Reproductive health is the care of the male and female reproductive organs (or sex organs). During a visit with your primary care provider or OB-GYN, you can ask any questions you have about your breasts, menstrual cycle, cramps, abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation when you urinate, lesions to the genital area, sex, condom use, birth control, and anything else you are concerned or curious about.

The visit will likely include a conversation about your medical history, an exam, and lab work. Remember that you can request privacy when talking with your provider!

Female Reproductive Organs

Be Safe

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs aka STDs) are spread through unprotected sex. They can spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or rectum. STIs can also spread through drug use with needles. Some of these infections can be cured with medication; others can’t be cured but can be controlled with medication. If you are having sex, then using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from getting an STI.

Be in Control

Birth control provides protection from pregnancy and comes in different forms. Examples include…

MOST EFFECTIVE

EFFECTIVE

LESS EFFECTIVE

Keep Calm

If the condom breaks, you can use emergency contraception (EC), aka Plan B. It comes as either a pill (one dose) or an IUD. The EC pill can be bought over the counter (without a prescription). An IUD requires a visit to an adolescent or reproductive health clinic. EC should be used within 1-5 days of unprotected sex (the earlier you take it, the more effective it is). So, if you have unprotected sex and forgot to take your birth control at the scheduled time, or if a condom breaks, use EC as soon as you can!

There’s a local program called Plan B NOLA that provides free or by-donation emergency contraception. You can call them at (504) 264-3656 or learn more at planbnola.com.

Teen-Friendly NOLA Clinics

Clinics that serve adolescents usually focus on the reproductive health needs of adolescents and young adults but may also provide primary care services. The ages served vary depending on the clinic, but they usually include preteens (11 or 12 years old), teens (12-17 years old), and young adults (18-24 years old).

School-Based Health Centers

SBHCs provide STD testing and birth control education. These facilities cannot prescribe birth control.

SBHCs that provide care to all adolescents in the community:

McDonogh 35
4000 Cadillac St.
New Orleans, LA 70122
(504) 359-6821

Sci High
5625 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 613-5648

SBHCs that only provide care to students that attend their schools:

ORLEANS PARISH

Cohen College Prep
3520 Dryades St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 613-5648

Warren Easton
3036 Iberville St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 324-7880

ST. BERNARD PARISH

Chalmette High School
1100 E. Judge Perez Dr.
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 333-6988

JEFFERSON PARISH

Bonnabel High School
2801 Bruin Dr.
Kenner, LA 70065
(504) 303-6676

John Ehret High School
4300 Patriot St.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 371-1318

Riverdale High School
240 Riverdale Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 834-5026

West Jefferson High School
2200 8th St.
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 367-4407