Pregnancy Scare?

You never thought you'd be here yourself. When you overheard those girls last week talking about pregnancy scares, you pitied them in your thoughts and thought, "well if only they hadn't been so dumb." And now here you are, sitting along, in a waiting room full of girls in a very similar sticky situation. You got carried away last night and now you are the one worrying about whether you're going to be carrying a child in your belly in a very short while.

You re-run through your night. You were sober and you had the condoms, but had there been a moment when the passion was flowing and the rubber was off? Was it possible that you got close enough to each other, unprotected, that something could be wrong now?

It's not likely, but yes it is possible. You don't even need to engage in a full fledged love session to risk impregnating yourself. So here you are, not just because you are scared, but because you care about yourself and you care about your future.

It is always important to inform a friend or family member about your situation, but sometimes it seems like an impossible recommendation. It is normal at such a young age to worry about who to go to and how you're going to hide the records, if you do go alone.

Planned Parenthood comes to the rescue in such a dire time of need. Planned Parenthood, originally known as American Birth Control League, was Margaret Sanger's baby, and today the organization runs over 800 clinics in the United States. It's your one stop shop for contraceptive services, emergency contraception, cancer screening, pregnancy testing, pregnancy counseling, STD testing and treatment, sexual education, and abortion services. If you have insurance then the services will be covered, but what about if your insurance is under your parent's account and they will surely find out sooner or later?

Well that is the amazing thing about PP. If you want to keep your visit confidential you can do so, and PP will cover all costs for you, or rather the government will. Your tax money in work, at its best.

The knowledgable nurse practioners are ready to answer any questions you may have and you walk out the door with the proper treatments and contraceptives in hand.

It isn't pleasant to be in this situation and it definitely isn't recommended that you assure yourself that if need be, there is a solution to the future mistakes of your present actions. However, once you are in this situation, do the research and utilize your resources. Seek the support of parents, but if it isn't the right time or place to do so, don't be afraid to turn to Planned Parenthood. Their services will allow you to gain back control over your body and your future.

For more information and to find your local clinic, visit: www.plannedparenthood.org