STD Testing Info

How do you know if you’re ready for sex, Readiness can relate to many things in our lives e.g., am I ready for marriage, have a baby or fly the nest and go it alone? Regardless of whatever the issue it will have to be given serious thought. Readiness is about being prepared. If a happening requires readiness then this is a sure sign to show you are facing severe consequences if not prepared.

Am I ready for sex; sadly we have those who believed they were at the time of having sexual intercourse and now push babies in prams or treated for venereal diseases? Knowing when the time feels right is a personal decision, whether you’re in a long standing relationship or having casual sex. The most important thing is to think of your health and feel content with the situation.
Sex is a not a compulsory issue so you get to choose. Sexual activity has to be a joint agreement between both genders. Readiness means fully understanding all risks involved from having unprotected sex. Take necessary precautions for protection before sex becomes a reality. The contraceptive pill may not be agreeable to all so your doctor will have questions to ask. Condoms are forms of contraception that are effective and safe and help prevent infections.

Sex isn’t just a physical act. A level of arousing intimacy and loyalty is involved for both parties. Talking about your feelings will bring closeness. Knowing each other’s expectations will have the experience be a pleasant one than one of disaster. If this is your first time tell your partner you are a virgin, this will have them take things gently. Losing your virginity is not a mature act and is not the in thing to do just because others are:
First time sex brings its own rewards in the right situation and preferably with the right partner. Sex is not about penetration. Am I read for having sex? This is something only you can answer. The important things is to be open and honest with your partner,

Never leave anything to chance. Get a second opinion from mum or your doctor. Some hearsay advice below for you

1 I can’t get pregnant if the man pulls out before he ejaculates.

“Oh yes you can.” Sperm can still be present in pre-cum. It only takes one sperm to get you pregnant. Fluid may contain infections. Some men aren’t aware of ejaculation and can easily forget to withdraw the penis in time to prevent sperm entering the vagina.

2 I can’t fall pregnant during my period.

“Oh yes you can.” There is every possibility of pregnancy happening during a period, particularly towards the end of the menstrual cycle.

3 I can’t get pregnant having sex standing up.

“Oh yes you can.” If you have unprotected sex, no matter how, where, time or place you can get pregnant.

4 Condoms are 100% safe.

“On no they are not.” Although considered a highly effective form of contraception, they can split so use them in conjunction with another form of contraception (the pill.)

5 I can’t get pregnant while on the pill.

“Oh yes you can” if you forget to take your pill.

6 It’s safe to have sex after the first pill is popped.

“Oh not it is not.” Different types of contraceptive pill can take time to go to work. This can range from 0-14 days. Use another form of contraception during the time it takes for the pill to become effective.

7 If I miss taking my birth control pill it doesn’t matter.

“Oh yes it does.” The contraceptive pill should be taken at the same time each day, but is regarded as “missed” if it is taken more than 12 hours late (three hours late for the mini-pill, although with the mini pill Cerazette you have a 12-hour window. If more than one pill is missed, the last missed pill should be taken and the rest of the packet taken at the normal time.

8 If a condom slips off or splits, there’s nothing you can do.

“Oh yes you can” If you’re female and you can take emergency contraception, the morning after pill. This should be taken within 72 hours of having sex.

9 Urinating after sexual intercourse washes out sperm.

“On no it does not.” Urine exits the bladder through the urethra, which lies in above of the vaginal opening. Which means any sperm in the vagina won’t even get wet when you pee.

10 All men hate wearing a condom.

“Oh no they don`t.” Although some fellas have said it is like going to bed with your socks on, if a bloke has any respect for you he will wear a condom to keep you both safe.

Take heed of “Oh yes you can” and “Oh no it does not” because both are indecisive quotations. If these stick at the back of your mind then you are simply not ready.

Abortion data carried out in England and Wales in 2007 was made public on 19 June 2008 and approved by the UK Statistics authority. How many of these were a result of an unwanted pregnancy is not clearly determined.
The number of abortions was 198,500, compared with 193,700 in 2006, a 2.5% increase.

