Q.
I would
like more information about the Yasmin birth control pill.
A.
Yasmin, one of several recent low-dose birth control pills
to enter the market, was approved by the FDA in May 2001 and
is available in the United States. It works the same way as
do other combination pills. Each pill pack consists of 21
pills that contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin,
to be taken one per day for three weeks, followed by seven
placebo pills that are taken throughout the week, in order
for a woman to get her period.
Yasmin
is the only birth control pill to contain the synthetic progestin
known as drospirenone -- an alternative for women who experience
adverse effects from other oral contraceptives. It may even
be effective in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),
a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
I believe that was the original reason why this pill was first
created in the first place. For FAQs and up-to-date information,
visit their web page at: Yasmin.
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Q.
I’m 30 years old and still having wet dreams. I masturbate
and am sexually active. Is this normal and can I stop them
from occurring? It’s embarrassing to say the least.
A.
I get this question a lot from guys in their twenties, so
I spoke with a physician
I know. It's not unusual or abnormal for a sexually active
man to experience wet dreams,
(nocturnal emissions). In fact, it’s a very busy page
at Cool Nurse. While it is true that wet dreams are much more
common in teen males who are not pleasuring themselves to
orgasm or having sex, wet dreams still may occur for young
adults, “tweens” and even thirty-five years olds.
If you experience any burning after a wet dream, consult your
health care provider. If you are very concerned, see a urologist.
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Q.
Can I get the pill or the shot [depo-provera]
without my parents knowing?
A.
I answer this question a lot. The answer is on
the birth control page. Yes, all birth control can be purchased
without parental consent. The pill or depo-provera is prescribed
to you by a health care provider, so you will need to see
one for an examination in order to get either. You need no
exam for condoms or lubricants.
You say
in your letter that you don't want your parents to know that
you're thinking about birth control. You did not mention your
age. If you are a minor (under eighteen years in the USA),
you have rights to confidential reproductive health care.
This means that unless your written consent is given to your
health care provider, she or he can not disclose your medical
records to anyone, including your parents (except in the case
of abortion services, which depends on your particular states
law). Your medical records become even more confidential
as of April 2004. Since then you must have written the name
or names of people or health care providers who are able to
access any medical information about you. This also includes
a spouse, for those of you who are reading, BTW.
Anyway,
in addition, since no state or federal laws exist at the present
time that would prevent minors from obtaining contraception,
they do not need parental consent or notification to get birth
control pills, condoms, emergency contraception, and other
contraception. According to The Center
for Reproductive Law and Policy, ”Access to contraceptive
services is considered a fundamental privacy right and has
remained so for over three decades.” (This is the current
law, if you don't like it, please don't send "hate mail"
to us. Write you congress person and or senator, that's their
job).
Anyway, since the pill is usually covered by most health insurance,
keep the following in mind:
If you still live with your parents and you don't want to
be contacted at home, talk with a staff member (a billing
person preferably) about how the office or clinic can reach
you.
If you
are covered by your parents health insurance and they are
billed for your medical visits, ask your provider if the diagnosis
and treatment on bills sent to them may compromise your confidentiality
and how to prevent that from happening!
If possible,
pay with cash, which is the most secure and private payment
method for both your visit and for your birth control. Clinics,
such as your local Planned Parenthood or college health centers,
usually charge lower fees than a private health care provider.
Often condoms are free at many college health centers. Check
out the Planned Parenthood web site to find the clinic nearest
you. Or call their number in the USA. 1- 800 - 239-PLAN
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Q.
My nipples
tingle and enlarge when my boyfriend and are into heavy kissing.
I am still a virgin, is this normal?
A.
He must be some kind of kisser. 
Yes, that is a normal part of sexual arousal. Erection of
the nipples, through contraction of the muscle fibers surrounding
them occurs during an arousal
phase. Often, one nipple goes hard before the other, a
phenomenon which can also be seen in some men. Erection of
the nipples occurs through the same mechanism as that which
produces erection of the penis and clitoris, i.e., an increase
of blood flow to the area. The breasts also swell, so
that their size increases during the arousal phase and the
areolas (the darker area surrounding the nipple) may also
become swollen. You might want to read the Female
Orgasm article for future reference.
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