Male Condoms: The DO's and DO NOT's

Guys and Gals, Damas y Caballeros...

Presenting

The DO's and DO NOT's of  Male Condoms!

The DO's

DO get and have condoms ready... always have them handy!

DO check them for air bubble & expiration date

DO open with hands

DO test with finger to make sure it rolls down the right way

DO apply lobster pinch on top of condom

DO roll condom all the way down

DO pull out and away every time

DO check for holes, leaks, tears or rips

DO properly dispose of condom (wrap it up in toilet paper and trash it)

DO hold the base of the penis and the condom together  to take out of the vagina

DO enjoy  =)

The DO NOT's

DO NOT use an open or expired condom.

DO NOT store in hot areas or leave in the sun.  Heat destroys the rubber.

DO NOT store in your wallet.  It may pop the package.

DO NOT use scissors to open. Scissors may cut the condom.

DO NOT put condom on too tight.

DO NOT recycle condoms. One condom for each sex act.

DO NOT use two or more condoms at the same time.  They will break.

DO NOT flush it down the toilet... it will come back up!

DO NOT disrespect your partner.

DO NOT use a condom that was put on backwards

DO NOT have sex with out a condom

Extra tips:

Consider Emergency Contraception if condom breaks or comes off.

Always respect your partner.

Now... the visuals:

Myths About Birth Control

Hello everyone!

As you may already know, there are very effective ways to prevent pregnancy. However, there are also some MISCONCEPTIONS and MYTHS about avoiding pregnancy or decreasing the chances of pregnancy.

Birth Control Myths

MYTH: A girl can't get pregnant if she is standing up or on top.
FACT: ANY POSITION CAN GET A GIRL PREGNANT! A girl can get pregnant standing up, on top, on the bottom, sideways, in the pool or hanging from the ceiling.  After ejaculation the sperm by nature will automatically swim up the cervix.

MYTH: A girl can't get pregnant when she is on her period.

FACT: A woman can get pregnant at ANYTIME during her menstrual cycle. Sperm can live in the women's cervix for up to 5 days. If ovulation occurs during those 5 days, she can get pregnant. (Ovulation is when an egg is being released from the ovary which makes a woman is more fertile or more likely to become pregnant).

MYTH: A girl won't get pregnant if her partner pulls out before he ejaculates. 

FACT: A girl CAN get pregnant! Some men have premature ejaculations and the sperm can be released before a man climaxes. Some men may not have the will-power to "pull-out" in time. 

MYTH: A girl won't get pregnant if it's her first time having sex.

FACT: A girl CAN get pregnant even the first time having sex.  A woman can get pregnant anytime she is ovulating.

MYTH: A girl will not get pregnant if she urinates right after sex.

FACT: This myth is false! Girls have 3 openings in the genitelia area, an anus (for poop), vagina (for sex, periods and birth) and the urethra opening (for urinating). The sperm enters the vagina not the urethra. 

MYTH: The daily birht control pill will take effect right after taking it. (Not the morning after pill, Plan B or Emergency Contraception)

FACT: This myth is false. It can take up to a month for the hormones in the pill to take effect on the body.  These pills need to be taken daily at the same time each day to be effective.  Please consult a doctor for additional information.

MYTH: A girl can't get pregnant with anal sex.

FACT: This myth is false. A girl CAN get pregnant through anal sex. If a man ejaculates into the anus, eventually it will come out and possibly make its way into the vagina. (Anal sex runs a high risk for getting an STI).

Check out this video that goes over some of the myths we talked about:

If you have any questions on a method you might have heard of to be effective on preventing pregnancy, feel free to ask us. Also, if anything on this post is not clear let us know and we will be happy to clear things up for you :)

Have an amazing day!

Choices CAMP

Bullet-point Summary: "Lets Talk About Sex" TV Special

Hola!

Did you get to watch the premiere of "Let's Talk About Sex" on TLC? If you did, what did you think? Good? Bad?

