You're welcome, good luck!

If you find that you are still stressed and worried about pregnancy after reading my response, check out this thread: Pregnancy Scare? Start Here

Hi AB79, Since you are on the pill, and assuming you use it correctly by taking it every day, you are protected from pregnancy, even if you were to engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse. Here's an article that will help you assess risk for different activities: Can I Get Pregnant, or Get or Pass...

Hi soccerchic, I think it would be worth your time to peruse this feature: Birth Control Bingo! . You may consider other barriers besides the diaphragm, like condoms (finding the right fit is easier: http://luckybloke.com/pages/find-your-condom-size). Also, if it has been five days or less since a r...

Hi chickengrits, First of all, I'm sorry that all of this is causing you so much stress, and that you've had such negative and unfulfilling sexual relationships in the past. :( I feel like one of the best things you could do right now would be to take a step back, and to take the focus off of orgasm...

Here is a Q&A about oral sex that you might find helpful: Mouthing Off on Oral Sex As for whether or not a person has an orgasm during a given activity, there are many variables at play. There really is no wrong or right way to give oral sex, and whether or not a person has an orgasm mostly has ...

Hi tots, Good for you for getting to know your body better! I don't think any slight variation from the "norm" is anything to worry about. What you observe may also depend on how you are taking your samples. I think the most important thing is establishing a baseline of what is normal for ...

I don't think it's very likely that you are "forcing" your feelings about guys onto your brain. To me, what seems to be going on is a lot of self-doubt, self-judgement, anxiety, and more than a little bit of internalized homophobia. Even queer people can experience feelings of shame around...

Hi Volleygirl, I don't think anyone here at Scarleteen would say it's "bad" that you had sex. If sex was something you wanted to do, that your partner wanted to do, and that you felt ready for, I am totally unwilling to make any kind of value judgement about it. :) People can have mature, ...

Also, did you ever get the chance to take a look at this article that another staff member passed along over the summer? The Scarleteen Safety Plan
Have you been able to take any actions since you originally contacted us about this abuse?

Hi Ashley, You are spot on when you say this pattern of behavior is abusive, because it most certainly is. Unfortunately, this kind of behavior pattern is something deeply rooted within those who display it, so simply talking with your boyfriend is likely not enough. He needs serious help, the kind ...

Hi stlyogi, I think it would be helpful to take the long view here. That's great that you feel that you are the type of person who always wants to do the right thing. But how do you know what the right thing really is? I was heartbroken when my first boyfriend ended our relationship, but I now know ...

To add to what Sam said, blood clots are probably not a big concern for you, as your doctor mentioned (although you should feel free to seek a second opinion). They are mainly a concern for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, those over 35, people with clotting disorders and smokers. ...

I definitely agree that seeing a doctor should be very high on your priority list right now! With regard to desire, fluctuations are normal and can be related to hormonal fluctuations, which are at play in your regular menstrual cycle and with your hormonal birth control. Some people taking hormonal...

wildprincess,

I'm sure the soreness is a result of both the muscle-tensing during sexual activity, and all of the walking you did (especially if you're not used to walking so much!). It doesn't sound like anything to be concerned about.

Self care can look so many different ways, and trying different things is a good way to figure out what works best for you. Here are some ideas that you could pick and choose from, depending on how you feel at a given moment or what appeals to you: -Take a bubble bath and listen to music -Write a le...

Hi Megladon, Here is an article about the efficacy rates of combining methods: The Buddy System: Effectiveness Rates for Backing Up Your Birth Control With a Second Method As you can see if you scroll down, sponge + condom is 97.7-98% effective, (which means that for every 100 people using this meth...

I hope I'm not overwhelming you with articles (read only what you find helpful/interesting), but here are two more that might help you frame what happened with your friend.
Driver's Ed for the Sexual Superhighway: Navigating Consent
Blinders Off: Getting a Good Look at Abuse and Assault

Hmm, the "toxic friendship" bit might be a clue that there is more to explore there--either on your own, through journaling and such, or with a therapist. Negative experiences that we have at such formative ages can really mess with us. How have you gone about working through all of this s...

This article too might be helpful: You're Not Pregnant. Why Do You think You Are?

MzB, Welcome the boards, first of all. :) What I'm understanding is that you have been a part of a fair amount of sex that you didn't really want, and that does absolutely take its toll on people. I'm really sorry to hear that you've had to deal with that. If you aren't experiencing any anxiety in a...

Hi Captainspoon, The number one thing that jumps out at me here is the fact that your friend pressured you into doing/trying things that you weren't really into. I hope you have come to realize that is not a healthy relationship or friendship model. How do you feel when you look back on that relatio...

If you had a regular period, then nope, it's as good as a negative pregnancy test!

Also, please avoid double-posting. You can trust that we will see and respond to your post regardless of where or when you post it. Thanks!

Hi purplepotato, Sounds like a visit to the doctor is your best bet right now. A yeast infection is likely, but if consistent use of over-the-counter products doesn't seem to be working, then it's time to see a doctor. If you were experiencing a latex allergy, symptoms would be showing up sooner tha...