April 2009 Archives
The FDA just saw fit to make Plan B, or the "morning after pill" available over-the-counter, without a prescription, to girls who are 17 and older.
What a sigh of relief.
At the risk of offending those of you who are opposed to the use of this medicine, I just want to to say I am so happy to know that girls can protect themselves from unplanned pregnancy safely and easily.
Here's the quick and dirty on how Plan B works. Essentially, it prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall. It is not possible to know if an egg has been fertilized, as this happens in the filopian tube and can take place up to 5 days after intercourse.
It seems to make the uterus a bad hostess, so the egg can't implant. If the girl is already pregnant (the egg has implanted) it WILL NOT disrupt or terminate the pregnancy. This medicine is very safe and there are very, very, very few contraindications for its use, and those that exist are really rare.
One of the reasons I am so happy about this ruling is that girls can buy Plan B for other girls or future use. This may make some of you uncomfortable, but girls being able to take care of their sexual health and prevent an unplanned pregnancy easily, is all good, in my humble opinion.
Seems like Oprah's got the whole US lit up about teenage girls and masturbation. I, for one, am happy to hear some frank talk about this really great life skill. http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow-20090326-sex-talk
When girls know how their own body works and have learned how to "take care of business" on their own, they are in a much better position to handle their own sexuality and, quite possibly, sexual relationships.
Remember, one of the goals in talking to our kids should be that they have a good understanding of how wonderful being sexual, either alone, or with a partner can be. Masturbation can be a big part of the early learning phase.
As you know, little kids will stick their hands down their pants and get busy whenever and wherever - they don't care, because it just feels good to touch their penis or vulva. Once they get older, fantasy makes the scene and kids begin to masturbate and have sexualized feelings and experiences (ideally in their minds only!).
I was a bit confused about all the masturbation shock and awe in the audience - are we still supposed to pretend girls don't do this? Is it still considered bad or unhealthy? I know the answer to these questions and you probably do too.
The big question is how do we get over ourselves to allow girls to explore their bodies without feeling ashamed or embarassed?
Girls who understand their own sexual response are less likely to rely on another person for their sexual gratification. Perhaps if they know they can do it themselves they will be less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior because it feels so good.
