Cost Of Raising a Kid For a middle-income family to raise a child born in 2015 through the age of 17, the cost of rearing a child has hit $233,610, according to the report. The price jump is a 3% increase from the previous year, according to the report, with housing taking up a bulk of the expense at 29% of the cost. Food took the second biggest expense at 18%, according to the report. The report, which tracks seven categories of family spending, including housing, transportation and clothing, helps court systems and government agencies determine the costs of child-support. The report does not track payments for college or financial contributions from non-parental sources, including government aid, Bloomberg reported. The increase this year falls below the historic average annual increase of 4.3%, according to Bloomberg. Transportation expenses, driving in particular, have fallen due to lower projected energy costs. Among upper-income families, costs for childcare and education have increased. The report classifies middle-class families as having a before-tax income of $59,200 to $107,000. Families with lower incomes are expected to spend $174,690, while families with higher incomes will likely spend $372,210.

Transportation Getting To A Clinic Home » Community Resources » Transportation Dial-A-Ride & Coos County Area Transit (CCAT) coostransit.org 541-267-7111 Yellow Cab Taxi 2756 Woodland Drive Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-267-3111 Coastal Express (between cities) currypublictransit.org 541-412-8806 Translink (Rides/reimbursement for medical appointments for open card clients) 239 E Barnett Rd Medford, OR 97501 888-518-8160 Full Moon Taxi 541-269-7790 Bay Cities Brokerage (BCB) bca-ride.com 3505 Ocean Blvd SE Coos Bay, OR 97420 877-324-8109 DAV Van Service (Transportation to VA medical appointments) Based out of Roseburg VA Hospital 541-440-1293 Ext 44358

CHLAMYDIA TESTIMONIALS A few days ago, I was having problem urinating, and it was very painful whenever I went to the washroom. I even noticed a yellow and white discharge. Initially I ignored it, but with the increase in pain I thought of researching it online and it looked like I was suffering from gonorrhea. I rushed to my general physician and got it checked. These sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia can now be detected through diagnostic testing of extra-genital specimens. Male patient, 35 Name, Title Previous Next 30 to 39

Birth Control PP Birth control is how you prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different birth control options out there. We’re here to help you figure it all out. ​

One At Home This program allows Oregon residents to receive a free envelope of sexual wellness supplies delivered discreetly to their door, up to twice per 30 days. ​

