feelings

If you’re uneasy about it, then I think it’s pretty obvious that it’s probably not the time to do it yet. We can like someone a lot and be intimate in ways with them that don’t require sex or any given type of sex, and which also don’t put us at risk of things we’re not prepared to be at risk for…

We talk a lot about sexual safety and safer sex here at Scarleteen in terms of your physical health. But what about checking in to see if sex is safe for you and yours emotionally? Taking care of your emotions, looking out for risk factors in advance – not just when they become an existing crisis – and safeguarding yourself, your partners and those around you from needless hurt and harm is just as important as doing what you can to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

What’s the menstrual cycle? How does it all work? What are periods and options for managing them, and when’s it time to check in with a healthcare provider?