health

Birth Control Bingo

Click through a series of detailed questions to narrow down your own best methods, become a pro on what method your partner is using, or windowshop in-depth info pages on each contraceptive option. With 25 integrated pages of teen and twentysomething-specific information, plenty of links, questions and answers, we've done our very best to help you protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.

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 bout 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.

Do Drugs and Booze Make You Better in Bed?

Submitted by Heather on Wed, 05/14/2008 - 15:29.

A recent study was released which shows that European teens are using alcohol and recreational drugs with the intentional aim of improving their sex lives.


Drunk at a party: how do I find out if someone had sex with me?

Brie asks:

I was at a party and got really drunk that I can't even remember what I was doing that night and all I wanted to to do was fall asleep. But this one guy I knew got in bed with me too and I remember we did some stuff and he tried having sex with me. I can't exactly remember if he did get it in. But I remember that in the process of him trying it was hurting really bad. Is there a way that I can find out if we had intercourse or he did get it in me?

What Would Maria Do? One Sex Educator's Ever-Evolving Manifesto

Submitted by Heather on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 20:47.

One of the things that has a great influence in both how I enact sexuality education and how I conceptualized my approach from the get-go is my background with teaching in the Montessori Method.


How can I have Chlamydia when he doesn't?

Ajay asks:

Me and my partner have been together for 5 months now. I have just recently been tested positive for an STI (chlamydia). My partner and I have never used condoms because I am on the pill. My partner went and got himself tested and his results came back negative. How is that possible?

What are some of the benefits of having sex?

Amy asks:

I hear a lot about the negative side of sex and bad things that could happen from having sex. What are some of the benefits of having sex? What are some of the positive outcomes that would/could result in having sex with my boyfriend?

Sex, period.

LBelle asks:

Can you have sex when you have your period? If so, how?

Illinois Public Schools Sex Education Study

Submitted by Jill on Wed, 02/06/2008 - 02:05.

I came across an interesting study on the state of sex ed in Illinois today. Illinois, like most states, receives money from the federal government for abstinence-only sex ed. Some highlights of the study include:


Is masturbation healthy?

Jose asks:

Is it masturbation healthy or does it cause some diseases?

Switching pills and douching

Dixie asks:

My boyfriend and I have had a sexual relationship for over 5 years now. I've always been on birth control, but recently (1 week ago) switched to another pill. The past 2 weeks he has been ejaculating inside of me.
Two questions: does my risk of pregnancy go up since I am in the middle of transitioning between pills AND how do I clean myself since he has been finishing there? I hear so many different views on douching, but I don't feel clean and would like to do something about it. Thanks so much.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers: Harm, Not Help

Jessica asks:

I heard about a really good organization that helps girls who are pregnant and don't want an abortion. It's called Birthright. I have seen one in my town, but I can't find it on your site. Do you have any information about Birthright or stuff about the way the baby is developing so that we can find out more about our options?

The why and how-not of yeast infections

Gina asks:

What causes a yeast infection and how can I prevent one?

Stamp Out Cramps (Without the Pill)

Cassandra asks:

Is there anything other than birth control that will help lighten my period and relieve cramps?

My boyfriend is overweight and has a smaller penis: how can we make sex better?

Pam asks:

Hello my new partner is Wonderful. He is everything I've wanted in a man. There is just one problem, the sex isn't great. He has a small penis and he is overweight. I am 135 and he is 250. I don't want this to be a problem and I know he is working on eating healthier and trying little to loose the weight. I am very scared to get intimate because I feel like he is either embarrassed or I might unconsciously make dissapointing gestures. In sex, who likes to be unsatisfied time after time. Can you give me helpful tips on love making?