Frequently Asked Questions
The M.A.R.S. Program has reached out to over 11,500 youth and young adults in Benton County. This page addresses some of the more Frequently Asked Questions the M.A.R.S. Program has received. Disclaimer: This is not medical advice.
FAQ for Guys/Gals
Sexually Transmitted Infections 
- What's the difference between an STI and an STD?
STI is short for sexually transmitted infection whereas STD means sexually transmitted disease. They can be used interchangeably but STI is the currently accepted terminology because the word "disease" has a more negative connotation. - Can you get genital herpes in other places than just your genitals or mouth?
Yes, the herpes virus has been known to infect the tissue in and around the eyes, and also around the nose. You can spread it to different areas of yourself as well as to others. If a woman has an outbreak of herpes when she is going into labor, doctors have been known to choose a cesarean birth to avoid exposing the unborn child to the virus when it passes the vagina during birth. Herpes is an extremely contagious virus. Herpes can be spread from mouth to genitals, as well as genitals to mouth if sores are present. - Which sexually transmitted infections are curable and which ones are not?
The STIs that are caused by viruses have no cure. HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS), herpes (the oral strain are commonly know as "cold sores"), HPV (also known as Genital Warts), and Hepatitis B are all infections caused by viruses and are not curable.
Other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are infections caused by bacteria, and are treatable with antibiotics. - Where do I go to get screened to see if I might have an STI?
You can be screened at private health providers, county clinics (fees are usually based on a sliding scale), and university student health clinics. To find out clinics in your Benton, Deschutes and Jackson Counties, click here. - How can I protect myself from getting an STI?
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and lower your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. STIs can be transmitted from an exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, preseminal fluid, seman, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Some STIs are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Here are ways you can help prevent STIs:- Abstinence (No genital contact) is the only 100% effective way to avoid contracting STIs.
- Condom Use Properly using a condom every time you have any type of sexual contact (oral, anal or vaginal sex) is another way you can lower your risk. People who are allergic to latex can use plastic (polyurethane) condoms. Note: Birth control pills do not protect from STIs. Condoms help protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
- Talk About Your Sexual History Talking about your sexual history, and the sexual history of your partner is another way you can assess your risk. The more partners you or your partner has had the higher the risk of exposure to sexually trasmitted infections.
- Get Tested One really good preventative step you can take is to make an appointment with your health care provider to be screened for STIs in between sexual partners.
- Do Not Share Needles If you inject drugs with needles, always use a sterile needle that has never been used before.
- Wear Protective Gear If you must come into contact with someone's bodily fluids at work or in some other situation, use proper protective gear, such as face shields and rubber gloves to prevent direct contact with your skin or other mucous membranes.
- Can I have an STI and not know it?
Yes, there are STIs that may not show outward signs or symptoms. Chlamydia, for example, is highest reported STI in the United States, and it only shows outward symptoms in about 50% of males, and 25% of females. That means unless people get tested in between sexual partners they may unknowingly pass an infection to their next partner. - If I have an STI will all of my partners get it?
Not necessarily. If you know that you have an STI you should inform your partner before you engage in any sexual contact. That way they can make an informed decision about whether to take the risk of exposure. If your STI is curable (bacterial STIs) you can get treated and after a certain period of time (which depends on the treatment) you would be cured. If you have an STI which is not curable (viral STIs) there are safety steps that can be taken to lower your partner's risk. - If my partner and I both get tested and come up clean, are we at risk of getting an STI?
To contract an STI you have to get it from a host. So, if you and your partner are monogamous and both uninfected, the risk of contracting an STI is minimal. However, other infections can be transmitted, such as oral herpes, to the genital area. Precautions should still be taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy. - How many people have an STI?
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 19 million infections occur every year. Of that 19 million, almost half of the infections occur in youth ages 15 to 24. It's important to note when we discuss numbers and statistics about STIs, that the current numbers come from reported cases. There may be many more individuals who are infected but have not reported their case or have not sought out treatment. - Can I get an STI without being sexually active?
Abstaining from sexual activity is the best way to protect you from getting an STI. Being sexually active can mean more than just having sexual intercourse, however. STIs can be spread through oral and anal contact, too. Remember that STIs are spread through an exchange of bodily fluids (preseminal fluid, sperm, vaginal fluid, and blood) or through direct skin-to-skin contact. - If you get HIV does it always turn into AIDS?