1 The age-consistent abortion rate was 18.6 per 1,000 resident women aged 15-44, compared with 18.3 in 2006

2 The abortion rate was highest at 36 per 1,000, for women age 19

3 Under-16 abortion rate was 4.4 and the under- 18 rate was 19.8 per 1,000 women, both greater than in 2006

4 89% of terminations were funded by the NHS; 57% took place in the independent sector under NHS contract
90% of terminations were carried out at under 13 weeks gestation; 70% under 10 weeks

5 Medical abortions accounted for 35% of the total compared with 30% in 2006

6 1,900 abortions (1%) were underground E, risk that the child would be born handicapped

In 2007, 7,100 abortions for non-residents were carried out in hospitals and clinics in England and Wales (7,400 in 2006)

Over the past ten years there has been a considerable increase in sexually transmitted diseases in the UK. Uncomplicated gonorrhea increased by 42% between 1998 and 2007, while genital Chlamydia increased by 150%. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease since 2001, passing genital warts. Bacterial infections have speedily increased partly due to a general deterioration in sexual health amongst young people and gay men. GUM services have made a major contribution by encouraging testing. G.U.M. clinic is an N.H.S. run establishment for all aspects of sexual health. The phone directory lists these services under genito-urinary clinic, STDs or venereal diseases.

By: kacycarr

If you are sexually active, you need to know about the wide range of sexually transmitted diseases that can put you in danger. Just take a look at the guide for sexually transmitted diseases that we have established below and you’ll be able to discover all the information you need.

There is a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted diseases, so take a look at the news, we have provided below and learn how to protect yourself against them.
What are STIs and sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are sexually transmitted infections or diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal and sex. Some sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted by syringes after being used by someone who is infected with an STD.

You can discover more about the wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections below, as we have listed a lot of useful information on a number of the most widespread.

Types of infection

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in England. Chlamydia often has no visible symptoms, which means it can often not be diagnosed. However, once diagnosed, the infection can be treated.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, and sometimes bleeding between periods. Men can suffer from a swelling of the tube that leads from the bladder up penis, in addition to swelling of the tube leading from the testes to penis.

HIV is the most serious STDs. It attacks the body’s natural immune system, which usually defends the body against infection and disease.

HIV infects cells that are called CD4 cells and are responsible for the fight against infection. After getting the HIV virus, the CD4 cells are destroyed by HIV. This leaves a person who is infected with HIV with a high risk of developing an infection, or diseases like leukemia.

Where to Go

If you think you have a sexually transmitted disease or STD, there are many sexual health clinics to be able to offer tests and offer treatment. To find out where your local clinic is, simply contact your local health authority and they will gladly help.

On the other hand, you may visit Dr. which will also be able to help you. Do not be ashamed of the explicit nature of your problem – Dr. seen often related to sexual health.

Protecting Yourself

There are several ways to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections, although only abstinence is 100% safe. However, sexually active people can protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases by ensuring that they regularly STI and STD testing.

By: Jade Simpson

Here are some guidelines for the beginners i.e. if you are going to have sex first time. It can help you to explore the pleasure in a better way.

Relaxation is the key. Have sex when you and your partner, both are relaxed. There is not a specific time to have sex. May it be the break of dawn, afternoon or the darkness of night. More important than time of day is the time you have to spend. Have a lot of time to have sex the first time. For ‘lot of time’ I mean at least the whole day, including sleep time.

So, what do you do if you haven’t had sex before? You were friends and now you are in a loving relationship and now you both are sure that the time is right to move on. But first of all make a mental check list of the things that matter. Here are a few thoughts:

Be sure you both want to go further. Alternatives are there – mutual masturbation and oral sex are often just as satisfying, for example. Find a comfortable place where you feel safe. The back seat of an auto, jeep, car or truck isn’t a great sensation enhancer. Sex is an intimate activity, but many times people are more reluctant to discuss it. If you can’t talk openly, then maybe you need to rethink your plans. You must be legally able to have sex. You must think about contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. The latter being more important if one of you is not a virgin

So, let’s assume that you have taken care of all these things. Now, you are going ahead with one of the most blissful and fulfilling things that two human beings can do. You now need to know what to do. First of all, don’t fear. When you are aroused you will find the physical and emotional aspects of sex all come more naturally than you would ever have imagined. Communication is the key here. Tell your girl that it’s your first time. Is it her first time too? If not, then you are lucky (?), because she can help you. There’s no point pretending you are an experienced lover if you are not.

