COMM 481 - 6 - Birth Control

Birth Control comes in many shapes and sizes. Do you know what the world has to offer? There are a range of products that go up or down in the level of effectiveness. Lets start with the least effective and work up. The percentages represent the chance of pregnancy for each method.) Spermicide, 28%, is a gel that can be inserted in the vagina or on the penis to kill sperm reducing the chances of sperm to reach an egg. Fertility awareness, at 24 %, is a method where you abstain or use condoms on the days when a person is most fertile. The sponge or withdrawal method, 22-24%, the former is a small sponge soaked in spermicide inserted in the vagina to block sperm from entering the vagina and the latter is a method where a man would withdraw from the vagina before ejaculating. Next, there is the female condom, 21%, and the male condom, 18%, both are barriers inserted either on the penis or in the vagina in order to block sperm from entering the vagina. Then there is the diaphragm, 12%, which is inserted in the vagina to block sperm. 

The following are the most effective forms of contraception. The patch, pill and ring, all 9%, are very common methods. The patch goes on a woman's body and over time releases hormones in to the body to prevent eggs from releasing. The pill is a daily hormonal medication that releases hormones over time and it works just like the patch. The ring works the same as the patch and pill but is slightly different. The ring is a flexible plastic that a woman will insert up and around her uterus once every 4 weeks. At 6%, is injectable medication that releases a large dose of hormones into the body and needs to be repeated every 3 months.

The following methods each have under a 1% failure rate. The implant is a small unit placed in the arm by an OB/GYN that releases hormones over a period of 3 years. The intrauterine device or IUD is a flexible T shaped device inserted in the uterus by a OB/GYN. It works by blocking sperm from reaching released eggs and releasing hormones over a period of 5 years up to 10. Other methods include male and female sterilization, which are surgical procedures where a doctor will disconnect the reproductive organ from producing either eggs or sperm.

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COMM 481 - 5 - HIV

PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE!

There is a pill that can be used to prevent being infected by HIV! Previously the only way to prevent infection was to wear condoms, never share needles and to get routinely tested. This is a major breakthrough in the world of medicine. A drug otherwise known as TRUVADA was approved as  a preventative measure by the FDA in July. However, the pill is not for everyone. It is to be used by people who are at-risk of infection. Which includes, those in a relationship where one partner is HIV positive, and other high-risk relationships and sexual statuses. Guys! This puts us sooo much closer to finding cure and healing all the people in the world who are victims of this horrible disease.

Let's talk safe sex!
While there may now be a pill that can prevent you from contracting the HIV virus, you are still at risk and should continue safer sex practices Including but not limited to:
1. Always use latex condoms! They are the single most effective way to prevent the spread of STIs. If you are allergic to latex, there are lambskin condoms available but unfortunately they do not protect you from STIs. Just make sure that you and your new partner have been tested.
2. Get tested regularly. That means once every 6-12 months depending on your risk level.
3. Make sure your sexual partners get tested. This is definitely a two-way street.
4. Don't reuse condoms, don't have sex with people if you are unaware of their status and never have sex if you or your partner have open and visible lacerations on your genitalia.

For more information on Truvada, click here!

COMM 481 - 4 - Seeking Sensation

The need for excitement, speed and good times. Is it normal? Are you just looking for a good time? Or is it dangerous? While that blunt you smoked over the weekend seemed harmless, maybe it is. But maybe it isn't. Some say that thhereings like doing illegal drugs, and other things just for the thrill is a risky behavior known as seeking sensational. There are many young people and adolescents who have unsafe sex, abuse substances and enjoy playing dangerous sports. Experts call it sensation seeking but are you just having fun?
There seems to be a fine line between what is sensational and what is being young and enjoying yourself. Truth is, it depends on the amount of risky behaviors you engage in and how often you participate. The reasons behind your participation also play a part. If you're doing dangerous or frightening things just for the thrill of it and the thrill only, you are probably seeking sensation. Don't worry, seeking sensation is completely normal as long as you stay under control. Know your limits and be mindful of things when they start to become too dangerous. Seeking Sensation becomes a major health issue when a person starts to show no control over the need to seek sensation.

To learn more about sensation seeking as a personality trait. Click here.

COMM 481 - 3 - All college students are alcoholics.

False! A common misconception of college students is that they are a bunch of raging alcoholics. While that may be true to some extent, it is not the truth for a majority of college students. Many students drink but most save it for the weekend. College is a great time to party, it's probably the most partying some people have ever done and will ever do in their lives. But with all of the parting, there is a lot of work that must be done to get through school and ultimately graduate. Most students recognize that so they work hard and play harder. This is where the stigma comes from.

When college students party, turn up and get lit, they go hard! Some people drink until they black out and some just drink for a buzz. Me personally, I don't think this qualifies anyone as being an alcoholic. An alcoholic in my opinion is someone who drinks all day and all night all the time. While there are still college students that fall victim to alcoholism, that is not true for the majority. All in all, alcoholism is a real thing and we as college students should always be mindful of that. Here are some tips to help you drink responsibly:


1. Make sure you eat a nice dinner before you go out for a night of drinking.
2. Drink plenty of water, lots before and alternate a glass of water between every drink you have.
3. Try to space your drinks over a good period of time, something like one drink per hour.
4. Last and not least, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Designate a driver before you start drinking and if all else fails call a taxi or get an uber.

Visit this website for more safe drinking tips!

COMM 481 - 2 - Risky Behaviors/Managing Stress

Life at a university can be a very stressful time in a young adults life. I believe that each year from orientation to graduation comes with their own stresses that can drive you to all kinds of risky behaviors. Freshman year is a HUGE change from high school where you live under the supervision of your parents, family, and teachers. College is soooooo much different. You are your sole supervisor. You can call all the shots which can make you or break you. Some students come to college and they're fine, they go to classes, they study, exercise and eat well. Other students aren't so mature. They party every time they have the opportunity, they don't go to class, they eat a bunch of junk, they do drugs and drink way to much alcohol and not enough water. These risky behaviors can lead students on a long journey of poor choices which ultimately lead to bad grades and withdrawal from university.
College is all about creating yourself and making good choices that will benefit you in the future. If you succumb to risky behaviors you probably wont succeed. When people make risky choices, they usually are under stress. Like dealing with the transition from high school to college or that impeding deadline. These things lead people to drink and smoke marijuana to relax. These things are sometimes gateway drugs that lead to other risky behaviors like unsafe sex or harder drugs. On the bright side, there are all kinds of resources and alternatives to help student make good choices. There is a counseling center at almost every campus and they usually involve drug/alcohol intervention. With that said, although it is very common for students to indulge in risky behaviors, it is not the norm for students to fail as a result of those behaviors. Many people are able to get themselves back on track and make good choices to live long successful lives. All in all, it is super important to take care of yourself and make good choices.