Being diagnosed with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) does not mean you automatically get AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Being diagnosed with HIV means you have the HIV virus present in your body. Having AIDS refers to having an extremely weakened immune system as a result of damage that the HIV virus has done. In other words HIV is the virus, AIDS is an indicator of damage to your immune system. HIV usually leads to AIDS and ultimately, death. Current treatments may reduce the symptoms of HIV and extend the life of an infected person. - After a person is treated for an STI, can they get it or another one again?
Yes, you do not build immunity to sexually transmitted infections. After you complete treatment, you are still susceptible to re-infection. If you have been treated, it is often a good idea to have your partner treated as well so you don't pass the infection back and forth. - Does sexual contact mean sexual intercourse (penetration)?
Sexual contact refers to vaginal, anal or oral sex. Remember that some sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, can be spread by touching and kissing. - Will I have an STI for the rest of my life?
Some sexually transmitted infections are curable. These are the ones caused by bacteria. An antibiotic is prescribed by a doctor and eliminates the bacteria that are causing symptoms. STIs caused by bacteria include: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Untreated bacterial STIs can cause serious health risks.
STIs caused by viruses include: genital warts, herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV. These are not curable. Symptoms may go into remission, but once contracted, the individual will be a carrier for the rest of his/her life and the risk of transmission to others still exists. - Do more partners equal higher risk?
Yes, statistically speaking, the more partners you have, the greater the risk of you contracting a sexually transmitted disease. One way to think of it is when you have sex with someone, you are having sex with anyone they have ever had sex with in the past. Check out this chart below.- Determine the total number of sexual partners you have had.
- Find that number on the LEFT side of the chart.
- Look all the way across the page to find the number of people you have been exposed to.
Pregnancy Prevention and Contraception
- Can a female get pregnant from "dry sex" or "outercourse"?
"Outercourse" or "dry sex" is a relatively safe way to experience pleasure without the risk of pregnancy. However, if at any point in time, semen comes in contact with the vaginal opening, there is a small chance that sperm can survive and come in contact with an egg, causing pregnancy. It's a good idea to make sure that the guy is careful to not ejaculate near the vaginal opening. - Can a female get pregnant from giving oral sex to a guy?
It is impossible for a female to get pregnant from giving oral sex to a guy. Pregnancy occurs when sperm enters a female's vagina. Then sperm must travel through her cervix, through her uterus, and finally, into the fallopian tubes. If the woman is ovulating or has just ovulated (meaning that an egg has been released from her ovary), then a sperm must meet the egg. Only then does fertilization occur. During oral sex, even if the female swallows semen, the sperm cannot get to her ovaries through her stomach.
However, if ejaculation occurs anywhere near her vagina, then there is the possibility that she can get pregnant. Sperm can live 30 minutes to four hours outside of the body. In this case, sperm could potentially make the trip to the fallopian tubes and fertilize an egg.
It is important to note that sexually transmitted infections can be spread through oral sex! So use a flavored condom during fellatio to be safe. - Can a female get pregnant during her period?
YES! Here's how the menstrual cycle works:- Before an egg is released from one of the ovaries, the lining of the uterus begins to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg. The lining of the uterus walls thicken with increased blood and tissue.
- The egg travels from the ovary to the uterus through the fallopian tube. If it goes unfertilized by sperm, the egg breaks up and never implants in the lining of the uterus. (A fertilized egg will implant in the lining of the uterus.)
- If the egg is unfertilized, the uterus sheds the extra build up of tissue and blood – this is know as the female's period.
- Can a female get pregnant if a guy has semen on her hand and then touches her vagina?
Yes, there is a slight chance that sperm will live long enough on the guy's hand to be able to swim "upstream" through the female's vagina, cervix, uterus and into the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs. Sperm can live 30 minutes to four hours outside of the body, so it really depends how much time there is before the semen comes into contact with the vagina. It's a good idea to have the male was his hands before touching the female's vagina, just to be sure. - Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex?
Absolutely! At any point in time, a couple is at risk of pregnancy if they do not use a birth control method. Sperm can live up to six days in the fluids in the female vagina! Even if the female hasn't started her period yet, there is still a chance that she may be in the process of ovulating (releasing eggs) for the first time. Or, if the female starts ovulating after sex, sperm may still be alive in the fallopian tubes and be able to fertilize an egg. - What is contraception?
