Answering Your Common Questions

What is family planning?

Family planning is when you, with or without a partner, plan when or if you will have children. This is different for everyone. For teens and young adults, this may mean preventing an unintended pregnancy. For couples, it may mean determining the number and spacing of their children. For others, family planning may mean delaying future pregnancies. venus / Family Planning Services offers a range of services to help you plan your family and avoid unintended pregnancies.

What services does venus / Family Planning Services offer?

• Confidential, individualized, affordable services
• Cervical cancer screening and breast exams
• Pregnancy testing and counseling
• Annual exams
• Problem visits (urinary tract infections, discharge, etc.)
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STD/STIs)
• HIV testing, counseling, and education
• Various birth control options
• Free male and female condoms
• Educational materials and information
• Male services
• LGBTQI-friendly services
• Teen-friendly atmosphere
• Referrals to other appropriate services, such as mental health, substance abuse, or smoking cessation.

How effective are different forms of birth control?

Pregnancy statistics are provided below. The only form of birth control that provides protection against STD/STIs is the condom, when used correctly. Abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing STI/STDs and unintended pregnancies.

Failure rates for birth control methods when used correctly.
(Number of pregnancies per 100 women per year)

What is emergency contraception (Plan B)?

If your primary method of birth control fails (the condom breaks) emergency contraception gives you a second chance to prevent pregnancy after sex. Emergency contraception must be taken as directed within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Click here to learn more.

What is an STD/STI, and how can I find out if I have one?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that you can get through sexual contact. STIs are usually caused by bacteria and can be cured, usually by taking antibiotics. Examples of STIs are Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichamoniasis, and syphilis.

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is also an infection that you can get through sexual contact. However, STDs are caused by a virus, which means that although an STD can be controlled with medications, it cannot be cured. This means that if you are diagnosed with an STD, you will always have it. Examples of STDs are hepatitis, herpes, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Yeast infection, Group B strep, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are not considered STD/STIs.

STD/STIs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, organ and immune system damage, and several fetal and newborn complications in pregnant women.

Most STD/STIs have no symptoms. It is a good idea to get tested on a regular basis if you are having sex with a new partner or different partners. Testing may be as simple as giving a urine sample. Some testing requires getting cervical samples, so the testing may be similar to a pap smear. You can be tested at your health care provider’s office, a family planning clinic, or your public health department. venus / Family Planning Services can provide these services to you in a confidential, safe environment.

How can I protect myself from getting an STD/STI?

The only method of protection from STD/STIs that is 100 percent effective if used correctly is sexual abstinence or having sex with only one partner who is known to be uninfected. Condoms provide good protection from most STD/STIs. For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STD/STIs, correct and consistent use of the male condom can reduce the risk of STD/STI transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD/STI. Furthermore, condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STD/STIs. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently. While condom use has been associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer, the use of condoms is not a substitute for routine screenings with Pap smears to detect cervical cancer. Latex or non-latex male condoms, and female non-latex condoms may be used. Lambskin condoms offer NO protection from STD/STIs.

Transmission
There are two primary ways that STD/STIs can be transmitted. HIV, as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, are transmitted when infected semen or vaginal secretions contact mucous membranes, such as the male urethra, the vagina, or the cervix. In contrast, ulcer diseases such as syphilis, herpes, and HPV, are primarily transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. Lab studies have shown that latex and non-latex condoms provide a solid barrier to particles the size of STD/STI pathogens.

Condoms can be expected to provide different levels of protection for various STD/STIs, depending on differences in how the diseases are transmitted. Because condoms block the release of semen into the vagina, anus, or mouth, and protect the male urethra against exposure to vaginal secretions, a greater level of protection is provided against HIV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichominiasis. A lesser degree of protection is provided for herpes, HPV, or syphilis because these infections may be transmitted by exposure to infected areas (e.g., infected skin or mucous membranes that are not covered or protected by the condom).

Sexually transmitted infections and diseases, including HIV
Latex and non-latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In addition, correct and constant use of condoms can reduce the risk of other STD/STIs, including discharge and genital ulcer diseases. While the effect of condoms in the prevention of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower incidence of cervical cancer, an HPV associated disease (CDC).

