthcare provider that allow a person to get a specific medicine or treatment Progesterone A hormone that naturally occurs in the female body and makes pregnancy possible Progestin A synthetic hormone that imitates the natural hormone progesterone Reproductive Related to producing children Risky / Risk Not safe; the possibility or chance of something harmful happening Safer Sex Using a Male Condom or a Female Condom every time you have vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex. Practicing safer sex reduces your risk of getting STDs and HIV/AIDS. Semen The white, sticky fluid that is released from a penis during sex, and contains hundreds of millions of sperm Sex The act of engaging in sexual behaviors with another person, such as oral sex, anal sex, or vaginal sex (also called vaginal intercourse) Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) STDs are caused by infections that may be passed from one person to another during vaginal sex, oral sex, and anal sex. Untreated infections can cause serious health problems and even death. Some common symptoms are sores on the genitals, discharge from the penis or vagina, itching, and burning during urination, but some infections don t cause any symptoms. You could get an STD if you have unprotected vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex with an infected person. If you had sex with another person and did not use a Male Condom or a Female Condom, it s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about getting an STD test even if you don t have any symptoms. Side Effects Unpleasant results from a drug or medical treatment Silicone A material used to make some plastic things Sperm The male reproductive cells that are found in semen; Hundreds of millions of sperm are in semen, but it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, which can lead to pregnancy. Spermicide A chemical that kills sperm (see page 14) Suppository A small, solid mass that is put into the vagina, which then dissolves and release Spermicide Symptom A sign of the existence of something, such as an infection or a disease Synthetic Made artificially through a chemical process. Progestin is a synthetic hormone that imitates the natural hormone progesterone and is used in many birth control methods. Treatment Medical care given to someone Unprotected Sex Sexual activity (including oral sex, anal sex, and vaginal sex) without a Male Condom or a Female Condom Urination The process of getting rid of fluids from the body Uterus The pear-shaped female reproductive organ where a pregnancy develops Vagina The passageway from the uterus to the outside of the female body Vaginal Sex The sexual behavior of a penis being put into a vagina, also called vaginal intercourse

19 did you know...? Every day in Charleston County, a female under age 20 becomes pregnant. In Charleston County, 359 females under age 20 became pregnant in 2012, and 263 of them gave birth. Teen pregnancy is a leading cause of high school drop-out. Only 38% of teen mothers finish high school. Teen mothers and their children are more likely to spend their lives in poverty and relying on public assistance. 52% of all mothers on welfare had their first child as a teenager. 57% of SC high school students report that they have had sex. Research shows that teaching teens about birth control does not lead to teens having sex. The Center for Disease Control reports that other than abstinence, a latex condom is the only way to protect against both pregnancy and STDs, and that the most effective forms of birth control are the IUD and the Implant. Charleston County taxpayers spend nearly $8 million annually on costs associated with teen childbearing. Teen pregnancy costs SC taxpayers $197 million every year. Please join us in changing these statistics by preventing a teen pregnancy. 19

20 CCTPPC (843) P.O. Box Charleston, SC 29416