Contraception is another word for birth control, which is a method to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. - Can a woman get pregnant if she is sexually active and switches birth control methods?
A woman can go right from pills to the patch or to the depo shot; if there is any lag time between the two methods, the couple is recommended to use a back up method for 7 days. - What factors should I consider when choosing a birth control method?
There are several questions you should ask yourself when deciding what method of birth control to use. However, perhaps the most important thing to think about is, "Can (and will you) properly use the method each and every time you have sex?"
Other important questions to ask include:- How well does the method work?
- Is the method easy to get and use?
- How much with it cost?
- Will this method protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections?
- Will you feel embarrassed about using the method? And will you use it anyway?
- Can you and your partner use the method together? Can you use it by yourself if your partner won't help?
- Do you have religious or moral feelings about using birth control? Does the method fit with your religious beliefs?
- How do you feel about touching your body? Do you need to touch your genitals in order to use the method?
- What is Plan B?
Plan B is a form of emergency contraception. It is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex (such as sex without contraception or when contraception fails - the condom broke, you missed two or more birth control pills, you missed your regular contraceptive shot, your diaphragm slipped). Plan B is not a substitute for regular contraception. Plan B does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex it is up to 85% effective in preventing pregnancy. - Does Plan B (emergency contraception) kill the egg?
Plan B does not kill the egg. Plan B, also known as the "morning after" pill, is a way to prevent pregnancy after sex. Plan B consists of two pills that must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. The hormones in Plan B (levonorgestrel) may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary or it may prevent an egg from being fertilized. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant. - How much does an abortion cost?
It really depends on which clinic you go to. The Benton County Health Department does not provide abortions. Some private health providers do provide abortions. For more information about abortions, you can also contact Planned Parenthood. - What are the side effects of the shot (Depo Provera)?
Women who use the shot may experience a change in their periods. Bleeding may be irregular at first, and most women stop having their periods after a few shots. As with other hormonal methods women may experience some nausea. Long term use of Depo Provera can cause a reduction in bone density. Adolescents and young women who are considering using Depo Provera should consider the risk of a reduction in bone density since this an important time in their lives to build bone density. However, studies have shown that most females regain the lost bone density after stopping use of Depo Provera. - Do birth control pills make girls fat?
Birth control pills work by introducing hormones (estrogen, and or progesterone) into the female's body. These hormones may affect appetite or water retention, but the pill alone will not make females fat. Research shows that the average weight gain for women on the pill is 3-5 pounds. - What contraceptive method is the most effective?
Abstinence is the only 100% safe way to prevent pregnancy. If you chose to be sexually active and are searching for contraceptive methods there are many factors to think about before making your decision. The number one thing to consider is will you be able to use the method correctly each and every time. Condoms as well as hormonal forms of birth control (pills, the patch, the shot) can provide up to 99% effectiveness, but that is only when used correctly. So you really need to ask yourself, "Will I be able to use this as directed, each and every time?" The number one cause of contraception failure is human error. Make sure you and your partner take the time and chose a method that will work best for the both of you. - How effective are condoms?
When used properly condoms provide up to 97% effectiveness rates. For the "typical" user, condoms offer 84% effectiveness. This reduction in effectiveness is due to user error. Remember for a condom to be effective it has to be put on properly before any sexual contact has occurred. Test your condom skills at this link: Condom Line-Up. - How do I get contraception, and is it expensive?
This depends on what form of contraception you are searching for. Condoms can be bought at most stores, and there are also places locally that give out free condoms. Some places are in Benton County include: the Benton County Health Department, Happy Trails, Circle of Hope, and the M.A.R.S. Program. The M.A.R.S. Program and other community agencies stock condom baskets at most local bars and some coffee shops – free condoms are abundant! Spermicides can also be bought at most grocery stores. If you are looking for hormonal methods, females need to get them from a doctor. This could be a family doctor, or females can visit the health department. Depending on your income level, you may be eligible for a reduction in the cost of birth control methods available at your local county clinic or university student health center.
Random Questions
- What is a dental dam?
A dental dam is a sheet of latex used as a barrier when performing oral sex on females. It is a form of protection from STI transmission. - Why do they have flavored condoms? Are they safe?
