Hey Lukewarm -- welcome to Scarleteeen! First thing I want to establish is that not everything feels the same for everyone, so generalizing an experience as "normal" or "not normal" can be a little challenging. But! What you're describing is a common experience. The clitoris is v...

Hi darkblue0 -- I'm not a doctor and we don't have one amongst our staff or volunteers, so we can't quite diagnose this issue for you. Because you are experiencing burning while/after peeing, there's a chance what you think might be semen could be discharge indicating an infection. I strongly recomm...

I think you're doing the best thing you can do at the moment, which is try to address your immediate concerns with someone else. I'm hoping you're able to get some answers with your GP, but I think it might be good to prepare yourself for the possibility that you might not. I wish your scan could be...

Hey lycheefan -- trying to figure out how to treat a significant other while you're on a break can be confusing. As for what you should do, I'm not sure. Only you know know what will work best for you in the situation. Something I highly suggest you do is think about what would make you feel the mos...

Hey TS_6249 -- I'm bummed to hear that your urology appointment was a bust. I agree with Emily that getting a second opinion is a great idea, especially if you don't feel like you have any answers or even a direction to go in to address those concerns. I did have a question about the urologist thoug...

Hey Girll18 -- what kinds of things come up that make your insecure thoughts repeat? Does something specific trigger those thoughts often?

Hey hayden1223 - welcome to Scarleteen! It seems like most of the concern here is interpersonal, and how to ask someone if they'd be willing to explore that. But first, I want to make sure this is actually the right time for you to explore this. Ready or Not? The Scarleteen Sex Readiness Checklist i...

Hi jinijin -- welcome to Scarleteen! There are actually a lot of different ways to masturbate, and it sounds like whatever you've been trying isn't quite working for you. Nothing feels the same for everyone. Are you primarily masturbating by touching your genitals? Have you ever used a vibrator?

Hey BuddyBoi21 -- I'm glad those articles Sam shared were what you're looking for. I hate that STIs have such a stigma and it's causing you to feel some shame. Sending you some good vibes as you internalize those positive messages. Something I did want to touch on -- do you want to talk a little mor...

Hey TS_6249 -- I'm not a doctor and we don't have one amongst our staff or volunteers, so we can't quite diagnose this issue for you. From what I do know, it sounds like your urethra may be inflamed or irritated inside. Symptoms vary, but they include the sensation of something in the urethra and pa...

Hey TS_6249 -- I suppose my question is very similar to Sam's in that I'd like to know more information about how severely this is impacting you. For example, when you say it's getting in the way of school work, do you find yourself missing deadlines, avoiding assignments, or not going to class? Or ...

Hey dq15 -- I agree with Sofi here, if its causing you some discomfort it might be a good idea to make sure everything is ok with a doctor.

It's okay, Sky. I know that it's been really hard for you recently.

I think it's possible to have the courage and also be scared! They aren't opposite ends of one spectrum. Courage doesn't always look the way we expect it to. This is a bit corny, but... I've been going through some stuff recently, and a friend shared this quote with me and it comforted me a lot: &qu...

I wouldn't give up just yet on the ones you haven't heard back from. Sometimes practices are just busy with clients. I would also suggest emailing again in a week if you haven't heard back. I acknowledge that even the closest taking patients might still be too far though. I'm sorry this search has b...

Hey sky -- I'm sorry you're feeling so lost right now. For what it's worth, I think it's clear that you're trying really hard to figure some really tough stuff out and it's pretty natural this way. It can be exhausting to heal and do work on yourself, especially when you're being mindful about past ...

Hey sky -- I'm so sorry you have COVID right now. I actually do right now too and it's not easy. I hope you're experiencing something relatively mild and hanging in there the best that you can. I think you've recognized some really important stuff here. I think concentrating on getting some serious ...

I'm so glad you're finding stuff that works for you, Rubix! You've learned so much about yourself recently.

Hey wortmanjessica -- I can totally see your confusion about this recommendation. Sometimes STIs don't show up as quickly as one might assume after exposure or may be even asymptomatic, so getting tested annually is a good way to check in and make sure everything is ok. This is especially helpful co...

Hey a369 -- unfortunately we don't have a doctor on our team, nor can we help diagnose a problem like this online. I'm seconding Sofi's suggestion of seeing a doctor. I understand that this is something you need your parents help with - is there a reason you don't want to ask? I imagine it might be ...

Hey sky -- it sounds like you had a hard day. I want to remind you of some stuff you said when you were feeling happier: I am doing a lot better in life and I’m a lot happier now and I see things more clearly now and I realize I am a lesbian and I am not invalid, I’m not a whore or easy or a slut or...

Hey Raffles -- we always like to reply, even if it's just once, to every thread our users make. Do you want to talk about The Thing with us? No pressure here of course, especially as you said we didn't have to, but I just want you to know we're open to talking about things like this too if you need ...

I'm glad you're trying some new things, Rubix! It sounds like you're really doing some self-exploration right now. I'm glad you were able to find a therapist who is being so encouraging too. Have you had a moment to check out TrevorSpace yet? Not trying to rush you, of course - I was just wondering ...

I'm blown away by this post, sky! I admire how brave you've been in trying to confront and come to terms with all of this, and sometimes that can be really, really messy. It means a lot to me that you wanted to apologize, and I want you to know that you didn't hurt me personally. I know how difficul...

Hey Rubix -- I'm sorry the dysphoria you're experiencing is having such a weight on you in this way. I think you're on to something here with exploring new parts of your body and getting sexual pleasure from new sensations, but I understand if that alone won't fix the problem. We might have linked y...