Hello Serek, welcome to the boards! I'm sorry you're feeling so stressed - I hope this information will alleviate your concerns. Sperm can't travel through clothes, so you can safely assume that there was no risk in the activity you described. Since you're experiencing your usual PMS symptoms, your ...

Hi there, Sky Our feelings are important, but they do not always describe reality. Being able to make this distinction is a useful skill — one that can be improved with practice. Is sex wrong and gross, or do you feel like sex is wrong and gross? Do you have nothing to offer a partner, or do you fee...

Hi Privacy1234!

If it helps, a few of your posts have already been moved to a part of the boards that only staff members and volunteers can see on your request. If there is still information that could pose some risk, users can use this contact form to explain the issue.

Hello Rain39! Hmmm, I don't think there is an alternative to condoms in the situation that Kier suggested. Lube and condoms are very useful to have on hand when you're exploring sex. Would you like to talk about some ways you might be able to access them without going through your parents? You don't...

Hi Maxipad101! It is good that you stopped once you were feeling uncomfortable! I think you are on the right track for dealing with that tear- if it isn't bleeding, you can continue to treat it gently until it heals. When you say you know that your partner doesn't have any STIs, is it because both o...

Hello Xiaoge! You're right, it can be really hard to imagine how a new relationship might work if you don't have any examples - this is a common issue for people who are new to polyamory. Thankfully, the skills you need to manage a polyamorous relationship are not all that different from the ones yo...

Hello Cy! You might be able to look into your mind or your past and find a reason that explains why you are attracted to periods, but that doesn't always happen. Often, there just isn't an obvious or clear explanation for this sort of thing. There is nothing wrong with your interest, so I'm glad you...

Hello Vixtor, welcome to the boards! This is a new activity, so it makes sense that it feels strange. I will note that masturbation tends to feel better/less awkward if you try it when you're already aroused. If you would like ideas on what you can try, we have an article about masturbation: Going S...

Hello MountainMix, If your girlfriend and Lexi are afraid to speak to Haris, it may be best to have the conversation about limits in different circumstances, like when someone from the office of student apartments is present. For now, do they feel safe in their living situation? Have things simmered...

Hello Sprinkledsugar, welcome to Scarleteen! I promise, there is nothing wrong with you. Yes, many people start exploring masturbation around the age of ten, but that doesn't mean it is abnormal or wrong if you don't masturbate or if masturbation doesn't feel good. Take a look around the boards, you...

Hi Axolotlperson! You can use fragrance-free baby wipes as a temporary measure, but it is still best to wash toys with soap and water before you put them away. (In addition, if the toy doesn't vibrate and is made of glass, silicone, or steel, you could also boil it for 3–4 minutes to fully disinfect...

Hi Soontobemumma, welcome to Scarleteen! I'm sorry that you're experiencing pain, it does sound very frustrating! To start, I want to clarify two things: Am I correct in understanding that there is no build up to the clitoral pain — you don't experience any pain or discomfort until just before you o...

Hi Terence! I imagine your parents will expect you to handle healthcare appointments on your own at some point. What if you asked them if you could meet with the doctor on your own, and framed it as practice? You could tell them that it would reassure you to have them nearby while you take this step...

Hi Terence,

Do you think it would be possible to discuss visiting a doctor with your parents without telling them your actual reasons? You could say that your reasons are private, or you could tell a white lie.

Hi AQ!

AFAB used here to mean not intersex, since I haven’t found a good word to say that.

I will also pop in to say that I have seen the words 'perisex', 'endosex', and 'dyadic' used to describe people who are not intersex.

Hi Candikelp! I can see that this confusion over your gender has been bothering you, so I’m glad you feel comfortable talking about it here. Your post has covered a lot of important ideas, so I want to start by touching on a few that stood out to me. Growing up, I think we learn that gender is meant...

Hi Shaymie! Here is how I understand it: finding someone attractive is not the same as objectifying them. Objectification happens when someone treats another person as an object or tool to serve their needs, while ignoring that the other person has feelings and needs of their own. Ignoring someone’s...

Hi there, Archer! I can't give you specific recommendations for porn sites, but I can answer your first question. Hard-core porn tends to involve explicit or detailed depictions of sexual activities and body parts like the genitals. This is in contrast to 'soft-core' porn, which is erotic/sexual in ...

Hi Tryvstrul! I'm glad Sam's advice helped you! You're right, it's a good idea to wait a few more days before you consider your period to be late—you don't need to worry just yet. In fact, even if your period did arrive a little later than expected, you wouldn't need to worry about pregnancy. The ac...

Hi Leonor! If you want to find someone to date, your best bet is to look for opportunities to meet new people and make friends. This will probably get much easier when you are in college, but for now, what do you think of looking for events and clubs that you can attend while you are in the city? De...

Hi Archer, I think you can start by giving yourself the opportunity to find people you might want to date - this could be at school or at clubs and social events outside of school. Then, you could try to get to know these people and see if you have a connection. It is a pretty similar process to onl...

Hi DazzleJess, welcome to the boards! Yes, this question can go here. I think you're already on the right track: the key to finding new interests is to explore in an open-minded way. Beyond that, I can't say that there is any surefire way to find other things that will make you feel aroused. You cou...

Hi Garfield! Let's start here: I don't think you are spoiled or overdramatic for wanting more independence, especially in the way you are going about it. It doesn't actually harm your mother when you remove her as your emergency contact, try to go to a different school that she doesn't pay for, try ...

Hi there, Jay27! Yes, you can see a healthcare provider to discuss HRT, even if you are not sure. It's a normal part of their job to provide information and answer questions. Some doctors/nurses can have a very specific view of transition should look like (eg. 'complete' transition to an 'opposite' ...

Hi Swindle2040, It doesn't sound petty or childish at all - I know it can be really difficult when your mind decides to focus on something very distressing. I think you are right about the source of the problem here: it isn't the content itself, but this pattern where your mind struggles to move on ...