#7: What would you tell a friend or loved one who suspected that she might have an STD but was afraid to get tested?

Ignorance is not always bliss... If a loved one or a friend of mine believed she has a STD but she is afraid to get tested--I would encourage her to find out for sure. There are many types of STDs, and along with that, there are many different microorganisms or viruses that can cause them. So, if it were a bacterial STD, a benefit of knowing is that an antibiotic could treat and cure it. If it were viral in nature, there may be a drug that inhibits the progression or symptomology of the infection--another benefit of knowing what is going on.

If she refuses to find out for sure, I would also tell her that she is taking her life into her own hands--she is placing herself at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (painful), infertility, cancer (from HPV) and possibly death. That might be a scare tactic, but it might be what she needs.

It would also be important for her to realize that she is placing her partners' at risk as well. She would need to inform her partners so that they could seek help or treatment. She would also need to be reminded of the importance of protection to decrease her risk of transmitting or becoming infected with a STD.

Hopefully I would be convincing enough to help her overcome her fear or the realization of that fear. There is hope with STDs.

#6: Should prenatal testing be routine for all women?

No. I do not think that prenatal testing should be routine for all women. I think it should be available to all women if they desire. I am a woman who does not desire to have prenatal testing. This is for many reasons, but it all boils down to the fact that abortion is not a choice for me, no matter the physical or mental capabilities of the child. I will have that child and love it no matter what. To this point, there is no cure for any genetic abnormalities. If there is a physical handicap that can be "fixed," then it will most likely be "fixed" outside of the womb. So, in the end, I have no need to have prenatal testing performed. If I knew there was a problem, I would be upset and worried the rest of my pregnancy. Instead, I can enjoy the pregnancy, and when the child is born be aware that there is always the possibility of problems and be willing to accept whatever child God created for me to raise.

#5: To be a mom or not

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a mom. Maybe because my mom and I are so close, how she made it seem so wonderful. She truly loved being a mom. My siblings and I have a good example. So, I had this plan to get married, be a good wife, and then become a mom and be a great mom. I got married at 18, our first year was rocky. We chose not to have children until our second year of marriage, mainly because our marriage would not have been able to withstand it. Then we had our first child when I was 21. It has been a life changing experience. I love my child, and the one on the way. Kamryn, my daughter, is 20 months--loves to be independent, imitate my husband's and my behavior. We still occasionally have sleepless nights; she has a temper and it seems like it flares for days on end at times... But, it is all worth it. We have the honor of raising a child to love and teach to be a responsible member of society, to love God, and love someone else. After this next child is born, I am not sure how many more I want. Maybe one more. We will see. My husband swears that if we do not have a boy, we will keep on making babies! Haha! But, I am not sure that I will agree after the 3rd.

Menarche

I can not remember the actual day my period began. I think I wrote about it in my old diary... and, from what I can remember, it was not a joyous moment for me. My mom and my sister were very detailed (in my mind "gruesome") about menstruation. So, I thought it was disgusting. I also was in ballet, and I danced multiple times a week. I thought that if I was menstruating, I would not be able to dance for fear of everyone knowing. I was so embarrassed by this change from girlhood to womanhood that I kept it a secret from my mom for months. I think I was 12 or 13, but she was beginning to worry that something was wrong. I finally broke down and told her. I refused to buy any feminine products (I could not dare be seen with them in my possession) until I was 16. Now, it is no big deal. I am glad that I do have a period--it is a sign to me of being a woman and a mom.

#3: Preventive Practices

According to the "Rate Your Preventive Practices," I scored an 8/10.
1. Do I eat a healthy balanced diet: not very well... and not very often. I try to make sure I get enough servings of all the food groups per day, however, with my schedule and the things my family agrees to eat I do not always succeed. I could improve this by introducing more fresh fruits and vegetables to my family; give myself enough time to prepare and cook a meal by planning ahead; or, if my family refuses to increase their consumption of fruits and veggies, then I can prepare enough just for myself. (My husband is not a big veggie lover).

2. I participate in moderate-intensity exercise at least 4 times per week.

3. Do I get enough sleep: no. I frequently feel tired during the day. In order for me to not feel tired, I would have to go to bed at 2100 daily, however, that would eat into my prime homework completing time. I have been actively employing more efficient uses of my time, but, as my mom frequently points out to me, I sometimes bite off more than I can chew comfortably.

4. I have never smoked or used any drugs.

5. I do not consume alcohol... well, I have probably consumed alcohol on fewer occasions than I could count on one hand.

6. I am sexually active in a mutually monogamous relationship. My husband has been my only sexual partner.

7. I employ stress reducing methods. This is essential for me to even make it through a day at work on occasion. I work at a psychiatric hospital which can be very emotionally draining. I work full time, take 10 hours worth of classes, have a 19 month old, a husband, and a baby on the way, and we just moved back to TX but to a part where we have no family. I recently began taking ballet classes again, which I love, once a week. I employ deep breathing exercises. I read my Bible. I pray. I try to distract myself or clear my mind and stop worrying about things out of my control. I try to use my time appropriately. I spend time with my family, remembering they are above my work and school as a priority.

8. I practice safe behaviors.

9. I employ nonviolent methods of conflict resolution. If I am too angry to talk, I remove myself from the situation, employ a stress reducing method, go for a walk, or take a shower. I then come back to the situation to address the problem in a calm and respectful manner. Sometimes I write a letter to the person I am having a conflict with. This helps especially if it is over a very sensitive, emotional subject where I would have difficulty maintaining composure if face to face.

10. I receive routine preventive care from a HCP.