By Scott Theisen
Mini-School took a field trip to the Teen Clinic. It was very interesting, especially when it was originally set up for Women’s Studies and more guys went than girls. When we got there, there was a lady who was ready to inform us on STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases.) She was very helpful on informing people about all kinds of birth control as well.
The lady speaker explained what they do at the Teen Clinic. What they do is give physicals, test for STD’s, AIDS, and pregnancy. If a person tests positive to any type of STD or pregnancy they offer types of counseling and give advice. The Teen Clinic is very confidential. If you have some type of problem like pregnancy or some type of disease they will not tell your parents unless you want them to. The physicals cost $10 if you have the money, but if you don’t have it they won’t charge you.
The Teen Clinic sells all types of birth control. The best type or most effective type of birth control is the pill. The only problem with the pill is that it doesn’t protect you from STD’s. The safest protection next to the pill is the condom. This is a good type of protection because it protects you from STD’s. It is 100% effective if you use the condom correctly. There are many other types of birth control but these are the most effective.
About twenty years ago there was nothing to be worried about when people had sex except pregnancy. Now there are a lot of different and deathly diseases out there. It is very important that you take care of yourself and be very careful. Before you have sex with someone, get to know them and how they feel about it. Most of all, be careful.
That’s what we learned at the Teen Clinic.