Health and Emergency Contraception

Overview:

If you need to see a doctor and don't have a regular gynecologist please click here to find one at planned parenthood.

Directory of physicians in the US from Medline.

Find a hospital near you from Medline (map).

Find rape crisis services near you from Medline (map).

Medline directory for Rape crisis resources (topics).

Search for sliding scale (less expensive) medical care in your area.

STD information

Physical symptoms of rape

 

Physical symptoms from Rape Treatment Center UCLA

http://66.216.123.69/RTC/Impact+of+Rape/Physical+Symptoms/

"Some victims have physical symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, and stomachaches. You may find that it is very difficult to concentrate on routine activities. You may also experience changes in your sexuality, such as a loss of interest in sex or avoidance of sexual situations."

Other physical problems may be:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Gynecological and pregnancy complications
• Migraines and other frequent headaches
• Back pain
• Facial pain
• Disability preventing work (Jewkes, Sen, and Garcia-Moreno 2002)
  

Web MD

http://www.webmd.com/

For basic facts on any condition: an overview of symptoms and links to possible causes and treatments.

 

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/

Consumer oriented information about both illnesses and drugs.

Intelihealth

http://www.intelihealth.com/

The Drug Resource center explains how to read labels and and offers tips on buying medications online.

 

Consumer Reports- best buy drugs

http://crbestbuydrugs.org/

"Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs is a public education project of Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports."

 

Government Resources

Medline directory for Rape crisis resources from Medline

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rape.html

Medline is a very highly respected medical resource.

 

National Women's Health Information Center

www.4woman.gov

This web site and toll-free call center were created to provide free, reliable health information for women everywhere. Free hotline: 1-800-994-WOMAN

 

What is emergency contraception? from 4woman

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/econtracep.htm

This site explains how emergency contraception works and answers basic questions often asked.

 

Women's Health Topics from Medline

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/womenshealth.html

A directory of women's health topics.

 

Non-profit Resources

Select a physician- online tool for finding a doctor.

Accept the terms of the disclaimer and use the finding tool.

 

Journal of American Medical Women's Association

http://www.jamwa.org

AMWA is a recognized leader in bringing the under-addressed concerns of women and their children to national attention. The Winter 2005 issue addresses violence against women, including the impact of partner abuse on women’s reproductive rights, gang rape in the military, and factors contributing to maternal mortality.

 

Emergency contraception

Information from planned parenthood on emergency contraception.

Private Sector Resources

The truth about rape from rape recovery

http://www.raperecovery.com/truth_about_rape.htm

This resource has useful information about planning for your Doctor's visits. If you are worried about an upcoming doctor's appointment it is helpful to write or call them ahead of time to let them know your history. This can avoid any misunderstandings and reduce the stress during your visit. It is especially helpful if you have trouble verbalizing your problems. Bring a copy of the letter with you in case the nurse did not receive it. Make an appointment to do something relaxing with a friend afterwards. Try to take the whole day off from work if you can. If you are going to the emergency room request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

Educational Resources

Emergency contraception and how to obtain it

http://ec.princeton.edu

For more information on health care for rape victims click here.

 

References:

Mcauslan, Pamela (1999). After sexual assualt: The relationship between women's disclosure, the reactions of others, and health. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 60(1-B), pp. 0411. link

Quote:

"negative social reactions were a strong predictor of negative health outcomes. These results are considered within the theoretical frameworks of the psychosomatic theory of inhibition and social support theory."