I'd approach it much the same way you'd approach any sexual thing you wanted to try with your partner. Explain what it is and that you're interested in trying it with them, but only if they're comfortable trying it with you.

You're welcome. If you haven't, I really encourage you to get tools from your therapist for dealing with this anxiety, so that you don't find yourself trapped in a loop where you get your period, feel okay for a bit, then have the worry kick in again.

That's good to hear. How are you tracking your cycle? It's normal to have a period arrive a few days late or early, but depending on how you're tracking it you may not have the most accurate picture of when it's coming. Has your therapist given you any tools or techniques to help you when you anxiet...

That's totally understandable. Events like Manchester, especially if they feel a little to close for comfort, can compound mental health stuff, because it can feel like the world is so very hostile that it's hard to feel optimistic about anything, in your own life or in the broader world. I don't ha...

Okay, something to right now is to take a deep breath and remind yourself that your jerkbrain is lying to you. You are not a waste of resources or time, and you are not doomed to remain frozen in this unpleasant moment of time. That may be a hard reality to accept, because some part of your brain an...

Hi Angeldelight, Yep, if you took the test according to the directions, you should figure you can trust the result. Really thought, this sounds like it's tying back to the anxiety you're struggling with. Have you had a chance to speak with your therapist about ways to manage your anxiety, especially...

Hi Iwanthelp, This sounds like a lot of intense stuff to process all at once. Are you in a place where you feel at least a little comfortable or safe (that could be a public place, by the way, as some people dealing with abusive households feel safest somewhere like a library, mall, or park)? Have y...

Are you referring to people who re-claim that word to refer to themselves? If so, then there are likely some trans people out there who choose to reclaim the word in defiance of the people who use it against them, but in the general trans community it's still considered a slur.

Iwanthelp is right: you can be bisexual and different preferences depending on the gender of the person involved. Ultimately, it's up to you to label your sexual orientation as you see fit. This article is a great place to start with that: The Rainbow Connection: Orientation for Everyone

Hi thewrit3r, Your instinct to help your friend is really kind. If you still have a way to communicate with her, have you asked her what you could do to help (that's within your own means, since you can't, say, pay for a new place for her family to live)? If not, that's the best starting place, sinc...

Iwanthelp actually frames this pretty well. There's nothing inherently wrong with enjoying porn (as long as all the performers are of legal age and are consenting the the film), but for some people the "barely legal" frame makes them uncomfortable because of how it ties to some messed up c...

Hi Jurassicwars,

I assume you mean porn featuring trans women (the term "shemale" is considered offensive)? If so, trans women are women so being attracted to them means you're still attracted primarily to women. Are there other instances that are making you wonder about your orientation?

Hi theatrebug, Given some of the questions you've been asking, it sounds like there's some anxiety for you around sex (and particularly around pregnancy). Are you feeling comfortable with the level of sexual behavior you're engaging in? And do you feel like you're comfortable with the pill as your p...

Hi books16,

I doubt you're the only one who experiences this. Breasts are sensitive to varying degrees, and things like the feeling of fabric on them can be pleasant. For some people, it's pleasant enough that they notice it, and for others it doesn't really register as a sensation.

Hi nerdgirl,

It sounds like you've eliminated some causes already, and you can read more about the different types of discharge here: Honorably Discharged: A Guide to Vaginal Secretions

It may. If you go in to consult about that therapy (or any other kind of treatment), you can ask about what the intended and expected result of it is. Even if you go in for biofeedback, you may still want to look into counseling where you have a space to process your emotions and fears attached to y...

I think something that may help is to think of sex as something that often falls somewhere in the middle of our expectations. It's not the best thing ever, nor is it a total catastrophe. It's usually fun and pleasurable, maybe a little awkward or disappointing sometimes. And in the case of both casu...

Hi Jellyfish, One starting place is: are you currently seeing someone for your anxiety? I know we've spoken about you looking for a counselor previously, so have you had any luck finding one? Another thing that might be helpful is this article: You're Not Pregnant. Why Do You think You Are? . It sou...

Since it sounds like your doctor is having you do this in a way that doesn't create a gap in protection, you should be okay. Too, it sounds like your doctor addressed this with you, so you can go ahead and figure you're protected.

Hi Purpleflower,

Since you have a 12 hour grace period before it's considered late, then figure that taking it 11 hours late did not decrease the effectiveness (even if it felt like a close call).

I'm glad that information was helpful! If you need it for the future, this article has a bunch of information on finding a therapist that works for you and how to make counseling as helpful as possible: Process This: Getting the Most Out of Therapy

Got it. Spotting can be a sign of some STIs, so it helps to eliminate that as a source.

Hi cj4289,

Spotting is a common side effect of the pill, so it may be the culprit here (we can't say for certain what's causing it because we can't diagnose via internet). Just to check, are you and your partner up to date on your STI tests?

Hi Sar10,

Continue to take your pills as directed, as taking your placebo week will not decrease the effectiveness. If you're concerned about interactions between antibiotics and your pill, check out this article: Something You Can Worry About Less: Interference and Hormonal Birth Control

We will not answer ANY questions about pregnancy fear or anxiety in our direct services from users who are not pregnant or who are not or have not otherwise been directly involved with an actual pregnancy. Please do not post this kind of question. If you are seeing this text, and your thread is loc...