Hi Sunflower12345. That is correct. The only reliable sign of pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test and getting your period is a reliable sign that you're not pregnant. I understand wanting to feel informed and in control by doing lots of research (I am one of those people too!) but yes, as you've ...

Hi Pan, While I don't entirely understand your question -- it seems like you're asking if small pieces of material can stay behind in your anus? We'd recommend only using toys that are safe and one solid piece, with a flanged base, for such activities. A flanged base means it's wider at the base or ...

Yes, I know this for a few reasons. One being that I have experienced these things myself. I also know people who have experienced them and I've also read fairly extensively about it. Trauma has a huge impact people and their development and behavior. It isn't the *only* factor that affects people (...

It’s great that you can identify that. It’s a helpful first step. I cannot speak for Heather. My interpretation of how they’re able to break it down for you like that includes these reasons: - You’ve posted here a lot in a short time, so there’s a lot to draw from and I don’t mean that in a judgment...

Can you start this discussion by letting us know what you did get out of the article that Heather posted? They listed some concrete things that we've noticed from you. Can you relate to or identify with any of those points (Heather's and/or the article)? You could start with one. I am also someone w...

Hello and welcome to Scarleteen! Can you elaborate more on what scares you? I understand that you may not actually know specifically, but I'm wondering if you started talking about it more, we could identify something in there. Beyond that, have you seen our articles about masturbation? I think thes...

Yes, while hormonal imbalances (and the other symptoms involved with various specific disorders) can be uncomfortable, for sure, it should not rule out sexual activity assuming you're feeling enthusiastic consent about it. Using lube, beginning slowly and continuing for only as long as you're enjoyi...

Hi there. I have a couple of questions for you. Are you actively under the care of a doctor for the hormonal imbalance? Also, if manual sex is something that you want (or suspect that you want) from someone else, have you tried it yourself to determine if it's comfortable and enjoyable for you first...

Hi, I'm sorry that you're going through this. These emotions and social situations are tough to deal with and it's great that you're willing to sort out how you feel about this now. It sounds like you're conflicted about the choice you made. It is okay to feel regret in this way and while it obvious...

Yes, I see that a boundary has been set here of not accepting self-disparaging remarks from you, so thank you for catching that! I would agree that the words you used about your brain fall into that boundary (and, I note this while I spend a lot longer writing up this post than some other people wou...

Okay. I definitely back up everything that Heather said above. I'd recommend that you reread their post, particularly their franker-than-they-had-been post, a few times. Sometimes it helps to keep taking in the information while you're processing, with deep breaths. This thing you said here gave me ...

Hi sky. I'm so sorry, I accidentally responded to your posts at the end of page one rather than page two! I deleted my posts because it seemed like you'd moved on from that conversation with Heather and therefore it was irrelevant. I also can continue this conversation with you, though I see that th...

Hi Darwin. There isn't exactly a "size" per se. Rather, there are brands, materials, styles and fits that may or may not work for you. The best way to figure it out is to experiment with different types and use what feels best. We have a fantastic guide to these different condoms here: You...

Hello! It's impossible to predict exactly when you'll begin bleeding again at this point -- technically not a period, but a withdrawal bleed as you are not ovulating on the pill (or depo, for that matter). It may take awhile for your body to adjust and have a typical withdrawal bleed, and/or you may...

Hi there. It is completely typical for periods to change and shift throughout our lifetimes. This is not something you would need to feel concerned about, and if you're having your period then you are not pregnant. If you've had actual pregnancy risk(s) then by all means, take a pregnancy test to pu...

Congratulations on this astounding milestone! I am so glad that you feel supported here.

You are correct. Having your period and then having a negative pregnancy test means that you are not pregnant. If someone were still concerned after those two solid confirmations, then we'd be getting into pregnancy scare-anxiety territory.

Hi there! Therapy works *even better* when you're willing and/or able to ask for things. Focusing on coping mechanisms and other techniques to get you through your daily life is absolutely something you could ask for right now (as soon as your next appointment with them). Trusted adults at school, t...

Hi there! The most important piece of the puzzle is both of you feeling ready, consenting, enthusiastic and relaxed/aroused. I hear that you're nervous and that you want him to be your first -- are you interested in intercourse, however? Feeling hesitant or like you're really not sure and need to ta...

Yes, there are many things it could be, acne and other benign skin bumps included. Unfortunately it's impossible for us to diagnose these things over the internet. We are not doctors, and an actual doctor wouldn't be able to diagnose in this format either -- you'd still need to go in and have it exa...

I understand where you are coming from here -- however, it does not work quite like that. The 1% typical use difference between the minipill and the combination pill is a significant difference in efficacy. Putting your faith into the minipill would require you to always take it within that 3 hour w...

Hi stevie and welcome to Scarleteen. Sometimes it can take awhile and some practice or work to figure out what is pleasurable for you personally. Here are some ideas to get you started with things to try and things to be aware of while you try: Going Solo: The Basics of Masturbation How Do You Mastu...

You're welcome! Feel free to discuss this further here, with us, whenever!

Hi there!

While I am not someone who feels qualified to give advice on these questions, I wanted to leave you a note to let you know that we see you and that other staff will be around to weigh in with some thoughts and have this discussion with you soon.

Hi there, I will direct you to The Period During Pregnancy Misunderstanding : There is also something called decidual bleeding, and it’s actually one of the most common causes of period-like bleeding that occurs during pregnancy. Because hormones can be very discombobulated during pregnancy, part of...