Genital ulcer conditions, including HPV
The degree of protection that condoms provide from genital ulcer diseases, including genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid, is really unknown. These diseases are transmitted primarily through “skin-to-skin” contact from sores/ulcers or infected skin that looks normal. HPV infections are transmitted through contact with infected genital skin or mucous membranes. Genital ulcer conditions and HPV infection can occur in male or female genital areas whether or not they are protected by a condom. While some studies have demonstrated lower rates of HPV infection among condom users, most have not. A number of studies, however, do show an association between condom use and a reduced risk of HPV-associated diseases, including genital warts, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. The reason for lower rates of cervical cancer among condom users observed in some studies is unknown.

Can I get an STD/STI from oral sex?

Oral sex usually puts you at less risk for STD/STIs than anal and vaginal sex. However, it is still possible to get certain STD/STIs whether you are giving or receiving oral sex. The only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing STD/STIs is abstinence, including oral sex.

Oral Sex on a Vulva
Oral sex on a vulva is called cunnilingus. A slang term is "going down" on a female. This is a really low risk activity for HIV. But cunnilingus does put you at significant risk for things that can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, like herpes. To reduce your risk, you can use a latex barrier (dental dam) over the vulva.

Oral Sex on a Penis
Oral sex on a penis, called fellatio, is often referred to as a "blow job." It is a lower risk activity for HIV transmission than is vaginal or anal sex, but it is a higher risk than cunnilingus. Oral sex on a penis will also put you at risk for infections like herpes, HPV, and gonorrhea. The best way to reduce your risk is to use a condom. If you aren't using condom, avoid taking a partner's body fluids into your mouth.

Oral Sex on the Anus
Analingus, or "rimming", refers to using your mouth on a partner's anus. Analingus isn't generally a risk for HIV. However, it can expose you to a number of parasites and can put you at risk for hepatitis. You can use a dental dam over the anus to help reduce your risk.

What are HIV and AIDS? How can I protect myself from getting those infections?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the name of the virus that causes the disease known as “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” (commonly called AIDS). AIDS was first recognized in 1981. The actual virus was not identified until 1983 and a blood test was developed in 1985. HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, blood, breastmilk, and sharing IV drug needles.

Symptoms
Fifty to seventy percent of people will develop a flu-like illness about three to six weeks after being infected with HIV. These symptoms last about a week. This is usually followed by a period with no symptoms of illness, which may last ten years or more. At some point, infected persons begin to develop signs and symptoms of illness. This eventually progresses to more severe disease and death.

Treatment
While there are medications to treat HIV, there is no cure. Infected persons will eventually develop severe symptoms which lead to death, although treatment can drastically slow this process.

Prevention
The only method of prevention that is 100 percent effective is to avoid behaviors that may put you at risk for HIV. For sexually active persons, condoms are very effective. HIV infection is, by far, the most deadly STD, and considerably more scientific evidence exists regarding condom effectiveness for prevention of HIV infection than for other STD/STIs. Research on the value of condoms in preventing sexual transmission of HIV is both comprehensive and conclusive. The ability of latex condoms to prevent transmission of HIV has been scientifically established in “real-life” studies of sexually active couples, as well as in lab studies.

What is HPV, and what can I do to avoid getting it?

Human papilloma virus, or HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, occurring up to five times more often than all other STDs. A recent study of university women found that half were infected with HPV by the time they had two or three sexual partners. HPV is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. Condoms offer some, but not complete protection from this infection.

Symptoms
Most HPV infections have no signs. There are over 70 types of HPV, and only certain types cause symptoms. Several types cause genital warts. At least 10 different types can increase the risk of dysplasia (abnormal growth of cells) and overt cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva, vagina and penis. These are detectable by laboratory testing, which is done routinely on most abnormal pap smears.

Treatment
Genital warts are treated in a clinic with cryotherapy (freezing) or by application of a solution or gel prescribed by a medical provider. The treatment is cosmetic only; there is no cure for HPV. Dysplasia and overt cancer are usually treated with surgery and careful follow-up.

Prevention
Since there is no cure for HPV; prevention is the first line of defense for this infection in women, who are most likely to develop cervical cancer if infected with a cancer-causing type. Immunization against HPV infection is now available in a series of three shots, given at a family planning clinic or your physician’s office. This immunization is recommended for all males and females, ages 9-26, and is offered at venus / Family Planning Services. Women who are, or have been, sexually active should have an annual exam and pap smear to screen for cervical cancer or dysplasia.

What is genital herpes, and how can I avoid getting it?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Results of a recent study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, one out of five adolescents and adults, have a genital herpes infection. Over the past decade, the percent of Americans with genital herpes infections in the U.S. has decreased.

Symptoms
Most individuals have no to minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it is usually less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. Although the virus can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.

