Hi there! Here is a link to more information on volunteering with Scarleteen and the application process - Scarleteen Volunteer Application

Lube is a wonderful resource for making sure that the vulva and vagina are protected! It also helps reduce the chance of the condom breaking. It’s also helpful to communicate with your partner if sex feels painful or uncomfortable - this is a great indicator to try slowing down or trying something d...

Hey Aarushi257! The short, fast answer is that it is - no, you cannot get pregnant from that. This article, Can I Get Pregnant, or Get or Pass On an STI From That? , gives a more detailed response to your question (and outlines other scenarios you can reference). It notes that “oral sex - fellatio”,...

Hi vambrace, you are very welcome to post here! It is totally understandable to have anxiety surrounding gynecologist appointments and pelvic exams! I have a few articles I can share with you, and I’ll talk through my thoughts to hopefully address some of your concerns. It is generally recommended t...

Hi Juliaho90, To me, it also seems like it could be spotting or residual blood if you've had your period recently. (Sometimes sex also causes small abrasions in the vagina -f you are worried about this, we can talk more about it!) If you aren't experiences pain or other physical symptoms and the ble...

Hi rinpin_05! I want to start by letting you know that it is very normal to both experience arousal without a specific “prompt”, especially as our bodies are going through puberty. Orgasming during sleep is also totally normal and common for people of many ages. (When we sleep, our bodies are very r...

Hi Digdawg! You are correct that people who experience a period while taking hormonal birth control, particularly oral contraceptives and the vaginal ring, have a different period than those without birth control. Different from menstrual periods, periods with birth control are called withdrawal ble...

Hi jenny01, I'm so sorry to hear that it is hard for you to find privacy in your house, I can imagine that could be very difficult. Because I don't know you or your family's schedule, I can't tell you when would be the best time to masturbate, but I agree with Mo that it is important to set boundari...

Hey jenny01! I want to be upfront and let you know that I am not a Christian or religious. But I do want to emphasize that masturbation is normal (for people of all ages), healthy, and very important for many people. It’s also important to recognize that you, and no one else, have the power to decid...

Hi belled, It’s great to hear that things have been going well for you!! It’s exciting that you have found writing as an outlet for your fantasies, it sounds like it allows you to be creative while also creating space for your fantasies in a way that feels comfortable. :) I hope your exams went well...

Hi JuliaGallo, I agree that he definitely violated your privacy by going through your messages, and should not have done so. I’m glad he apologized about this. I want to check in, do you feel like your privacy is being respected now? But I can also understand that for him it could be very hurtful to...

Hi PowerPup, Thanks for sharing - it seems like by writing out your thoughts and feelings about this, you’ve given yourself a good opportunity to explore. This article takes a deeper dive into masculinity and self expression: https://www.scarleteen.com/article/politics_relationships_sexual_identity_...

In addition to Marisha, Carly, and my thoughts, it also sounds like your boyfriend has assured you that he is feeling fine afterwards and you didn't assault him. Do you want to talk more about how to deal with those remaining feelings of guilt, or is there something else that would be helpful to tal...

It's good to hear that you are validating his experiences, as well! It sounds like you are building a supportive relationship

Hi haikyufan123, I agree with both Marisha and Carly - it sounds like you realized immediately that it was physically uncomfortable for your boyfriend and you took good steps to apologize and check in with him about his feelings. So, this doesn't sound explicitly like assault to me, either. I unders...

The implant should be fully effective a week after being inserted, but without knowing exactly when ovulation did/would have started and ended, I don't think we can say for sure if the implant stopped ovulation completely. Does that make sense?

No need to apologize! For the first week after getting the implant, it's a good idea to use a backup method of birth control, especially if you believe you were about to begin ovulating. Does that help?

I just learned about it from another person at Scarleteen, too! (Thanks, Heather!) Hopefully it's helpful

Hi Holly55, of course! From what I've read, some cramping is a normal side effect, and your body might take a few weeks (or months) to adjust to the new birth control! Of course, if your pain gets worse or just want to double check any of these questions, your doctor can also help if you feel comfor...

I want to reiterate what Mo said above - there is no universally prefered body type, and everyone has different preferences. I also believe that this feeling is temporary - you might be feeling this way now, but in different situations or times in your life, it is very likely you will feel attractiv...

Hi Holly55! It’s important that you can feel your implant - that’s a sign that it’s inserted correctly! Just to reassure you, implants are tested for quality during the manufacturing process, and if there were any “dud” implants, there would be giant recalls. And, on their own, implants are over 99%...

Hey xmetalgirl, I'm glad Scarleteen has been a support for you! For this question, general medical advice and scab healing is out of our scope (I'm definitely not a medical professional). It might be best to try something like the Mayo Clinic for more info. If you are really worried about it (it's p...

Hi themoonandthestars, I want to echo what Sam said, it’s amazing how you are recognizing things that may be contributing to your feelings around sex, your body, and sexuality, and how important it is to un-learn them. But I totally agree, it’s so hard to take that step from recognizing how we shoul...

To me, the experiences you have described match the definition of coercion - you did not give him enthusiastic consent, you expressed a desire that he stop, and he didn’t listen. You also mention that you continue to feel uncomfortable around him and that you feel trauma even after he has apologized...

Hi Alexandrabu,
Sorry to hear that you have been experiencing pain! I think you’re on the right path by trying lubrication and gentler movements. If you are still concerned about the pain, talking to your doctor would be a good next step.