Teen Pregnancy and STIs in Tulsa: What Teens Need to Know

Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major concerns for teenagers in Tulsa. These issues are impacting the lives and futures of many teens in the community. However, research has shown that providing accurate information and education to teenagers can make a significant difference. By learning about the risks and ways to protect themselves, teens have the power to reverse these trends and make healthier choices for their futures.

Current Trends and Statistics:

While teen birth rates have declined nationwide, some communities still face high rates. The CDC notes, “Although steadily declining, the US teen birth rate is higher than in other high-income countries.” The Tulsa Health department mentions that Oklahoma ranks 4th highest for teen birth rates among 15–19-year-olds. According to Ashlea Edwards, a nurse at Hope Pregnancy Center, “The most prevalent ones would be herpes or chlamydia.”

Causes and Risk Factors:

Factors like socio-economic challenges and lack of sex education contribute to teen pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic points out that unprotected sex and multiple partners increase STI risk. Teens aged 15 to 24 reports higher STI rates. When asked if she was aware of the STI rates in Tulsa, Oklahoma, local parent Trinity Rippetoe, who found out she was pregnant at seventeen, responded, “No, but I’m sure it’s probably high.” Rippetoe went on to explain that she didn’t receive any sex education in high school, stating, “I wasn’t allowed to take any of those classes.”

Education and Prevention:

Comprehensive sex education is vital. Local organization, Strong Tomorrows, teaches sex education for Tulsa Public Schools. Tips for preventing teen pregnancy include using contraception and understanding abstinence. For STI prevention, use condoms and get regular health check-ups. The CDC advises, “Quality sexual and reproductive health services are crucial for supporting adolescent health.”

Support and Resources:

Rippetoe’s advice for teen mothers who just found out they’re pregnant is to, “Get a support group.” Strong Tomorrows claims that they are, “dedicated to empowering and equipping expectant and parenting students with the necessary resources and support to achieve success in life.” Rippetoe mentions some challenges that she faced as a teen mother who just graduated from high school and lived on her own, “Finances were tough.” Rippetoe continues her advice for teens who just found out they are expecting by stating, “It’s not always easy, give yourself time to learn, you will be learning as well as the child. There’s going to be challenges, you’ll go through ups and downs, but you both will make it through.” Teens in Tulsa can access resources such as Planned Parenthood, school health services, and community programs. A Planned Parenthood representative says, “We offer confidential services and support for teens, from contraception to STI testing.” Hope Pregnancy Center is a Christian Based Clinic out of Oklahoma, they provide free and confidential support services, including pregnancy tests, counseling, and educational resources, to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies. Registered nurse at Hope Pregnancy Center Ashlea Edwards, speaks more about their parenting classes, “Hope offers a parenting class called Hard Parenting that helps walk a pregnant mom through the process of what is this going to look like, what to

expect, and how to be a parent. She earns points while she’s attending the class, and then she gets to spend those points at a little store that we have to get things that she needs for her baby. Edwards mentions that this program is free and lists some of the items that mothers have used their points on after completing the class, including car seats, cribs, and clothing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, education, prevention, and support are crucial in managing teen pregnancy and STIs. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your health, you can make a significant impact on your well-being and future. Equipped with the right information and resources, you can navigate these challenges successfully.

Additional Resources:

Teens can find additional resources and support at local clinics, hotlines, and online platforms. It’s important to reach out for help when needed and utilize available resources to protect their health. Below is a list of resources provided for Tulsa teens who are needing to reach out for help when it comes to pregnancy/STI’s:

Teen Pregnancy Prevention & Sexual Health

Resource	Contact & Location Information	Services	Website
Community Health Connection – Teen Health Clinic	1001-A East 3rd Street 918-622-0641 Tuesdays, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursdays, 1:00 – 6:00 pm	Community Health Connection’s teen clinics provide confidential sexual and reproductive health care for individuals 19 years and younger. Walk-ins are always welcome, and the two locations, each with private entrances, ensure a discreet visit. The warm and caring staff are there to listen, offering counseling and education to address any questions or concerns visitors may have.	Teen Clinic – Community Health Connection
Hope Pregnancy	13012 E 21 ST, Tulsa Oklahoma 74134 918 622-3325 Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm	Hope Pregnancy Center offers free services for unplanned pregnancies. They provide confidential pregnancy confirmation and information on abortion in Oklahoma.	Unplanned Pregnancy Services
Planned Parenthood	1007 S Peoria Ave., Tulsa Ok 74120 918 858-4661 Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm Friday 10:30am-5:00pm Saturday 9:00am-2:30pm	Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA) protects and expands access to sexual and reproductive health care and education, supporting its member affiliates. These independently incorporated charities operate health centers nationwide, providing trusted health care and education for all genders.	Planned Parenthood
211	Call 211 24/7 Services Available	Thousands of caring, local experts are available to help, 24/7. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.	211.org
Morton Comprehensive Health Services	1334 North Lansing Avenue Tulsa, OK 74106 918.587.2171 Monday-Friday* 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Their mission is to provide affordable, quality health care services for all northeast Oklahomans. They focus on short-term wellness, continuity of care, partnerships, and resource leveraging. Core values include transparency, accountability, and responsibility.	Morton Comprehensive Health Services
Strong Tomorrow	1601 S. Main St. \| Suite 100 Tulsa, OK 74119 info@strongtomorrows.com	Their goal is to help expecting and parenting students in Tulsa overcome obstacles and achieve success by providing free support and pathways to graduation.	Strong Tomorrow
The Hope Pregnancy Center	10110 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74146 918-622-3325 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm	Hope, a non-profit organization, offers services without profiting from clients’ decisions. They provide a safe, confidential environment with professional pregnancy testing, education on options, and support from caring staff and volunteers. Additionally, they offer referrals and support programs to assist clients through the decision-making process and beyond.	The Hope Pregnancy Center
SoonerCare	800-987-7767	Administered by The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), SoonerCare works to improve the health of qualified Oklahomans by ensuring medically necessary benefits and services are available.	Pregnancy Services
WIC	315 S Utica Ave, Tulsa, Ok, 74104 918 594-4820	Their mission is to enhance food security and reduce hunger by partnering with organizations to provide children and low-income individuals access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education, while supporting American agriculture and building public trust.	Food and Nutrition Service