sexual healthcare

Can my boyfriend catch HPV from me through oral sex?

Maricela asks:

Me and my boyfriend have been together for a long time, and I just found out that I have HPV. I told my boyfriend that I had it as soon as I found out and now he is acting really weird. Now, he doesn't want to give me oral because he is afraid that he may get it. I went to the doctor and asked if he could get it, and she said that as long as we are careful he shouldn't have anything to worry about. When I told him the news he did not believe me! He still will not give me oral even though it has been a couple of months. I am really frustrated!

Marie Stopes International

The UK’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services.

Do I really need a pelvic exam?

Tori asks:

Why is a pelvic exam really necessary? I am sexually active, but my boyfriend and I have only ever done anything sexual with each other, and neither of us have anything. I've asked this question to other people and they always say that "You don't KNOW," or that I shouldn't just take my boyfriend's word for it. I trust him, so I'm not considering that part, so ignoring a possibility of disease (which I doubt there is any), why is it so important that I have a pelvic exam?

Did my stepmother lie to me about my right to birth control?

Audrey asks:

I would appreciate a little light shed on my question, it puzzles me greatly. I asked a good while ago if I could start on Birth Control, and my father actually wouldn't mind, in fact, he supports it. My stepmother, on the other hand, doesn't seem comfortable with it. Despite the obvious discomfort, she said she'd call her doctor and see what she could do. Days later, she told me they won't take anyone under 18. This confused me. I know many teenagers on Birth Control. I hope she's not just saying that, although it wouldn't be the first time she did something rather similar to that. At first I got the feeling that she thought I would change if I was on the pill, like I was invincible and I could never get pregnant, so I can have sex whenever I want. The thing is, I'm not sexually active, I'm a virgin. I often get the feeling she thinks I'm a tramp. I would NEVER think in that fashion. So, my question to you, do you have to be a certain age to consult a doctor about Birth Control? And although I'm only 16, would that be my personal choice to take the pill? Or do they have a say in it until I'm a legal adult?

A burning question

diamondladyluck asks:

I need help! I slept with someone and now I burn and am swollen down there. My family doesn't have insurance and I just turned 18. I heard that there are free women's clinics but I can't find any in houston. Can you help me?

Our Bodies, Ourselves

The blog and supporting site of the legendarily pioneering Boston Women's Health Collective, authors of "Our Bodies, Ourselves" and other incredible women's health references.

Merck Manual: Sexually Transmitted Diseases & Infections

A medical online manual that introduces and describes various sexually transmitted infections.

Feminist Women's Health Center

A comprehensive site available in English and Spanish, giving women information on sexual healthcare, birth control, abortion and more. Provides personal stories, poety, and how to perform a self-exam with a speculum.

OBGYN.net

A comprehensive resource on all things dealing with women's health and health issues, aimed at women and medical professionals. While there is lots of technical information, the site offers a wiki, forums and more.

Testing, Testing...

Whether you are with a new partner, or are already in a sexual relationship, getting a full STD/STI screening can give you peace of mind and ensure your physical well-being as well as your partners.

Emergency Contraception

At the Scarleteen boards, we get a lot of questions from teens who are wondering if there's anything to be done to avoid pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, whether it's from a broken condom or from not using a condom in the first place. Regardless of how it happened, there is something that can reduce the risk of pregnancy greatly as long as it's done within 120 hours of your risk. That something is called Emergency Contraception.