Sexuality
When Sex is Just a @#*&!ing Bummer
Sometimes sex is amazing. Other times, it's nice. Then there are the times it sucks. How do you deal, and what's the hidden value in not-at-all-awesome sex?
Sexuality: WTF Is It, Anyway?
The term "sexuality" can be used a lot like the word "sex." They're both terms we say and hear a lot, but which often aren't clearly defined. We take for granted everyone knows what sexuality means, a heck of an assumption to make with something that covers so many important things and can feel as murky as Lake Erie. So: what's it all about?
Driver's Ed for the Sexual Superhighway: Navigating Consent
As it is on the road, being attentive to and giving clear signs and signals is a big deal between the sheets. If consenting feels complicated or confusing, here's a guide to clear it up.
What's Sex?
It's obviously important if you're here for information that you know what we mean when we talk about sex, so we thought we'd make it clear.
With Pleasure: A View of Whole Sexual Anatomy for Every Body
Usually sexual anatomy is taught through the lens of reproduction, so it’s only about penises and vaginas, testes and uteri. Seen through the lens of of pleasure, sexual anatomy looks different.
All About S.E.X.: The Scarleteen Book!
Have a peek at S.E.X., the in-depth and inclusive young adult sexuality guide by Scarleteen founder Heather Corinna, newly updated for 2016!
Condom Basics: A User's Manual
Using a condom is generally easier than it looks (especially if you can relax about it), but the first few times, it can be tricky, especially if you're nervous about knowing how to use one.
Human Reproduction: A Seafarer's Guide
How a pregnancy happens is a lot more complicated and a whole lot more interesting than just a sperm cell and an egg cell running into each other. Here's our map to the way there...or not.
Ready or Not? The Scarleteen Sex Readiness Checklist
Thinking about partnered sex? Do yourself a favor and look through our checklist to get a good idea about the readiness of you and your partner -- it's more complicated and demanding than many people think, and knowing what you need to get ready can help assure that your sexual experiences with a partner will be as great for both of you as possible.
Undoing Sexual Shame
Feeling ashamed about sex or sexuality? Here are some steps to help you get started on turning that around so you can learn to love, not revile, your sexual self.
Partners in Pain
How do you navigate a relationship when one or both partners are dealing with pain?
Higher Learning: Navigating Sex and Relationships in College
Going away to school can present some new sexual challenges. Here's a get-you-started guide to grow on.
What’s In A No?
What's so scary about asking when someone else may say no? Rejection. Read on to dial down the fear factor and learn to accept no like a pro.
Navigating Sexuality as a Fat Teen
Some thoughts and tips on navigating sexuality as a fat teen, and dealing with sizeism and fatphobia.
DIY Sex Toys: The Partnered Edition
Our rundown of do-it-yourself sex toys you can make and use with a partner.
Don't Want to Have Sex?
Then don't! Here's a feast of support and help for those who want to say no, not now, or not-like-this to sex or sexual relationships.
Be Your Own Superhero: Learning How and When to Stand Up for Ourselves
Feel like being able to clearly set boundaries, stick to them, and assert yourself must require superpowers? Nope! You've already got all the goods: here's how to develop and use them!
D.I.Y Sex Toys: Self-Love Edition
A nifty little how-to for making and safely using sex toys for masturbation. Also starring: possibly the cutest little sex toy illustrations of ever.
Casual...Cool? Making Choices About Casual Sex
What is it? Why would -- or wouldn't -- you want it? What makes it more likely to be a blast or a bummer?
Intimacy: The Whys, Hows, How-Nots, and So-Nots
Healthy intimacy is about intentionally sharing private or vulnerable parts of our hearts, minds, bodies or lives with each other. Why would we do that, how can we do that, and what is and isn't healthy with intimacy?
The Sex Goddess Blues: Building Sexual Confidence, Busting Perfectionism
Many women and girls feel insecure about sex, especially when it's new. How can we build some sexual confidence?
All the Barriers! All the Time!
Everything you'll probably ever need to know about safer sex barriers, like which to use, how to use them, how to get more comfortable with them, and how surprisingly cute they are.
Five Things I Learned Dating a Girl
Dating this wonderful person pushed me to think about some things in new and challenging ways. Here are some of my favorite lessons that I learned when I dated a woman.
Kisses and Snuggles FTW!
Kissing and snuggling sure seem awfully underrated. Check out why we think what some folks consider only "first base" can be home runs all their own.
Figuring Out How to be a Lesbian Safer Sexpert
When I started having sex with girls, there was no one cheering, especially not encouraging me to have safer sex. But over the last few years, I’ve finally begun to feel confident with safer sex, and it’s improved my sex life a million percent. I wish I’d gotten comfortable with it sooner.