hey Tlove00 There are lots of different reasons that a period might not begin when we expect it, including the fact that even if you have a regular cycle the length usually varies by several days. A period isn't considered late until at least 5 days after the latest it's expected, and even then fact...

Ok, well it sounds like you're building an understanding for yourself about this. I think your therapist is a great person to talk to to help you deal with the guilt you're feeling and how to manage that. In the meantime, if you want to think a bit more about the negative messaging you've grown up w...

You know, I think that it's pretty important to recognise the difference between trying to be our best selves and beating ourselves up for being "imperfect". Even our best is not going to be everyone's idea of perfect so a bit of forgiveness is good. Like you say, sometimes it is just a th...

Hey River, I'm sure it's frustrating to feel like you've put yourself out there and not much has changed. To me, it also sounds really positive that your mom was trying to help you explain this to your dad, and that they are trying out your name and pronouns. As you mentioned before, they are probab...

Hi kert96 It sounds like you're taking a lot of sound steps to look after your sexual health here, and it's time to go see a healthcare professional again. If you are having frequent or recurrent infections that is something that needs to be checked out. It's worth giving them the background that yo...

Hi again :) I just realised I left you hanging a bit on your last thread when we were talking about values, I'm sorry. Did you read the rest of this piece? How to handle a libido that switched from low to high I ask because it sounds like you're trying to hold yourself to an impossible standard. I d...

Hi Lynngirl15 I understand that your friend might be eager to start on hormones but taking someone else's meds really isn't a sound option for a couple of reasons. When someone starts hormones they need the support of their medical provider to make sure that they're not exposed to additional risks a...

Hi Randomanonomous You know, I don't think any of us at Scarleteen would say that sexuality is a static thing. I also can't imagine any of us telling you that you can't use the words you feel suit you best at a given time, or telling you those words can't change. Yes, you get to define your identity...

Hi aguyinneed, You are totally right when you say masturbation and fantasy are totally normal and nothing to feel guilty about. In fact why not read (or re-read) these two pieces if you need a bit of a reminder? Jerking Off Is Masturbation Okay? (Yep.) In terms of who or what you are fantasizing abo...

Hi haylzya, The reason you're reading different things on the internet is that every brand of birth control is a little different in terms of how late you have to take a pill for it to count as late or missed. You should check the instructions that came in the box with yours to see what they say. Ma...

Hey B.T. I've been there, I get how frustrating it can be when you want to want something but your body is just not playing ball. What I will say though, is that going ahead anyway is not generally the way to have a good time. You say you want to have sex to pleasure your boyfriend, but what about y...

Hi ShadowSong I'm not quite sure exactly what kind of info you're after. If you're looking for articles specifically related to penises or people with penises then we have tags for that: http://www.scarleteen.com/tags/penis and this one http://www.scarleteen.com/tags/male It sounds like you were int...

Hi JD, I'm sorry that your parents were dismissive. I hope that if or when you feel a bit more settled in your identity and want to speak to them about it that they will be supportive. If/when that time comes we can talk about it with you :) In the meantime, let's look at a couple of things you've m...

Hi Anonymous98 Welcome :) Having intercourse shouldn't affect your period, as long as you are using some form of birth control e.g. condoms, although some kinds of hormonal birth control can impact on it. If you're planning on having intercourse, why not read this article and explore some of the lin...

Hi sonatine! Welcome to the boards :) First off, people masturbate in all kinds of different ways and no, I don't think there is anything wrong with what you are describing. There is not one way that "everyone else" masturbates so we get to figure out what feels good to us! Here's a good a...

Hi Just_a_boy, I'm sorry that you found intercourse painful. You mentioned not being circumcised, but that shouldn't usually be an issue. The foreskin should be able to move back comfortably and expose the head of the penis, if that's difficult or painful it's worth checking in with your doctor. In ...

Hi Lola, Looking back at your previous threads on the boards, I see you know the effectiveness rates of condoms. Those are based on real people having intercourse at all times in a their cycle, including fertile days. Did you read this article Sam shared? Have a Little Faith in BC Any thoughts? Feel...

Hi Awkwardly, Breakups can be pretty tough, I'm sorry :(, and we get to have a whole lot of big feelings for a while in the face of big changes in our life. Generally, it's helpful to accept that we're having those feelings and take some time to look after ourselves a bit as we process.Have you been...

Hi Begonias, Welcome :) It sounds like you've done a lot of thinking about this, so let's take a deep breath and step back a moment. Ok, first question: what motivates YOU to be sexual with your partner? Is it about how you and he both feel in the moment? Is it because THIS THING is the thing you mo...

Hi Masaka, Welcome to the boards, I'm glad you've found us. From what you're saying, I suspect you already know that you are not in a healthy, mutually respectful relationship. In a healthy relationship, we get to set our boundaries and those are accepted, even welcomed. Saying no is ALWAYS ok. You'...

Hi princess I'm sorry to hear that you're in such a sucky situation. Being bullied is tough, but it is definitely not your fault. It is not you or your behaviour that needs to change, it's theirs. Their behaviour is not only unacceptable, but from the car incident you described, also downright dange...

Hi localhost, Welcome! :D It sounds like you've got a couple of topics in here, so I'll give you a couple of thoughts and see where we go from there, ok? Firstly, I'd say that what you choose to tell people, and when, is ultimately down to you. To have those conversations though, maybe it's a good i...

Hi Danny,

I know you've been mostly talking with Sam and Heather, and I don't want to butt in on that so just a note to say that they're both out right now but I'm sure one of them will get to you on their next shift!

Hi Bumble bee, Welcome to the boards. I'm so sorry that this is what has brought you here today. I hope you know that whatever happened, it was not your fault. You have a couple of questions in your post, so I'll start there. Yes, many people find that therapy is an important part of their healing p...

Hi mothman :) Welcome to the boards. It's great that you have found someone you're excited about! You know what? Whatever your age or previous experience, being sexual with a new person for the first time can be scary-exciting. That's mostly because whatever you have or haven't done before, this is ...