Treatment
There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks. In addition, daily therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

Prevention
The only sure way to prevent herpes is abstinence. Condoms do offer some protection. Herpes can be spread by vaginal, anal or oral sex, and sometimes by skin-to-skin contact. A person is most contagious during outbreaks, but herpes can still be transmitted even when there are no visible sores.

What is Hepatitis B, and how can I avoid getting it?

Transmission
Hepatitis B was originally found to be transmitted by blood transfusions, and was first known as "serum hepatitis." However, an improvement in screening of blood donors and blood over the last 30 years has reduced the rate of transmission by blood transfusion to almost zero. The major ways Hepatitis B is transmitted today is through sexual or intimate contact, shared personal items (such as toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers) with an infected person, and the sharing of needles by IV drug users.

Symptoms
The onset of symptoms in Hepatitis B may be slow, or they may come on suddenly. It usually takes two to three months after being infected before symptoms appear. These may include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headache, sore throat and cough. Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) may occur one to two weeks later. In acute Hepatitis B, 95 percent of patients recover completely. However, a small number may go on to have chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis, and some will have severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. Of these, 1 percent may die.

Treatment
While there are medications to treat Hepatitis B, there is no cure. Infected persons may remain “carriers” of the disease, even after they have recovered from the initial illness.

Prevention
A vaccine against hepatitis B was first introduced in 1982, and is now used throughout the United States. Today, most infants born in the U.S. receive the hepatitis B vaccine as part of their routine immunizations. The vaccine is also available for adults who were not vaccinated as children.

What is gonorrhea, and how can I avoid getting it?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the sexual tract, including the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes in women, and in the urethra in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.

Symptoms
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, like Chlamydia, may cause infections in different areas of the body. There may be no symptoms at all, especially in men. The symptoms are similar in many cases, and both infections may occur together. Urethritis in men may cause a purulent (milky or yellow) discharge and painful urination. Infection of the cervix in women also causes purulent discharge and may cause bleeding. Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which may result in infertility. Infection of the mouth and throat may cause sore throat and tonsillitis, or may cause no symptoms at all. Infection of the anus may cause pain, itching and bleeding.

Treatment
Gonorrheal infections are all treatable with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by your medical provider, STD clinic, or family planning clinic. All sex partners must also be treated.

Prevention
The regular use of condoms is effective at preventing the spread of gonorrhea. A condom must be used correctly, every time you have sex, including oral sex.

What is syphilis, and how can I avoid getting it?

Syphilis is a chronic (long-lasting), systemic (body-wide) disease that is usually sexually transmitted. It is caused by a microorganism called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore, called a chancre. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Symptoms
Primary Syphilis
Syphilis first appears as a small, painless blister that rapidly becomes eroded and forms an ulcer. This happens about three weeks after a person is infected. In heterosexual men, the ulcer is usually located on the penis, but in homosexual men it may be found in the anal canal or rectum, or in the mouth. In women, common sites are the cervix and labia. Swollen lymph nodes are usually present in the groin.

Secondary Syphilis
Symptoms of the second stage include rashes and lesions over various areas of the body, hair loss, sore throat and weight loss. These can occur within four to six weeks, and the primary ulcer (sore) may still be present.

Latent Syphilis
If left untreated, symptoms may go away, but a person can continue to carry Treponema pallidum in their bloodstream for years. Up to 30 percent of these infected persons can develop “Late Syphilis.”

Late Syphilis
In the late stages of syphilis, the disease may subsequently damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.

Treatment
A single shot of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis.

Prevention
As with all sexually transmitted infections, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent syphilis. Condoms offer some protection. However, syphilis may also be transmitted by nonsexual personal contact, blood transfusions or from pregnant mother to fetus.

I was sexually assaulted. Who can I talk to?

Immediately contact your area's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). The Response Team assists in sexual assault cases to aid the victim. The purpose of SART is to provide quality, compassionate and consistent care to victims of sexual assault and reduce the time victims spend at healthcare facilities to receive medical care.

In Polk County, call the Sexual Assault Response Team at: 515-286-3600.

In Dallas County, call the Crisis Intervention Center at: 800-400-4884.

The following services are also offered:

• 24-hour crisis response services
• Connection to Crime Victim Compensation Program
• Advocacy with the judicial and law enforcement agencies
• Public education
• Support groups and age appropriate education in the school system
• Victim impact panels
• Community debriefings
• Counseling sessions
• Support groups
• Art therapy services to children who have been traumatized by violent crime
• Referrals to appropriate community services