There is often a lot of pressure to have full sexual intercourse at the first time, but mutual masturbation is better than full sexual intercourse. She can bring you off by hand, or even by mouth. You can give her pleasure by hand or mouth. for most men, giving oral sex to a woman is a very, very exciting experience, because the scent and taste of such close sexual contact with a woman are very arousing indeed. Furthermore, when you come to put your penis inside her, it may be easier if you have spent some time gently playing with her vagina and vulva beforehand. Many couples like at an early stage of sex play is to have the man to gently put a finger inside the woman’s vagina: this can be exciting for both of them, and it can help give the man confidence that getting his penis in will not be difficult which it won’t be if she is well-lubricated.

For ‘that’ special day, eat something light. A heavy meal can make you sleepy. Don’t drink too much alcohol. It may also make his erection much more difficult to achieve and you want to spend more time in the bedroom than the bathroom anyway.

Use a condom if she isn’t on the pill or if you are unsure of each other’s sexual history!!

All in all, the happiness of the experience is mostly down to you being relaxed and happy with each other. Most likely your first time will be only moderately successful, but you need to expect that – don’t look for the earth to move – that will come later! What is most important is that you like being together and feel no regret, shame or embarrassment about the experience. Above all, don’t be insincere (e.g. don’t tell her you love her if you don’t!). My final word is one of caution – don’t go the whole way unless both of you really want to. Above all, don’t do it because you feel pressured to do it. Most of all, enjoy yourself. You will see how good it is to be a man!

Nelspruit, the provincial capital of Mpumalanga, previously known as Eastern Transvaal, is running out of space for graves. Cemeteries expected to last another 50 years are now full. The announcement, another marker in a growing pandemic, comes as a new parliamentary report has condemned as lamentable the health facilities in one of the world’s epicentres of Aids.

An estimated 31 per cent of Nelpruit’s population of 600,000 is infected. Now the city has another problem, a dramatic increase in child rape caused by the myth that sex with a virgin cures HIV.

Until 2000 most rape victims were adults. but there was an abrupt turn-around from 2001, when 65 to 70 per cent of victims were children, some as young as two weeks old. The city seems helpless in the face of its woes. The ANC’s provincial Health Minister, Sibongile Manana, has been placed under ‘curatorship’ – the Minister of Housing and the Minister of Public Works are going to help her do her job.

In the main Mpumelela hospital – Rob Ferriera, in Nelspruit – the telephones were not working and public phone boxes had to be used to call doctors and ambulances.

Surprisingly, the shortage of burial space does not appear to extend to the health facilities. Tonga hospital itself is difficult to miss – a red cross signalling its presence is painted on the side of a water tower that can be seen for miles. But the parking places for cars, while efficiently signposted – ‘public’, ‘maternity’, ‘casualty’, ‘disabled’ – are empty.

The impression that it is a modern hospital, with all the mod cons that a doctor might require, is confirmed by a plaque next to the entrance recording that it was opened by South Africa’s Minister of Health only four years ago.

But inside wheelchairs and hospital trolleys stand unused. The neat line of registration booths are empty. Spider webs across doors show that most of the wards are never used, although the beds are made.

The individual tragedy into which all this translates is epitomised by the case of Senzo Mgwenya. Senzo knows he is dying, what is killing him, how he got it and how, in theory at least, he could save himself.

He explains that as a pianist in a band he used to have as many girls as he liked. Now he has abscesses under his right arm and one of his testicles has been removed. But the drugs he really needs he cannot get. ‘Vuka Kwabifile’ is how they describe anti-retrovirals: ‘Wake up from the dying.’

Not many are being saved from the dying. South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ordered the authorities to administer anti-retrovirals to pregnant mothers and their newborns to block transmission, but the syrup by which the drugs are administered is not available in Mpumalanga.