Flavored condoms are safe, but always check the package of all condoms to ensure they are not expired and to see if the package is in quality condition. They are used in oral sex. - How can I tell if I am in love?
Love means different things to different people. There are biological aspects of attraction and passion that are an important part of intimacy. These form very potent sources of fuel for a relationship, and they can be very important if they also include a certain amount of consistent communication and emotional process. Other important ingredients include mutuality in the relationship, respect for the person, and empathy for who they are and what their needs are.
Simpler signs are merely that this is somebody with whom you feel comfortable and enjoy spending time. This should be somebody you look forward to sharing an important experience with. Finally, you should feel that your life is fundamentally enhanced by having this person with you and when this person is not with you, you lose something meaningful. - Will having sex bring me closer to my partner?
For many people, sex in any form (vaginal, oral and anal) is an intimate experience. A certain amount of closeness and trust in the relationship is necessary for them to feel safe and ready to become sexually active. Becoming sexually active with a partner also means you should be having conversations about each other's sexual history, possible prior exposure to sexually transmitted infections and plans to prevent pregnancy. These are sometimes not easy conversations to have without established trust in the relationship. It is true that sexual experiences with a partner may cause you to feel closer to one another, but it's not like you snap your fingers and something's different. In reality, most relationships slowly build trust and comfort with partners first. And there's a lot more to maintaining the relationship after sex. Make sure you are having sex for the right reasons. For instance, if you are considering having sex with your partner as a means to "keep him or her", then you should check the health of your relationship. - What does it mean to be a man?
This is a very abstract and complex topic. This issue is discussed in M.A.R.S. appointments if you are interested in learning about it. The bottom line is that men are more than just what you might immediately think of. Yes, men can be strong, in control, physical, etc. But men, like women, are human beings. That means being a man also means being emotional, crying, feeling out of control and having weaknesses. - How do I know if I am ready to have sex?
It depends on the individual situation. First, it's important to engage in open discussion with your partner because the consequences of having sex will affect both of you. Some possible questions to consider are:- Do you have any moral, religious or cultural convictions that might make having sex the wrong decision for you? Maybe you want to wait until you are married?
- How do you feel about the relationship with your partner that you are in at the moment?
- What do you think might happen as a result of having sex? Do you really understand the potential consequences? The physical and emotional consequences?
- How do you think you will feel about your partner and more importantly, about yourself?
- What do you know about sexually transmitted infections and birth control? Do you know your partner's sexual history and does your partner know yours? Have you considered options for birth control?
- What are each of you willing to do to prevent these situations?
- Right now -- how do you feel about your partner? Do you trust, respect and love him or her? Are those feelings mutual?
- Do you feel pressured to have sex? Is there pressure from your partner, friends or any other reason? dfdf
- Do you feel that you and your partner can make a decision right now and does it feel comfortable to you?
- Can you talk openly to your partner about your decision?
- Will having sex make me popular?
Choosing to have sex is a serious decision. Even though being popular may seem like a big deal, the decision to become sexually active should not be taken lightly. You should be well informed of all the potential consequences and weigh them carefully before you decide if you're truly ready. You should never choose to do anything potentially risky or unsafe, like using alcohol or drugs, simply for the impact it may have on your popularity. You may think everyone is having sex, but the reality is that only a very small portion of adolescents are sexually active. The most well-respected people are those who are true to themselves and their own values and who treat others with respect. Being sexually active has nothing to do with it. - Will having sex make me a man (or woman)?
There's a lot more to being a man or a woman than having sex. The process of maturing intellectually, emotionally and physically marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. Having sex does not flip a switch and turn you into a "man" or a "woman". - Once I lose my virginity, does that mean I have to have sex anyone I'm in a relationship with?
No. You get to choose each and every time when you want to have sex. If someone expects sex, because they know you had sex with a previous partner, then: 1) You absolutely do not need to have sex with them; and 2) You should really consider why you're with that person in the first place!
In fact, just because you have sex one time with a boyfriend or girlfriend, doesn't mean that you automatically have to have sex in the future.
In a healthy relationship, partners respect each other's choices, especially around the topic of whether to be sexually active. - What is the difference between gender and sex?
Gender refers to the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with (socially expected of) one sex. This is a socially learned idea and changes depending on culture. Sex refers to the classification of individuals based on genitalia as commonly male or female. This is a biological/anatomical trait. - What is the definition of gender roles?
