Sexual Health FAQs 26

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 1 per day for 3 weeks, followed by 7 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). That was the original reason why this pill was first created in the first place.

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. It's not unusual or abnormal for a sexually active man to experience wet dreams (nocturnal emissions). 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 35-year-olds. If you experience any burning after a wet dream, consult your health care provider.

Q. Can I get the pill or the shot (depo-provera) without my parents knowing?
A. 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 18 years in the United States), you have rights to confidential reproductive health care. This means that unless your written consent is given to your health care provider, 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. So now you must write 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.
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."
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 website to find the clinic nearest you. Or call their number at (800) 239-PLAN.

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 aureoles (the darker area surrounding the nipple) may also become swollen.