http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/michele-bachmann-vs-8-old-192125455.html

Love it right? Yes, I know this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Some people say that the kid was just repeating what his mother told him to say. But what I love about this video and why parents and youth like this are #winning, is because that is exactly what your parents should do. Talk to their kids about social issues and teach them how to be proactive about the things they want to see changed.

When I got to college it was really baffling to see how many people have never been exposed to or never discussed with their families, the social issues that surround them. I also can’t count how many people I know who have not been exposed to these issues until college, and now are strong advocates for a cause.

Its amazing what youth can get inspired to do when given the knowledge to make informed decisions.

***Update*** Bachmann has since ended her campaign.

The Onion, America ’s Finest News Source.

If you have never heard of The Onion, it is a news satire organization. They produce a print circulation and also have a popular website TheOnion.com (… so basically I’m telling you that the following article is not real).

http://www.theonion.com/articles/daughter-thinks-its-time-to-have-sex-talk-with-par,1394/

Kids having sex talk with parents? Why not?

The longer I advocate for sexual health, the more I realize that we have some sucky sex-ed curriculums (if any at all) these days. However, our parents sex-ed was a whoooooole lot worse. Most of our parents didn’t even have the option to Google there sex questions. Now young people have the option to text their sexual and reproductive health questions and get immediate, accurate information. Maybe its time we young people start initiating our own “the birds and the bees” conversations.

…but first order of business, calling it something that makes more sense than “the birds and the bees”.

As you all know, the SC Youth Activist Network conducts Pizza Protection Parties. If not, you can read about them here.

So at the past 2 parties I facilitated, I got a lot of great questions about the IUD (Intrauterine Device). 

How is it inserted/ removed?

IUD’s must be inserted AND removed by a licensed medical provider.

How long does it last?
IUDs can last for 10 years. If planning pregnancy, the IUD can be taken out early.

Will IUD affect a woman’s menstrual cycle?
Side effects will vary. Some women experience longer or heavier periods. Some women experience light spotting between periods.

Can the IUD fall out?
Yes, however this occurs in between 2-10% of cases. Out of these cases, it is most common for women that have not been pregnant or women that have recently given childbirth. (As you saw in the video above) The IUD has a string that hangs 3-4cm below the cervix. It is advised that users of IUD check for this string after each menstruation. Not feeling the strings however does not necessarily mean the IUD has been expelled. Most providers will schedule a follow-up appt. several weeks after insertion to check the IUD placement.

If you notice that your IUD comes out, notify your provider and (if you are not already) begin using an alternate form of birth control like condoms.

Can the women or her partner feel the strings during intercourse?
Any strong pains or abnormal sensations after the insertion of the IUD should be shared with your medical provider. Pains may indicate improper placement or movement of your IUD. If you or your partner feels the actual strings you can talk to your doctor about trimming the strings back.

Some people bend or “tuck” the strings toward the cervix so that the ends are not directed straight down the vagina.

If you have heard of Jessie J. you probably know that she is an outstanding singer/ songwriter. If you have not heard of Jessie J. 1) I’m sorry. 2) Well… you're welcome.

I just wanted to share 2 vids that I thought provided a positive message, especially with current anti-bullying efforts.

Has anyone checked out this new show? I stumbled on it (Not in the cool tech savvy Tumblr way though) and am really glad I did because it is pretty interesting. It comes on Fridays at 9 on LOGO.



The show looks at various issues that people may have regarding their sexuality (yes that’s a broad topic, but this is definitely not your typical look at how people feel about sex). What I love about the series is that by exploring these issues, and seeing others take them head on, its much easier to see that many of the problems/fears we face regarding sex are not directly related to intercourse at all. The core of the therapy deals with self esteem, developed anxieties, ‘unprocessed’ emotions from past experiences or addict behaviors. See what I mean?

http://www.logotv.com/video/misc/696237/meet-chris.jhtml#id=1671638

Yup. That’s right! We are all about treating the disease not the symptoms, up in here!

Check out Full Episodes Here, and let me know what you thought: http://www.logotv.com/shows/bad_sex/series.jhtml

I just found this really cool list of surprising sexual health facts. Of course, I wanted to share it with my fellow Amplifiers!!! There are 53 fun facts that you can check out here. Here are 5 that I wanted to post here.

“#4 Sex allergy. Yes, there really is an allergic reaction some women have to semen. Thankfully, there is a way to treat this disorder, which can lead to anaphylaxis in some women. Learn more about this uncommon allergy.

#17 Retrograde ejaculation. some men have a faulty valve system that allows ejaculate to travel backwards into the urethra. Many times a man will still ejaculate, but upon his next urination, notice his urine is cloudy. Learn more about retrograde ejaculation and fertility issues.

#18 Climax and ejaculation. It might be surprising to learn that for men, climax and ejaculation are not the same thing. Sometimes men can ejaculate without a climax at all or climax before or after ejaculation.

#23 Extra nipples. Many men and women have one or more extra nipples. They may be confused for moles if you aren’t aware of the possibility of having extra nipples.

#50 Outercourse. Having sex without intercourse is a safer way to engage in sexual activity if you are not in a monogamous relationship. You can still get STDs while having outercourse, though. Pubic lice, scabies, and genital warts are among them.”

How many bad experiences does it take for the world to stop sexting? I don’t know but I’m sure self-mirror-portrait extraordinaire Rep. Anthony Weiner is about to find out…

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/anthony-weiner-sexting-partner-says-politician-criticized-muslim-in-laws/

Id like to say that this is a scandalous story because he is a politician and people wouldn’t care about his pics if he were your average Joe, however sexting pics have the potential to be a scandal for anyone not wanting their goods exposed to unwanted eyes.

Solution? If your gonna sext, SEXT US!!! (No! I don’t want you to send Youth Activist Network sexy pics for yourself) Text the word ‘SEXT’ to 74574 to get free and anonymous sexual/reproductive health information anytime!

Like how I plugged our text like? Sooo what are you waiting for?

I saw this video and thought my fellow Amplifiers would get a good laugh like I did…

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-hide-an-unwanted-erection



This site also has other creative videos on sex advice for teens. Check it out: http://www.videojug.com/tag/sex-advice-for-teens

Hey check out this article from USA Today, talking about teen sex practices.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/teen-ya/story/2011-10-12/Teens-using-condoms-more-often-but-not-consistently/50742932/1

The responses show high rates of contraceptive use among both sexes the first time they have intercourse (78% of girls, 85% of boys) and the most recent time (86% of girls and 93% of boys). The condom was the most popular contraceptive method, cited by 96% of girls.

In light of my Marketing #FAIL x2 blog, its only fair that I address this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Xc5sukAg8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wkryBeRx8I&feature=related


The first time I saw this I was laughing hysterically on the inside… and out at how terrified the guy was on the roller coaster. The second time… well repeat #1. BUT the third time I saw the commercial I began to wonder if there is a gender bias in sensitivity when it comes to marketing. Aren't they implying (and by implying I mean marketing campaign blatant, straight up in-yo'-face saying) that certain behaviors make you less of a man?  

Is it not as offensive to men to define gender expectations as a marketing tactic? I dunno… am I reaching with this observation or do you all feel where I’m coming from?