Gender roles are a set of behavioral norms associated with males and with females, respectively, in a given social group or system. - Where do gender roles come from?
Gender roles are created by a society. They are a set of behavior rules that are passed down from previous generations' ideas of what men and women should and shouldn't do. Often time stereotypical gender roles are enforced by our friends, our parents, and media. - What's wrong with gender roles the way they are?
The problem with gender roles is that they can be rigid and force individuals to behave in ways that may not feel natural to them. For instance, all humans experience a range of emotions. However, frequently, men are discouraged from showing certain emotions. Boys from a young age are told to not cry. It is more socially acceptable for a man to be angry, for example, than depressed or hurt. There can be unhealthy outcomes when individuals are not able to share their feelings, or even choose hobbies, professions, clothing, etc. because social norms force them to deny their human nature and personal affinities.
FAQ for Parents
- Does M.A.R.S. promote teenagers to have sex?
No. M.A.R.S. promotes risk reduction and overall health and well-being. M.A.R.S. encourages men to be educated about reproductive health and make healthy decisions about their sexuality. M.A.R.S. also promotes healthy relationships and communication. M.A.R.S. asserts that abstinence (no sexual contact) is the only 100% effective way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. - Is M.A.R.S. only for males?
M.A.R.S. is not just for males. One of the core philosophies to the M.A.R.S. Program is that the whole community will benefit by addressing men's reproductive and sexual health. All the material we cover is information everyone could benefit from; after all knowledge is power. In fact, in our classroom sessions our participants are co-gender and are generally evenly split between males and females. We also have a "Female Referral Program". Check out the Gals page of this website to learn more. - What if I don't want my child to participate in sexual education in school?
Schools are required to notify parents/guardians when they will be discussion sex education. This way parents can choose to make other arrangements for their child during the class time scheduled for sex education. - No one ever taught me about the birds and the bees! Why should I discuss sex with my child? Kids just figure these things out.
Despite the belief that peers are the most important factor in young people's lives, most youth report that the values of their parents are still really important to them. Parents who are involved in the lives of their children are more likely to have a positive connection with their child. And as a child is going through those difficult teenage years, a strong relationship with their parent(s) can help. Many teens have questions and want a reliable source for their information. Teens often look to their peers or the internet for information. While many good websites are available, there is the opportunity for misinformation. If you are uncomfortable discussing some topics, direct your teen to the websites listed as resources here.
FAQ for Educators
- Are M.A.R.S. presentations free?
Yes, M.A.R.S. presentations are a free service provided by the health departments in Benton, Deschtues and Jackson Counties. - Is M.A.R.S. only for males?
M.A.R.S. is not just for males. One of the core philosophies to the M.A.R.S. Program is that the whole community will benefit if by addressing men's reproductive and sexual health. All the material we cover is information everyone could benefit from; after all knowledge is power. In fact, in our classroom sessions our participants are co- are generally evenly split between males and females.. We also have a "Female Referral Program". Check out the Gals page of this website to learn more. - Our community is sensitive to sex education issues. Does M.A.R.S. in any way promote sex to teenagers?
M.A.R.S. understands the sensitive nature of the information we discuss during presentations. We will adjust the information presented to accommodate the needs of your community. Our program is abstinence-based. This means that we promote abstinence as the only 100% way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. We do this in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 336.455) which states that sexuality education shall "promote abstinence, but not to the exclusion of material and instruction on contraceptive and disease reduction measures. Also, not devaluing or ignoring those young people who have had or are having sexual intercourse." Our goal is to delay the onset of sexual intercourse and reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs. M.A.R.S. teaches responsible decision-making and communication skills. However, we recognize that some teenagers are thinking about or are already engaging in sexual activities. These teens need information necessary to keep themselves safe from pregnancy and STIs. - Does M.A.R.S. adhere to national and Oregon Health Education Standards?
Yes. The M.A.R.S. curriculum was designed to meet the age appropriate national health education standards as well as Oregon's CIM. To view an overview of our curriculum and the standards each session addresses, click here. - How do I schedule the M.A.R.S. curriculum in my classroom?
Scheduling M.A.R.S. in your classroom is easy! Contact the M.A.R.S. Program Assistant, Taylor Murray, at taylor.murray@co.benton.or.us or 541-766-6033.