Pubic Lice "Crabs" Also called crab lice or “crabs,” pubic lice are parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. Pubic lice infestation is found worldwide and occurs in all races, ethnic groups, and levels of society. Pubic lice have three forms: the egg (also called a nit), the nymph, and the adult. Nit: Nits are lice eggs. They can be hard to see and are found firmly attached to the hair shaft. They are oval and usually yellow to white. Pubic lice nits take about 6–10 days to hatch. Nymph: The nymph is an immature louse that hatches from the nit (egg). A nymph looks like an adult pubic louse but it is smaller. Pubic lice nymphs take about 2–3 weeks after hatching to mature into adults capable of reproducing. To live, a nymph must feed on blood. Adult: The adult pubic louse resembles a miniature crab when viewed through a strong magnifying glass. Pubic lice have six legs; their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab. This is how they got the nickname “crabs.” Pubic lice are tan to grayish-white in color. Females lay nits and are usually larger than males. To live, lice must feed on blood. If the louse falls off a person, it dies within 1–2 days. Pubic lice usually are found in the genital area on pubic hair; but they may occasionally be found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpits, mustache, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Pubic lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes of children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse. Lice found on the head generally are head lice, not pubic lice. Animals do not get or spread pubic lice. Signs and symptoms of pubic lice include the following: Itching in the genital area Visible nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice Pubic lice usually are spread through sexual contact and are most common in adults. Pubic lice found on children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse. Occasionally, pubic lice may be spread by close personal contact or contact with articles such as clothing, bed linens, or towels that have been used by an infested person. A common misconception is that pubic lice are spread easily by sitting on a toilet seat. This would be extremely rare because lice cannot live long away from a warm human body and they do not have feet designed to hold onto or walk on smooth surfaces such as toilet seats. Persons infested with pubic lice should be examined for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. A pubic lice infestation is diagnosed by finding a “crab” louse or egg (nit) on hair in the pubic region or, less commonly, elsewhere on the body (eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, armpit, perianal area, groin, trunk, scalp). Pubic lice may be difficult to find because there may be only a few. Pubic lice often attach themselves to more than one hair and generally do not crawl as quickly as head and body lice. If crawling lice are not seen, finding nits in the pubic area strongly suggests that a person is infested and should be treated. If you are unsure about infestation or if treatment is not successful, see a health care provider for a diagnosis. Persons infested with pubic lice should be investigated for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. Although pubic lice and nits can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye, a magnifying lens may be necessary to find lice or eggs. Treatment A lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat pubic (“crab”) lice. These products are available over-the-counter without a prescription at a local drug store or pharmacy. These medications are safe and effective when used exactly according to the instructions in the package or on the label. Lindane shampoo is a prescription medication that can kill lice and lice eggs. However, lindane is not recommended as a first-line therapy. Lindane can be toxic to the brain and other parts of the nervous system; its use should be restricted to patients who have failed treatment with or cannot tolerate other medications that pose less risk. Lindane should not be used to treat premature infants, persons with a seizure disorder, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lindane will be applied, infants, children, the elderly, and persons who weigh less than 110 pounds. Malathion* lotion 0.5% (Ovide*) is a prescription medication that can kill lice and some lice eggs; however, malathion lotion (Ovide*) currently has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of pubic (“crab”) lice. Both topical and oral ivermectin have been used successfully to treat lice; however, only topical ivermectin lotion currently is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of lice. Oral ivermectin is not FDA-approved for treatment of lice. How to treat pubic lice infestations: (Warning: See special instructions for treatment of lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes. The lice medications described in this section should not be used near the eyes.) Wash the infested area; towel dry. Carefully follow the instructions in the package or on the label. Thoroughly saturate the pubic hair and other infested areas with lice medication. Leave medication on hair for the time recommended in the instructions. After waiting the recommended time, remove the medication by following carefully the instructions on the label or in the box. Following treatment, most nits will still be attached to hair shafts. Nits may be removed with fingernails or by using a fine-toothed comb. Put on clean underwear and clothing after treatment. To kill any lice or nits remaining on clothing, towels, or bedding, machine-wash and machine-dry those items that the infested person used during the 2–3 days before treatment. Use hot water (at least 130°F) and the hot dryer cycle. Items that cannot be laundered can be dry-cleaned or stored in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks. All sex partners from within the previous month should be informed that they are at risk for infestation and should be treated. Persons should avoid sexual contact with their sex partner(s) until both they and their partners have been successfully treated and reevaluated to rule out persistent infestation. Repeat treatment in 9–10 days if live lice are still found. Persons with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Special instructions for treatment of lice and nits found on eyebrows or eyelashes: If only a few live lice and nits are present, it may be possible to remove these with fingernails or a nit comb. If additional treatment is needed for lice or nits on the eyelashes, careful application of ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment (only available by prescription) to the eyelid margins 2–4 times a day for 10 days is effective. < Previous Next > ​

Teen Mom Speaks 15 to 17 "I was 16 and still in high school. One thing I wish I had known was how big of an emotional toll being in separate households from my boyfriend was going to be. I was a single mother and I developed terrible baby blues, which caused me to leave the father of my baby." — Kyndal, 19

