If you feel like you're having compulsive behaviors around porn use or masturbation, that's something to talk to a mental healthcare provider about (as would be the case with any compulsive behavior). You're right that holding yourself or your partner to unrealistic expectations around sex can make ...

I think it's fair to say that he's in a rough place right now, and he has been up front with you about his need for space. Relationships do have rough patches, and those patches are likely when one or both people are stressed (I will say that stress is not an excuse to be a jerk to your partner, so ...

Hi Wildprincess, It sounds like another conversation might be in order. From what you've described, you're not feeling super confident in your relationship, and he might not be feeling super invested. Your feelings about not wanting to break up because you consider him your first sexual partner is u...

Then it sounds like the better option is to find something to replace masturbation with, at least for a little while (masturbation is nothing to feel guilty over, but if you'd rather avoid it right now, that's absolutely okay). I think, as Karyn said above, the way to manage those frustrated and ups...

You could try strapless bras, or see if you can find bras that have translucent straps that won't be as easily seen through clothing.

You're welcome. And yes, if you are not feeling comfortable without the condoms, going back to them is a good choice.

When people talk about dating, or even finding partners for more casual encounters, we often have one or two images in our head of the "normal" ways or places to meet people. But the truth is, we meet partners in all sorts of places, so this is a space to talk about the different ways peop...

Hi gatesy, Taking your pill a few hours early should not decrease its effectiveness. If you took your pill 2-3 hours before having an incident of diarrhea, then they should have been absorbed. It sounds like you're not feeling super comfortable using the pill plus withdrawal as your method of protec...

Hi ap15,

If you switched pill types with no break in between, then you should have a high level of protection from the pill. I'd suggest calling your pharmacist to ask them about that as well.

Hi velvetfrank, That fear of judgement can be really unpleasant to carry around, and unfortunately there's no way to guarantee that certain people won't judge you when they find out that you're in a poly relationship. I will say that there's no specific timeline for telling people you're close to th...

The issue there would likely be finding one that fit you comfortably. The benefit of something like confusedone described is that you could tailor it to fit your neck so that is was comfortable and safe to wear.

Hi Kela,

Given that this is has been going on for a few months, I think it's time to check in with a healthcare provider. It may be this is within the normal variation of irritation, but talking with a healthcare provider will help rule out other causes.

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...

Hi Nethershell, Being bisexual doesn't always mean your attraction to each gender is the same, just that you're attracted to more than one. So it sounds like for you you're more attracted to women, but there's at least one guy (and maybe more in the future) who you find attractive. That's totally fi...

It does! We recommend combining the pill and a condom because it offers a high level of protection against both pregnancy and STIs. With this kind of sex we can never say it's 100% without risk, but that combination makes the risk incredibly, incredibly low.

It sounds like you have a lot of really rough emotions right now. I think one thing that might help is to do what you can to forgive yourself for the choice you made, or make peace with it. You made the choice you thought was right based on how you were feeling. It just so happens that this relation...

Feeling uncomfortable about testing is pretty common, especially given how much stigma we still attach to people being sexual. Can I ask what in particular makes you feel uncomfortable with the idea? As for which things can be transmitted, this article is really helpful: Can I Get Pregnant, or Get o...

Hi Fadedpassion, An abnormal pap doesn't automatically mean you have HPV. The exact meaning of the result depends on what type of abnormal cells they found. As for your concerns about the genetic testing, I would ask your healthcare provider the specifics of the test when you see them. Right now it ...

Hi Gurl93, Unprotected oral sex does pose a risk of STI transmission. And because the most common symptom of certain STIs is no symptom at all, the only for sure way to know is to get tested. Testing can feel intimidating if you've never done it before, but we've got this article to help guide you t...

Good to know. Since you talked to your doctor about these concerns, and I assume they asked you some questions in order to rule out other causes (if they didn't please correct me), then you can assume their diagnosis took those more serious possibilities into account and dismissed them.

Hi SophieR, This sounds like a sticky situation to be in. My first piece of advice would be to check-in with A about how they're feeling about the fact that their friends may still be in contact with C. I would make that part of a bigger check-in with A to see how they're doing and if there is anyth...

Hi Bikinksterboy,

You might be interested in this piece. It's by Ella Dawson and she talks about her relationship to this dynamic: https://femsplain.com/good-girl-256c7da71350#.r6z2leioi

Hi Blueswan, I can't speak to the experience of being Demi, but what I can say is that if that feels like the right identity for you in this moment, you get to choose it. It may be that you identify that way your whole life, or that your identity shifts as you age. Either way, you get to label yours...

Hi Tmanhutch65, Most people who feel sexual attraction, whether or not that's attached to a specific fetish, will have those moments of unintentional arousal when out and about. If you're finding them to be a nuisance, you could try to ignore them or to think of something else to help your brain get...

Hi ejmg24,

Yes, as a yeast infection starts to fade, there will be some residual itching. I would definitely make an appointment with your doctor to make sure you've got what you need to treat the infection.