Rape victims get anti-retrovirals immediately after an attack, but if they are found to be HIV-positive treatment stops. Barbara Kenyon, who runs a counselling service for rape and HIV/Aids victims, says they have seen an extraordinary turnaround in the incidence of rape.

She attributes this to the myth that HIV/Aids sufferers can be cured if they have sex with a virgin. Kenyon recalls how a senior policeman who recently overheard her rebutting the widespread belief interrupted her. ‘But it does!’ he said.

Scientists believe an effective Aids vaccine may be a step closer after studying an unexpected reponse to the HIV virus in individuals in Uganda who appear immune to infection.

Just over two dozen people near Lake Victoria have been found to remain uninfected even though they have unprotected sex with HIV-positive partners, a phenomenon termed “discordant couples”.

Researchers found that the immune systems of the 28 resistant individuals behaved in surprising ways which, it is hoped, will point the way to a vaccine within 10 years.

Some of the resistant individuals had a lower measured immune response than infected partners but their immune systems attacked the virus more effectively, keeping them HIV negative. The finding suggests that what matters is quality, not quantity, of immune response.

The Ugandan results suggest resistant individuals are a more widespread and significant phenomenon than first realised, researchers said.

They expect to cause a stir by calling on the scientific community to focus half of vaccine research on resistant individuals, a dramatic scaling up of what has been until now a minority interest.

The research in Entebbe takes forward the findings from studies of a small group of commercial sex workers in Kenya. The Nairobi women’s apparent immunity triggered a line of research which has led to the most promising vaccine now in trials, a joint enterprise between the universities of Oxford and Nairobi.

The findings come from the Uganda Virus Research Institute, which is backed by the International Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), a not-for-profit organisation set up to channel funds into promising projects.

The Entebbe-based institute started phase one trials in February of the promising DNA-MVA vaccine designed by Pro fessor Andrew McMichael at Oxford University in collaboration with scientists in Nairobi. Specifically designed to combat the A strain of the HIV virus prevalent in east Africa, phase two trials are under way in the UK and Kenya.

The Ugandan discordant couple research is expected to be published this year.

Scientists are most excited by the minority of resistent partners who possess T-cells which kill cells infected with HIV in a narrow, targeted attack, unlike their partners whose immune systems launch wider, bigger – and unsuccessful – attacks.

A division of the German pharmaceutical company Bayer knowingly sold blood-clotting agents infected with the human immunodeficiency virus to Asia and Latin America months after withdrawing them from Europe and the US, a US newspaper claimed yesterday.

Cutter Biological continued to dump stocks of the Factor VIII blood-clotting agent for haemophiliacs on poor countries for nearly a year after introducing a safer alternative, the report in the New York Times said.

It happened in the early 80s, after the Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, reported in July 1982 that haemophiliacs were becoming ill from blood products.

Up to that time Factor VIII, produced from the plasma of about 10,000 donors, was not screened for HIV, and it became a leading killer of haemophiliacs in the early years of Aids.

Although the concern raised by the CDC had percolated through internal Cutter documents the company, anxious about its slipping sales figures, publicly scoffed at the notion of Aids and that its products were a risk to haemophiliacs.

In June 1983, the newspaper reports, it wrote to its distributors in France and nearly 20 other countries saying: “Aids has become the centre of irrational response in many countries.”

In February 1984, after the danger was incontrovertibly established, Cutter began selling plasma products which had been heat-treated, but it continued to export old stocks of Factor VIII to industrialised and poor countries for more than a year; in part to get rid of old stocks but also to preserve profitable long-term contracts.

In 1985, the Times reports, a company taskforce asked: “Can we in good faith continue to ship non-heat-treated coagulation products to Japan?”

It also found documents from 1984 directing a distributor in Hong Kong to use up the old produce before selling newer stocks, and advised doctors there who asked direct questions about the risk of HIV infection that its products were not hazardous.

“There is excess non-heated inventory,” the minute of a November 1984 company meeting said.

Yesterday the company, which has paid $600m (£375) to settle lawsuits brought by thousands of American haemophiliacs infected by its products, defended its actions.

