From the Aug 12 – Aug 18, 2004 issue

Pullout

STDs, Babies, and Rape

Where to Turn When Things Go Wrong

by Annie Wagner

The fornication superhighway is riddled with unpleasant detours, and if you want to arrive at your destination unharmed, it's good to keep a few resources in mind.

STDs Sexually transmitted infections and diseases range from treatable bacterial infections like chlamydia and syphilis to wily viral terrorists like HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS), HSV (better known as herpes), and HPV (a quiet and extremely common specimen, some strains of which cause cervical cancer). The good news is, proper condom use prevents transmission of many of these nasties, and a vaccine for the one that seems indifferent to latex (HPV) should be released within the next few years. The bad news? You can't get treated if you haven't been tested. Get thee to a clinic:

Your primary care physician or HMO Most provide the regular battery of tests, plus the Pap test for women that helps identify HPV infections.

Planned Parenthood STD testing, including HIV, plus Pap smears. Three Seattle locations: 2001 E Madison St on Capitol Hill (328-7700), 4500 Ninth Ave NE, Ste 324, in the University District (632-2498), and 9641 28th Ave SW in West Seattle (935-0152).

King County Public Health's STD Clinic HIV and other STD testing. Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave (731-3590). Charges on a sliding scale.

Gay City Health Project Wellness Center Free HIV and other STD testing, focused on serving gay and bisexual men. 1513 Broadway Ave (860-6969).

Babies Babies are a common byproduct of heterosexual sex. If you want to avoid impregnating your heterosexual partner or becoming pregnant yourself, use birth control assiduously. If a condom breaks or you're forced to have unprotected sex (see below), then thank the beneficent stars you live in Washington. The Evergreen State is one of only six enlightened U.S. territories that allow pharmacists to give you the emergency contraceptive Plan B without a doctor's prescription--that is, quickly, so you don't overshoot the critical 72-hour window. And if you do become pregnant, you have options.

Planned Parenthood All birth control methods, counseling, emergency contraception, and abortion services. See above for addresses. Plan B is sometimes cheaper at Planned Parenthood.

Your local pharmacy An excellent source of condoms and pee sticks. Most of the major Seattle-area pharmacies (Bartell's, Fred Meyer, etc.) are also willing to dispense Plan B (expect to pay around $65). To find out if your pharmacy is similarly progressive, call ahead or check out the directory at ec.princeton.edu.

Adoption If you don't want to end your pregnancy, but you're not ready to put your life on hold to raise a kid, you can place your infant for adoption. Get information about your adoption options from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse at naic.acf.hhs.gov/ or 888-251-0075.

Rape, Abuse, and Domestic Violence Most rape victims are raped by someone they know. There's no absolute way to prevent date rape, but you can be smart about your surroundings by mixing your own cocktails at parties and personally retrieving your drink from bartenders. If you are sexually assaulted, call a rape crisis line as soon as possible.

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center Available 24 hours a day. 888-99-VOICE, or www.kcsarc.org/.