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Heidi Fantasia

Bio

Dr. Heidi Collins Fantasia is currently an assistant professor of nursing for the University of Massachusetts/Lowell.  She has served as adjunct clinical faculty at Boston College and is currently a visiting scholar at the school of nursing. She is also employed as a nurse practitioner for Health Quarters, a Title X family planning and STD clinic in northeastern Massachusetts. Her clinical work is directed toward a primarily adolescent and young adult population and focuses on sexual and reproductive health and safety, contraception management, and routine gynecologic care. Dr. Fantasia’s current research interests include adolescent sexual decision-making, adolescent sexual safety, sexual consent, and the experience of unwanted sex. Dr. Fantasia received her BSN at Salem State College, her MS at Boston College, and her PhD at Boston College.  


Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Nursing:
    Doctors Reluctant to Expand Nurse Practitioners' Role: Survey

    WEDNESDAY, May 15 (HealthDay News) -- The United States has a shortage of primary care doctors, and some policymakers want to fill the gap by expanding the role of nurse practitioners. But the two professions are engaged in a turf war over who can do the job better, a new survey finds.

    Th...Full Article

  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    What is the generic name for Depo-Provera Contraceptive?

    The generic name for Depo-Provera is medroxyprogesterone. This contraceptive is a type of hormone called progesterone that is given by injection. The Depo-Provera shot can either go into the muscle or just under the skin.

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    At what age should I stop having Pap smears?

    According to the guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society (ACS), women who are over the age of 65 and have had regular Pap smear screenings with normal results do not need to be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) and have no history

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    If I am pregnant, is it safe to use Mirena?

    The Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS) is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. It should never be used during pregnancy and pregnancy should be ruled out prior to having the IUS inserted.

    If you have a Mirena IUS in place and discover you are pregnant you should contact your health care provider

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    Will Mirena protect me from sexually transmitted diseases?

    The Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS) is used for the prevention of pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV.

    The best protection against STIs is using condoms and being in a mutually monogamous realtionship with a partner who has tested negative for STIs. If you

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    What should seniors know before using Mirena?
    The Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS) is used for the prevention of pregnancy and is appropriate for childbearing women who desire a long term method of contraception. It can be used through the menopause transition to provide contraception. It is not intended for post menopausal use.   Full Post
  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    Should I worry about allergies with Mirena?
    The Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS) contains the hormone levonorgestrel. Women with a known allergy to this medication should not use Mirena. Women with a sensitivity to any part of the device, such as the polyethylene frame, should not use Mirena.   Full Post
  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    How effective is a vaginal ring in preventing pregnancy?

    The vaginal ring is very effective in preventing pregnancy. When used correctly it is up to 99% effective.

    The ring is inserted into the vagina and left in place for 3 weeks. The hormones estrogen and progesterone in the ring are absorbed through the vaginal walls. The ring comes in one size and does not need

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    Does human papillomavirus (HPV) cause throat cancer?

    Yes, HPV infection has been linked to oral, head and neck cancers, specifically oropharyngeal cancers of the tonsils and tongue base. The primary mode of transmission is thought to be oral-genital contact with an infected sexual partner. Men experience HPV-related oral cancers at a higher rate than women.

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    How is the HPV virus contracted?

    The HPV virus is spread through direct skin to skin contact with an infected partner. It can be passed during oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Infants may also be infected during delivery as they pass through the cervix and vagina of an infected mother.

    HPV can be passed even when a sexual partner has no

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

    A sexually transmitted disease is any infection (or disease) that is spread from person to person as a result of intimate contact or sexual relations. There are many different types of sexually transmitted diseases and some can be caused by bacteria and some by viruses. Depending on the specific

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  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    Can I get human papillomavirus (HPV) again?
    Yes, you can get HPV again. There are more than 100 different strains (or types) of HPV, and approximately 40 of those are sexually transmitted and affect the genitals. It is possible to clear one strain and then be infected with a different one, especially if you have a new sexual partner.   Full Post
  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    What are the side effects of Plan B One-Step?
    The side effects of Plan B One-Step are usually minor. Some women may experience nausea and occasionally vomiting after taking this medication. For most women, their menstrual period will be at the expected time, but may be lighter or heavier. Other side effects could include abdominal cramping, headache,...  Full Post
  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    Should I worry about allergies with Plan B One-Step?
    Plan B One-Step contains only one medication, a hormone called levonorgestrel. This hormone is a type of progesterone. Women who have a known allergy or sensitivity to this medication should not take Plan B One-Step.  Full Post
  • Heidi Fantasia
    Heidi Fantasia of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:
    In what forms can Plan B One-Step be used?
    Plan B One-Step is a pill that is taken orally.  Full Post