How To Be Supportive Accidentally getting a girl pregnant is probably the last thing you ever expected — or wanted — at this time in your life. However, here you are, reeling from the news that the woman you have slept with is pregnant with your baby. It does not matter whether this woman is your wife, a long-term girlfriend, a casual partner or even a one-night fling. As the father of her baby, you must take responsibility for your actions. Both of you made the adult decision to have sex with each other, and now you must face the consequences together. For many men, dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can seem like the end of their life as they know it. This doesn’t have to be the case. You and the woman you have impregnated with always have options for your unplanned pregnancy, but it’s important that you discuss this situation in detail before moving forward. If you’re asking, “She is pregnant — what do I do and how do I talk to her about it?” find some tips below for this important conversation. 1. Take a Deep Breath. People often wonder how to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. For men and women alike, it’s important to stay calm. An unplanned pregnancy is a frightening and overwhelming situation; you may be feeling angry at yourself and her, worried about your future, and completely unsure of what to do. Remember that you are in this journey together. Do not take your feelings out on each other; take a deep breath and try to approach this circumstance as a team. You may be reading this article after the expectant mother told you about her pregnancy — and you may be ashamed of how you acted. Rather than looking at the situation rationally, you may have jumped to emotional conclusions and said things you didn’t mean. Think about how your reaction may have affected her. She is probably just as frightened as you, and if you responded negatively, it likely didn’t help the circumstances. If this is the case, take responsibility for your actions, apologize and give yourselves another chance to discuss what to do about your unplanned pregnancy. 2. Don’t Make it All About You. When you first learn about accidentally getting a girl pregnant, your thoughts will first go to how this will affect your life: I need to get a job, I’m going to have to quit school, I’m going to have to cancel my traveling plans. While it’s perfectly normal to focus on how this pregnancy will affect you, remember that it will affect the expectant mother, too — even more so, as she is the one to physically experience the pregnancy. If you choose to focus on yourself, she will understandably feel abandoned and unimportant in this situation. This news of an unexpected pregnancy can be devastating, but remember that you are both affected by this situation — and you should approach it as a united front. 3. Ask Her How She’s Feeling. On the same note, taking the mother’s feelings into account can be done by simply starting with a simple question: How are you feeling? This question opens up the conversation for her to lead moving forward. It’s an empathetic query that allows her to express her complicated emotions, her initial thoughts and ask for your opinion, too. This will give you the chance to collect your own thoughts (as long as you listen to her answer at the same time!) and understand better where she is at in her decision process and what she desires from you as the man in her unplanned pregnancy. Starting with a non-judgmental, open-ended question will help inspire a positive conversation, rather than one that points blame at each other and results in no productive solutions. 4. Understand What Your Options Are. Whether a woman has indicated she has made a choice about her unplanned pregnancy or she is still deciding, it’s crucial that you understand your unplanned pregnancy options, too. Men dealing with unplanned pregnancy have just as much input in the decision as the woman but, keep in mind that because a woman will be the one carrying the child, she will have the ultimate decision. If you’re looking for unexpected pregnancy advice for men, consider these questions about each of your options moving forward: Parenting: Can you afford to raise a child? Are you ready to take on a new job or extra shifts to afford this new member of your family? Are you ready to put aside some of your personal dreams for the best interest of your child? Are you prepared to marry this woman? Or to co-parent this child without getting married? Are you willing to take parenting classes to learn more about raising a child? Abortion: Will you pitch in to help the mother afford the cost of an abortion? Will you be there to support the woman through her initial appointment and her abortion procedure? Adoption: Do you understand how adoption works today? Are you prepared to legally sign away your parental rights to your child? How involved do you want to be in the process: in helping to choose a family, having a relationship with your child as they grow up, supporting the mother through her pregnancy, etc.? Are you willing to speak with the expectant mother to an adoption counselor? Only after you fully understand your options can you have a productive conversation about what to do after accidentally getting a girl pregnant. 5. Create a Plan Together. It takes two to cause an unplanned pregnancy — and you two should both be involved in the situation moving forward. As tempting as it can be to walk away, it’s important that you man up, take responsibility for your actions and work with the expectant mother to create a plan that’s best for you both. You both should answer these questions: Where do you see yourself in five years? Will raising a baby interfere with those plans? Do you see this relationship lasting? Are you ready to commit to a long-term connection by having a baby together? What are your gut reactions to finding out about this unplanned pregnancy? What can you do to help each other through this process? It’s crucial you answer these questions and have an open conversation before creating a plan. That way, you can ensure that both your and the woman’s needs and wants are addressed — creating a more positive, cooperative path moving forward. It can be a difficult situation for men dealing with an unplanned pregnancy if the woman chooses a path they do not agree with. If this is your situation, honestly try to see the situation from her perspective. Explain why you would prefer she choose other paths — and offer up support. For example, if you are against abortion but do not wish to support her through her pregnancy or childbirth, you can see where she might not take your opinion into account. Remember this: The decision is ultimately up to the woman who will carry the pregnancy for nine months. It is your duty to support her, whatever she chooses. 6. Give Her the Support She Wants. Once a woman has made her choice, move forward by asking her what support she needs from you. Whether she wants you intimately involved in her abortion, adoption, pregnancy or parenting (or not), offer your support and respect her wishes. She may wish for you to be there during her doctor’s appointments or have you be involved in the adoption process. If she chooses to parent, she may want you to have a presence in your child’s life. Keep in mind, as a biological father, you will likely be legally required to pay child support if you do not wish to be involved in your child’s life. It can be difficult to overcome your personal wishes in an unplanned pregnancy, but take responsibility and be there to assist the expectant mother however you can. 7. Learn from Your Experience. Whatever else results from you accidentally getting a girl pregnant, you will learn life lessons. Take these to heart to avoid another concerning situation like this. Always use multiple forms of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy, and maybe think more about the potential ramifications of sex before you engage in this action. We’re not here to encourage you to abandon all casual sex; just take more precautions before doing so. This experience may also teach you a bit about yourself and what you want in your life. Do you really wish to be a parent? When do you want to have a child? What do you want to accomplish before another pregnancy?