“Bayer has always behaved responsibly, ethically, and humanely,” it said in a statement from its headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.

“Decisions made nearly two decades ago were based on the best scientific information of the time and were consistent with the regulations in place.”

The documents which formed the basis of the New York Times report were produced in connection with the lawsuits.

The total number of people in Asia and Latin America infected by HIV or who died from Aids after being treated with the products from Cutter is unclear, but the paper said that at least 100 were infected in Taiwan and Hong Kong alone.

Cutter appears to have exported more than 100,000 vials of the older product to Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and Argentina.

Genital Herpes Cure

Scientists are still searching for a true genital herpes cure. Like many other viruses, symptomatic treatment is often the best road to go down, and the terrible symptoms can indeed by significantly reduced by a natural remedy.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms usually appear as blisters around the genital area and/or rectum. The blisters break, leaving painful ulcers or tender sores which can take up to a month to heal. Often, sufferers will then get further outbreaks.

Although embarrassment can sometimes prevent people from going to their doctors, many millions worldwide will seek a genital herpes cure during any given year. In America alone, it is estimated that 45 million adults have genital herpes, with around 1 million people becoming infected each year.

The infection can stay in the body forever, although attacks may decrease over time. Genital herpes can be passed to someone else even when you experience no symptoms yourself.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Symptoms vary from person to person and often begin 2 weeks after having sexual contact with an infected person and can include:

    * Burning and itching in the genital or anal area
    * Fever/flu like symptoms
    * Pain in the genitals, legs or buttocks
    * A feeling of pressure below the stomach
    * Blisters or sores around the genital area
    * Swollen glands
    * Aching muscles
    * Pain on urinating caused by urine touching the sores

Sometimes, people may have only minor symptoms and may be completely unaware that they are infected. However, they can still spread herpes. Small sores or red bumps may be mistaken for something completely different, such as insect bites.

Can I get Genital Herpes again?

As there is no formal genital herpes cure, the virus stays in the nerve cells even after all the symptoms have gone. The virus can become active at any time. Some people are more prone to attacks than others and this may be due to lowered immune systems or possibly being under stress.

How can I tell if I have Genital Herpes?

Doctors can usually diagnose an attack by the appearance of the sores. To confirm, they will usually take a sample for testing.

If there is no Genital Herpes Cure, what is the treatment?

As with many other viruses, there is to genital herpes cure. However, some doctors will prescribe antiviral drugs which may shorten infections or make them less severe.

There is a very effective natural herpes treatment which has been shown to safely and effectively relieve the symptoms of genital herpes.

It is very different to other treatments as it comes in the form of a liquid oral spray which is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that your symptoms will start to ease very quickly so you can resume your normal activities.

For many decades, homeopathic doctors have been successfully using the ingredients in this remedy separately with the aim of treating the individual symptoms. However, it has been proven that by combining several ingredients, many symptoms can be dealt with in one convenient treatment.

It is very safe, with no side-effects and will not make you drowsy

Self Help Tips

The following will help speed healing and prevent the outbreak being passed on:

    * Keep the area dry and clean
    * Wash hands after contact with the sores/blisters
    * Try not to touch the area any more than is necessary
    * Avoid sexual contact until the sores have gone

Legionnaire’s disease is a bacterial disease which may cause pneumonia. It gets its name from an outbreak at a state convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1976, when 34 of 221 people affected died. But cases have been confirmed as far back as 1947 and it probably occurred earlier.

About 200 cases a year are reported in England, mostly as single isolated incidents, but the bug responsible has been found in ponds, hot and cold water systems, whirlpool baths and water in air conditioning plants. It particularly likes warm stagnant water.

Outbreaks tend to occur in healthy people staying in hotels or other buildings in which cooling systems or showers have been contaminated. The bug may also cause 2% of hospital cases of pneumonia.

Breathing in droplets of water is the most likely route of infection and you cannot catch it from another person. There is also little evidence anywhere in the world that it can be caught from household or car air conditioning systems.

