During my sophomore year of college, I met a tall, blonde older man who seemed to have all the right words. As a virgin, I had been waiting for the right person for such an intimate experience and felt proud of that. However, as our relationship progressed, I found myself in a confusing situation. I wanted to be intimate with him and decided it was time to go on the pill, believing that he was committed to me. After all, he professed his love. The convenience of the pill felt far more enticing than using condoms.
Being away from home, I discovered that my college’s small clinic offered no resources, not even condoms. One evening, while relaxing with a friend and watching a rerun of Friends, she recommended Planned Parenthood. In 1994, I had never heard of it, but she assured me it was affordable and anonymous. I took her advice and the very next day visited the clinic. Reflecting on that decision 23 years later, I realize my life could have taken a drastically different path had I not sought their help.
If it weren’t for the safe, secure, and affordable options offered by Planned Parenthood, I might have gone ahead with intimacy unprepared. At 19, I was still quite young, and despite attending health classes and discussing topics with friends, I held a naive belief that nothing bad could happen to me. I thought, “I won’t get pregnant; I won’t contract an STD.” Such thoughts, combined with the college culture of partying, could have easily led to an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection.
As young adults, we often underestimate the risks involved, especially when caught up in the thrill of romance and spontaneity. Many of us believed we were in control, but it isn’t until later that we recognize the potential consequences of our actions.
Although I had an open dialogue with my mother about relationships and sexuality, it wasn’t quite enough. I felt torn between adulthood and my teenage years and wasn’t comfortable approaching my mother to say, “Hey, could you take me to the gynecologist? I want to start the pill.” I didn’t want her to be involved in this part of my life, nor did I feel at ease visiting our family doctor. As a struggling college student, I also lacked the funds for a local gynecologist appointment. Even though I was still on my parents’ insurance, I feared they would find out if I used my card.
When I later discovered that he was seeing someone else, I was heartbroken, but my primary concern shifted when I noticed blood in my urine. Panic set in, but I knew exactly where to find help. Walking into Planned Parenthood again, I was greeted warmly by staff who remembered me. Their professionalism and kindness made the experience less daunting. Had I not previously visited, I might have silently endured my fear and shame.
Fortunately, it turned out to be a mild kidney infection. After my appointment, the nurse named Lisa discussed my options without pressuring me to renew my prescription for birth control. Instead, she emphasized the importance of using condoms to protect against STDs, offering me a generous supply. I took a handful, not just for him, but for future partners as well.
I wanted to feel empowered. I didn’t want to rely on another person for protection; I wanted to be able to say, “Here’s a condom. This is how it’s going down.” Planned Parenthood instilled the confidence I needed to take control of my sexual health without judgment. I left the clinic feeling supported and at ease. When my sister later came to me with a frightening situation during her college years, I immediately knew where to guide her.
For those seeking more information about home insemination options or related topics, you can explore resources like this informative article on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, consider checking out these home insemination kits for more insights. And don’t miss out on turning bath time into a bubble-filled adventure that can enhance your overall well-being.
In summary, the significance of organizations like Planned Parenthood cannot be overstated. They provide essential health resources that empower individuals to take charge of their sexual health, ensuring that choices are made safely and without stigma.