Q.
How soon can I use home pregnancy
tests?
A.
Home pregnancy tests are
most accurate about 27 days after conception. This is when
a menstrual period is 10 -12 days late, although some tests
do say they can be used as early as 2 days after a missed
period. * Update: Some of the new pregnancy tests say you
can use them one day after a missed period. If your cycle
is not regular, wait another day to use it. (Or you might
be wasting your money). *Some claim they are accurate 5 days
before you have missed your period. I would go with the older
tests since there is some data on how accurate those are.
Collect
a good urine specimen. If the directions call for the use
of a container, use a new or clean one. A washed-out bottle
may interfere with the results. Most tests today provide a
small disposable cup for you to use or you pee directly onto
them. Perform the test in the morning when urine is the most
concentrated. BUT, you can use them at any time of the day.
(Refrain
from the use of aspirin or marijuana the day before and the
day of the test). Results
can be one of two things:
Positive.
Almost always means pregnant. False positives (says pregnant
when not) are very rare. Things that cause a false positive
include marijuana, aspirin, hormones,
birth control pills, methadone, tranquilizers, and soap or
protein in urine.
Negative.
Usually means not pregnant. False negatives (says not pregnant
when pregnant) are fairly common. This happens if it is too
early in the pregnancy to make the results of the home test
accurate.
If you
suspect you are pregnant
even though a home pregnancy test is negative, you should
have a pelvic exam by a GYN health care provider and blood
test or repeat the urine test in a couple days.
For more on Home Pregnancy Tests, see our article...
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=
Q.
What is a dental dam [vaginal
dam] and how is it used. I don't mean when the dentist uses
it.
A.
Dental or vaginal
dams are rectangular pieces of latex used for safer
sex protection while performing oral sex on a female. (Many
are flavored, BTW). Since STDs can be transmitted from either
partner to the other during oral sex, it is important to use
a dental dam. They should also be used for oral to anal contact
for the same reason. Yep, it sounds like it takes the fun
out of oral sex, but genital
herpes or oral herpes
sure as heck does more!!
Dental
dams should be placed on the area which is being pleasured.
Make sure not to flip over the dental dam during use to prevent
the transmission of STDs between partners. An alternative
to using a dental dam is regular plastic wrap, which should
be used in the same way as a dental dam. Some people cut a
condom in half and use that on their tongue. The dental dam
probably is better protection, IMHO. You can buy dental dams
at at most stores that sell condoms. (Remember, in
the USA & Canada, you can buy condoms or any birth control
at any age! (Many universities give them out for free at their
health centers.)
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Q.
What is oral sex?
A.
Oral sex can take place in various ways when it involves a
man & woman, (or a woman and a woman, or a man and a man):
Heterosexual oral -- The woman can stimulate the man's genitals
with her mouth and tongue (called: fellatio, “blow job”).
The man can stimulate the woman's vulva,
clitoris and vagina with his
tongue (cunnilingus). Either partner can stimulate the area
round the other partner's anus (“rimming”) with
his or her tongue. Always use a dental dam, condom or plastic
wrap when doing this. If you are married and in a monogamous
relationship, you make the decision if you need the STD
protection. For more, see the above question.
Next...