People of all ages can be affected but men over 50 are particularly vulnerable. Early symptoms include flu-like illness, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, dry cough and fever. Sometimes diarrhoea and confusion can develop, and the symptoms frequently lead to pneumonia. The illness is treated by antibiotics but deaths occur in 10%-15% of normally healthy individuals. The rate can be higher in some groups of patients, including older people, heavy smokers and drinkers and those who are already ill, with diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, diabetes or Aids. Irreparable damage to the lungs is the most usual cause of death.

Symptoms of Legionnaire’s, officially caused by a bug called legionella pneumophila, can take up to 10 days to develop, or, in very rare cases, three weeks. Three to six days is more normal.

Rapid diagnosis is possible through testing patients’ urine samples.

Love, hate, ignore, criticize, fascinate, study, destroy. Porn affects everyone. In all its myriad hues and nuances it seems to have something for everyone. The distribution of porn itself is another industry in itself. It could reach you through its T.V. networks, pay-per-view movies on cable and satellite, Internet Web sites, in-room hotel movies, phone sex, peep shows sex toys and good old magazines. In another decade there could possibly be some more additions to the distribution options.

So how much is the business worth? Some of the most acclaimed research agencies in the world say that the business is worth anywhere between $500 million to $10 billion. In other word, not many people have a clue as to how much it is worth in America. Worldwide figures are out of the question. One of the obvious problems faced by these agencies is that there are very few adult entertainment companies that are publicly traded. Another fascinating exercise is watching analysts take a call on the future earnings of these companies. It is like having a 3rd grade student write a 7th grade examination.

So what is legit porn and what is not? Nobody seems to know for sure. Some of the premium production houses insist that the actors wear condoms while they perform. But some of the not-so premium producers argue that since they are in the business of selling fantasy, the presence of a condom devalues the product. Another industry rule is the insistence of monthly testing for HIV. Every actor needs to show his HIV negative certificate to his co-stars before the shoot begins. This seemingly non-complicated rule is again broken time and again.

Recently there has been a hue and cry about the outsourcing of jobs in various industries to low cost providers like India and China. But the porn industry has been openly practicing outsourcing for years together. This has been done in terms of locations and actors. One of the places in the world that seems to have both in abundance is Brazil. Brazil has some of the most eye-popping locations for any kind of filmmaking. But the sun, sand and surf of Sao Paulo are perfect porn. Combine this with the fact that there are actresses in Brazil who have no hassles performing without condoms. This ensures that the overall cost of production is lowered without any compromise in the quality of the final product. They seem to conveniently forget the fact that the incidence of HIV amongst prostitutes in Brazil exceeds 90 percent.

A recent incident has shaken up the entire porn industry in America. Darren James (screen name), one of America’s veteran porn stars was shooting for a movie in Brazil. The next month he was back in America, where he was working again on a different movie. While in America, he performed extensively with an actress named Laura Rox. Not once during the shoot did Darren show Laura his HIV negative certificate. Laura who is a relative new comer in the industry did not ask for it either. Darren’s Brazilian shoot resulted in him contracting the HIV virus. He passed it on to Laura. She is 22 years old. But it doesn’t end there. Darren and Laura went on to perform with host of other actors and actresses before they were discovered with the virus. These actors and actresses went on to perform with others. The ironic part of the whole Brazilian affair is that Brazilian actors will not perform with their female counterparts without a condom. But American actors do not seem to have a problem.

For the first time ever, all the producers, both big and small have agreed to stop production for a period of 60 days. More than 60 actors and actresses have been quarantined and are repeatedly being tested. 6 have already tested positive. So is this the end of the road for the industry. Apparently not if one goes by what the stock market. analysts are saying.

Is your body ready for pregnancy or more importantly are “you.” I agree both questions may sound silly to the woman who has already given birth, but because each pregnancy differs and the body changes with age, makes questions of this nature ones that have to be asked. Aside from getting the body into a healthy state to carry a baby, plans have to be made for the infant’s arrival. Parents need to be prepared for when baby turns toddler. They need to be prepared when toddler turns teen. Do the parent’s preparations ever stagnate, no; planning still goes on for when the children fly the nest? Mom will nurture her baby, tickle her toddler and nag her teen – and why. Every mom has a personal built in mechanism inside which triggers an emotion what impels her too protect and love in a way you could never imagine or even understand until you become a mom too.

