Public Service Announcements
I'm usually not big on politics, but sometimes I will pointedly be reminded and feel a need to say stuff. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be on the topic of sexuality.
- The University of New Mexico is doing human trials for a Herpes (HSV) vaccination.
They're advertising in the Alibi and so on (look for Herpevac), seeking adult women for testing of a Herpes vaccination. They are even paying you to be part of it. It's possible that they'll test you for free before admitting you to the program (so, hey, free test).
Of course, you could not rely on being in the 'live' group and possibly protected from HSV - you might be in a control group. However, your data will still be valuable to researchers saving the world from HSV.
If you're not in ABQ, there may still be a way for you to be involved: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT0005733Info%20on%20trials%20for%20possible%20Herpes%20Vaccine
or http://www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/stds/herpevac/default.htm - Trials for a human papomilla virus (HPV) vaccination are underway/nearly done/complete.
HPV is a virus nearly as common as the common cold. It's so prevalent amongst sexually active humans that it's nearly a marker for "has had sex". Certain strains of HPV are also strongly linked to cervical cancer. A vaccine for HPV, if given to girls before they begin having sex, could prevent thousands of deaths yearly.
The phramaceuticals have developed is a vaccine for HPV which is in human trials and is doing well.
Unfortunately, religious groups are already gearing up to block widespread distribution of this vaccine, claiming that it will only encourage women to have sex. These creatures pretending to be humans may be condeming their own daughters to die, rather than take the chance that they might have sex. - Free, anonymous AIDS testing is available in ABQ.
http://www.nmas.net/cms/hivtesting.phtml
It looks like they're also doing vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B. They're also friendly, understanding, and nonpreachy. - Plan B (emergency contraception) is available in New Mexico.
There are some pharmacists who refuse to fill those prescriptions, but you should be able to find a place in ABQ to get it. There is a list in one of my old LJ posts ( http://anda.livejournal.com/91226.html), but it's a bit old, so I would strongly suggest calling before going. - Planned Parenthood has many sexual-health services in New Mexico.
I don't need this much since I do have health insurance, but lack of insurance is no reason not to take care of your sexual health: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/ppnewmex/ - Abortion rights are under attack in the USA.
South Dakota recently passed a bill which would outlaw abortion, including in cases of rape and incest. I shan't recount here how incensed this makes me.
How's New Mexico on abortion rights? See: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/choice-action-center/in_your_state/who-decides/state-profiles/new-mexico.html
It should be noted that vaccination will not work if you are already infected.
Also, I do not condone emergency contraception for general contraceptive use. It's for emergencies only. It won't protect you from STDs and is not guaranteed to prevent conception.
If you are sexually active at all, use a condom at the very least and learn how to use it right.
If the possibility of pregnancy is worrysome to you (and you're female), get on The Pill or some other form of contraception, if at all possible. The Pill won't protect you from STDs either, though.