CHLAMYDIA TESTIMONIALS Reading all of these stories, makes me want to share mine. I was dealing with a guy for ten years, never contracted a STD from that relationship. I decided to try and end that relationship to begin another one. This new guy and I never had intercourse but engaged in oral sex. He told me that his ex-gf contracted chlamydia and told me to get tested. I did. Results came back, I got chlamydia and gonorrhea. My ten years partner was negative and showed me his results. New dude claimed he got results but refused to show me his results. Just by receiving oral sex look what happened to me. They say STDs can be contracted only by anal and vaginal, but in my case oral too. Be Careful ladies. Have the man get tested before dealing with them. Female patient, 25 Name, Title Previous Next 20 to 29

Teen Mom Speaks 10 to 14 "I got pregnant at 13 and had my baby at 14. I wish I had known how insanely hard it would be. Forget the screaming baby and the poop running up their back while you're trying to rinse spit-up out of your freshly curled hair. It's the amount of stress, the lack of support, and the stereotypes that comes with being a teen mom and trying to prove people wrong. Nobody wanted the mom with a baby at their slumber party." — Jennifer, 23

Trichomoniasis Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms. What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. How common is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected with trichomoniasis. How do people get trichomoniasis? The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. It probably depends on factors like a person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others. What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis? About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go. Men with trichomoniasis may notice: Itching or irritation inside the penis; Burning after urination or ejaculation; Discharge from the penis. Women with trichomoniasis may notice: Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals; Discomfort with urination; A change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell. Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years. What are the complications of trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner. How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby? Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds). How is trichomoniasis diagnosed? It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your health care provider can examine you and get a laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis. What is the treatment for trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women to take this medication. It is not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication. People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated. Also, wait 7- 10 days after you and your partner have been treated to have sex again. Get checked again if your symptoms come back. How can trichomoniasis be prevented? The only way to avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis: Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test results; use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis. But the parasite can infect areas that are not covered by a condom – so condoms may not fully protect you from getting trichomoniasis. Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of STIs before you have sex with a new partner. That way you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life. If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other STI, talk to a healthcare provider. < Previous Next > ​

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccines. What is HPV? Should I get the HPV vaccine? HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is a different virus than HIV and HSV (herpes). 79 million Americans, most in their late teens and early 20s, are infected with HPV. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. But there are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening. How is HPV spread? You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected. This makes it hard to know when you first became infected. Does HPV cause health problems? In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. A healthcare provider can usually diagnose warts by looking at the genital area. Does HPV cause cancer? HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer). Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types of HPV that can cause cancers. There is no way to know which people who have HPV will develop cancer or other health problems. People with weak immune systems (including those with HIV/AIDS) may be less able to fight off HPV. They may also be more likely to develop health problems from HPV. How can I avoid HPV and the health problems it can cause? You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV. Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups. (See “Who should get vaccinated?” below) CDC recommends HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years) and for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already. For more information on the recommendations, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer. If you are sexually active: Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom – so condoms may not fully protect against getting HPV; Be in a mutually monogamous relationship – or have sex only with someone who only has sex with you. Who should get vaccinated? HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years) and for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit. Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection. How do I know if I have HPV? There is no test to find out a person’s “HPV status.” Also, there is no approved HPV test to find HPV in the mouth or throat. There are HPV tests that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. These tests are only recommended for screening in women aged 30 years and older. HPV tests are not recommended to screen men, adolescents, or women under the age of 30 years. Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening). Others may only find out once they’ve developed more serious problems from HPV, such as cancers. How common is HPV and the health problems caused by HPV? HPV (the virus): About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. About 14 million people become newly infected each year. HPV is so common that almost every person who is sexually-active will get HPV at some time in their life if they don’t get the HPV vaccine. Health problems related to HPV include genital warts and cervical cancer. Genital warts: Before HPV vaccines were introduced, roughly 340,000 to 360,000 women and men were affected by genital warts caused by HPV every year.* Also, about one in 100 sexually active adults in the U.S. has genital warts at any given time. Cervical cancer: Every year, nearly 12,000 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 women die from cervical cancer—even with screening and treatment. There are other conditions and cancers caused by HPV that occur in people living in the United States. Every year, approximately 19,400 women and 12,100 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. *These figures only look at the number of people who sought care for genital warts. This could be an underestimate of the actual number of people who get genital warts. I’m pregnant. Will having HPV affect my pregnancy? If you are pregnant and have HPV, you can get genital warts or develop abnormal cell changes on your cervix. Abnormal cell changes can be found with routine cervical cancer screening. You should get routine cervical cancer screening even when you are pregnant. Can I be treated for HPV or health problems caused by HPV? There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause: Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare provider or with prescription medication. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number. Cervical precancer can be treated. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops. Prevention is always better than treatment. < Previous Next > ​