Is your body ready for pregnancy.

The norm for preconception preparations usually starts up to 12 months before conception. Your doctor will need to ask questions to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. If you already use contraception (birth control pill) your GP may suggest a pill-free break before trying to conceive. Disconnection from the pill will permit the reproductive system to go through several normal cycles before you conceive – which will make it easier to establish when ovulation happened. While this is suggested it is best to take necessary precautions. Use a condom or a barrier method of contraception till you are ready.

Is there such a thing as unhealthy pregnancy? This will depend on what is meant by unhealthy. Unhealthy pregnancies can really only result from how you look after yourself before and throughout the 9 month period. Smoking, taking drugs, eating bad foods and drinking alcohol can harm your well being and severely damage the unborn baby. Avoid caffeinated drinks, although 1 to 2 cups a day is acceptable. Research disclosed that caffeine in one or two cups of coffee will not have a significant effect on the developing fetus.

In pregnancy you could face serious issues. Infections i.e. chickenpox (varicella), German measles (rubella) and hepatitis B can be dangerous for an unborn baby. If your immunizations have not been completed or your immunity to certain infections is unknown, your preconception care may include one or more vaccines.

If you suffer from diabetes, asthma or have high blood pressure – you’ll want to make sure your condition is stable before conceiving. Your GP will be aware of any medication you take for any disorders you have, however if you buy over the counter herbal solutions tell your doctor.

Safe proposals at this stage are prenatal vitamins. Why take prenatal vitamins so early. The baby’s neural tube – which becomes the brain and spinal cord – grows during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins before conception helps prevent neural tube defects. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid. Your baby needs this essential nutrient during the early weeks of development to help prevent serious conditions like spina bifida.

Although the body needs vitamins, seek medical advice to verify if it is safe for you to take them.

You need to be aware that if infected with a venereal disease (VD – STD) it can increase the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (fertilized egg implants outside the uterus) and other pregnancy complications Unprotected sex is not safe and neither are the problems that can rise from having sexual intercourse without using contraception.

If there is family history of ill health then this can affect your pregnancy and risks increase. Baby can be born with a medical condition or birth defect. Do not concern yourself at this time over this issue because women all over the world are delivering healthy babies. To put your mind at rest, talk to your nurse or doctor at the clinic.

Age does not really have to give reason for concern, however depending on the age group we talk of – may see extra care rules having to be issued. After age 35, the risk of fertility problems, miscarriage and certain chromosomal disorders increase. If you have in the past suffered complications when giving birth – tell your GP. Complications may have included high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth or birth defects. If you want to deliver a healthy baby and give it the best start in life, then eat healthy foods and stay clear of substances that harm. Healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy are vital. Light exercise combined with a healthy diet is the key to future goodness for you and your baby.

Obesity is not healthy and if you do not want to delay the conception process then try and lose weight. According to the ASRM, weighing too much or too little can make you less fertile and affect your ability to carry a baby to term. Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs. Good luck and give baby plenty of kisses and hugs.

The Immaculate Conception explained.

Pope Pius IX confirmed in his 1854 dogma that “the most Blessed Mary was, from the first minute of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” This confirms that Christ redeemed all human beings, including Mary although at the time done differently. Medieval Franciscan theologian quoted, Duns Scotus (1266-1308) Christ’s role was to mediate for all men, and that to do so he must have been born of a pure mother. Since this mother was also mediated by him, then his mediation would be to make her immaculate which would also facilitate his birth. This does not contradict the Bible in that subsequent to Adam and Eve’s fall from Eden, all men are born with Original Sin. Christ removed Mary`s sin, as we now all have thanks to his sacrifice. In our case, this is through baptism. As Mary was his mother, hers was removed before birth, therefore labeled ‘Immaculate Conception’

In today’s society we have no blessed virgins so therefore you need to take safety precautions to stay safe. Using contraceptives can prevent sexually transmitted diseases and an unwanted pregnancy.