If you missed it, here's a summary:

• Americans view sex differently than Europeans.
• In the US, sex is generally viewed as taboo. As a consequence teens in the US do not get the appropriate information they need to make well informed decisions. 
• In Europe, sex is typically more openly talked about and accepted.  It is viewed as a normal human act that is meaningful.  They also focus heavily on safe sex by using protection.
• Statistics show that STI and teen pregnancy rates are higher in the US compared to European countries.
• Sex is a part of human nature and there is nothing we can do to change or stop people from having it. Therefore, it would be a smarter to inform teens about abstinence and teach them how to prevent contracting an STI and/or a pregnancy.
• Sex is a health topic and should be approached as such. Teen and adults should be educated on this subject and be given the tools needed to protect themselves to live long healthy lives. 

As a teen growing up in the United States, what is your view on this subject? What do you think about the European approach?

Tell us your opinion in a comment (or on our ChatBox on the right), Facebook, Myspace and/ or Twitter :)

Here is a short promo sneak peak video from TLC: Video

Hasta luego!

Choices CAMP

Opportunities: Getting involved!

Is anyone involved in non-academic activities?

It is a great idea to get involved in activities out of the academic arena. It gives you a chance to experiment with other fields of study/interest and you can have fun in the process.  By becoming engaged in extracurricular activities it also allows you to gain new skills, knowledge, and increase your sense of self-worth. Not only does it benefit you, but it can also help you be more competitive when you are applying for a job or university.

You can become involved with clubs such as the Boy's & Girl's Club where they have different kind of activities you can be part of. If that is not your thing, you can also try joining a sport at school or outside of school. Being part of a sport promotes discipline, exercise and team work--things that will most likely come in handy for job and school applications. Another way you can get involved is by becoming a volunteer at an organization. There are many volunteer opportunities for different interests. For example, you can volunteer at a hospital, a child care helping with kids or even a dog shelter. Anything you decide to be a part of  will definitely teach you something new, you will gain new skills, and will demonstrate your level of dedication and responsibility.

After middle school and high school, it is also a super great idea to keep being part of something you like while attending college. At California State University of Los Angeles you can even try to get involved with Choices CAMP! As you may already know, the goal of this organization is to educate students about sexual health through entertainment. You can also take part in a course on Participatory Action Research: Health Promotion in Adolescence. The course works closely with Choices CAMP and teaches you about conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, and priceless experience going to schools to teach students about health education.

Check out this video of Jennifer Lopez a successful Latina woman that was positively influenced by being part of an organization. Be GREAT, reach your full potential by getting involved and staying a happy healthy teen :)

Are you currently involved in an organization or activity? What would  you be interested in getting involved with? Share all your stories with us! :)

Have an amazing day!

Choices CAMP :)

Theater Production Update...

So far we have performed at three schools--Potrero Middle School, Sierra Vista Middle School, and Edgewood Academy. Is anyone of our followers a student at these schools? Tell us, what did you think of the show?

Our premier show was at Potrero Middle School in La Puente with an audience of approximately 170 students. Then we were at Sierra Vista Middle School with a similar turnout of students. Unfortunately we did not have time left after the show to answer questions, but no worries, you can send us your questions or comments in anyone of your social networking sites :)
After the second show one of your cast members had to leave us but luckily we were able to find a replacement in time for our most current show, which was at Edgewood Academy. We had a great session of question and answers, all the students had great questions and comments for us.

Choices CAMP would like to thank all you guys and girls for being such great audience. We had tons of fun going to your schools and answering questions. If there were any unanswered questions, let us know :)
We're looking forward to the other schools we will be visiting in the coming weeks. If you'd like to check out our calendar for the upcoming schools or events, visit our website here.

Have a beautiful day!

Finally on Blogspot!

Hey Friends!
We are happy to announce that we are finally on Blogspot! High-five! :)
This blog has been created specially for you, guys and girls, to visit for updates on the theater  production, community and health information. It is also a place where you can ask questions in our comments section. Feel free to also email us with any questions at choicescamp@gmail.com. You can also ask us questions on  Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, or YouTube. Please use these tools to your advantage amigos y amigas! :)

Have a great day!

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