National Immunization Awareness Month: Get a Shot, Help Prevent Cancer

You wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, and abstain from smoking to avoid lung cancer.

This month, get a shot to prevent cervical cancer - as well as anal, vulvar, vaginal, oral, throat and penile cancer.

What is HPV

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is responsible for 19,000 cases of cancer in women every year, and 8,000 in men. It may also cause genital warts.

For many, the infection goes away on its own and they don’t even realize they were infected. For some, it can cause serious health problems, including cancer or warts.

It’s spread through skin-to-skin contact, not just genitals, but is also one of the most preventable kinds of cancer when the right protective measures are used.

How you can prevent it

The vaccine, approved seven years ago and shown to be safe and effective, prevents against the two types of HPV infections that cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.

It’s recommended for those ages 9-26.

The vaccine is especially effective for boys and girls who receive it before they are sexually active, but even people who’ve already had sex can speak with their health care providers about the HPV vaccine.

Something to consider

As of 2011, though, only about one in four Illinois girls and women have received the full three doses.

Planned Parenthood provides 34,000 HPV vaccines a year. This month is National Immunization Month, so it’s a good time to discuss your vaccine options with a health care professional.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois health centers provide HPV vaccines at locations throughout the state, and encourage women to consider getting immunized.

Ways to prevent HPV

Other ways to protect yourself against HPV infection is to use a condom for every sex act, limit your number of sexual partners and get tested frequently.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. About 80 percent of women, and half of all men will contract some form of HPV infection by the time they are middle aged.

A vaccine for everybody

The vaccine is safe for males and females, and has been supported by Planned Parenthood, the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Young people who receive the vaccine, which is delivered in three shots over six months, have not been shown to be more sexually active.

They do have a significantly reduced risk of contracting the virus, and potential health problems later in life.

The vaccine is a major breakthrough in cervical cancer prevention and public health, and should be considered a normal part of routine health and wellness.

Next steps

Talk with your doctor or visit a Planned Parenthood of Illinois health care center this month to find out about getting the HPV vaccine.

While you’re there, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, including HPV, and pick up some condoms to be prepared for your next sexual activity.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

Illinois Senate Votes in Favor of Comprehensive Sex Education

We are thrilled to announce that the Sexual Health Education bill (HB 2675) just passed in the Illinois Senate! The final vote resulted in 37 voting in favor and 21 voting against. This is wonderful news for Illinois youth!

HB 2675 creates a standard for existing sexual health education courses taught in grades 6-12. It provides medically accurate, age-appropriate, complete information on reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies including information on abstinence, contraception, healthy relationships and boundary setting.

“The goal of any top quality sexual health education program should be to help young people make responsible, healthy decisions. Today we are pleased that the Illinois Senate voted to ensure that teens in Illinois have access to medically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive sex education,” said Carole Brite, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President and CEO. “Studies show that sex education that covers contraception and disease prevention results in teens who are more likely to delay sexual activity and use protection when sexual activity does occur. More than 30,000 teens in Illinois become pregnant each year, and adolescents account for the majority of reported sexually transmitted infections in the state. This bill is a huge step forward in advancing the health and safety of young people in Illinois—while they are teenagers and throughout their adult lives.”

Thank you to all of our supporters who took action by contacting their elected officials, writing letters to the editor and sharing this campaign with friends and family! This is a victory of which we can all be proud! Stay tuned for more information as the bill gets sent to the Governor's office for signature.
________________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

Take steps to better health during National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week kicked off on Mother’s Day. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is helping women make their health a priority with caring and unbiased services at 17 health centers throughout the state.

Every woman a well-woman

Take control of your health this week! Start by making an appointment for a confidential well-woman exam. These checkups include screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast and cervical cancer, and an opportunity to get the birth control that’s right for you.

Well-woman visits are to prevent problems in the future, or to detect any issues so you can get treated right away. A health care provider will perform a pelvic exam, or gynecological exam, to be sure that your sexual and reproductive organs are ok.

Even me?

It’s important for all women - gay, straight, single, married, sexually active or not - to have gynecological care. How often you go and what tests a health care provider will perform depend on your needs and medical history.

Women should have their first pelvic exams when they are 21 years old, unless they have a medical issue that needs to be addressed earlier. It’s normal to be a little nervous about it, but there are ways to prepare for the trip that can make you feel better.

Even you!

Remember, this is really about getting you the care you need, so if you’re uncomfortable or have questions, speak up. Thinking about what STIs you might need to get tested for or your birth control options can help you make the most of your trip.

Everyone deserves quality, affordable health care. If you don’t have health insurance or have health insurance with a high deductible, you can still make an appointment. Planned Parenthood will work with you to make sure you get the care you need.

No matter what

The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is also making it possible for women to get preventive services, such as cancer screenings, STI tests, and birth control without copays. The law takes full effect on Oct. 1, but is already helping people. Almost 2 million women in Illinois don’t have to worry about lifetime limits on health benefits anymore. That means insurance companies can’t stop paying for treatments for those facing cancer and other diseases.

Simple steps

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has some suggestions for other ways you can start leading a healthier life this week.

• Get active to lower your risk of illness, and increase physical and mental functions.

• Eat healthy to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

• Take care of your mental health by dealing with stress and getting plenty of sleep.

• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as texting while driving, or smoking.

Put it on your calendar!

Schedule a well-woman visit, and test your knowledge of women’s health. It’s confidential, respectful and all about you.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

National Condom Week

February 14 - 21 is National Condom Week!

Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are more than three million unintended pregnancies and approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections?

Using condoms consistently and correctly provides the best protection against sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and helps prevent unintended pregnancy.

It’s important to talk with your partner about using condoms before you engage in sexual activity so you both are on board with using protection. Talking about condoms is also a good time to discuss if you will also be using another form of birth control which best reduces your risk of unintended pregnancy.

Have you ever heard your partner say sex feels better without a condom? Well it’s not going to feel like anything if you have a hundred worrisome thoughts in your head during sex. Many women and men say they find sex more enjoyable when they’re protected because they aren’t worrying about unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

There is enough to worry about in your day-to-day life you don’t need to add-on the worry or stress of a sexually transmitted infection or unintended pregnancy. Latex and plastic condoms, as well as female condoms, are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, and they’re the only forms of birth control that also help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

There are so many different types of condoms available that were created to make you and your partner enjoy sex. If you try a certain style or brand and don’t like it, try something new the next time. If you feel embarrassed about purchasing condoms from a grocery store or gas station you can always go to the Planned Parenthood of Illinois health center nearest you for low cost condoms. We have even created our stylish PROPER ATTIRE® condoms line - safe sex is fashionable!

If you have a funny or embarrassing story that has to do with condoms share it with us below. It’s National Condom Week and there will never be a better time or place to share your story!
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed.