hello! it is normal to have odd cycles after getting off birth control, including late/short/light periods. other factors can also contribute to this, like stress, weight change, etc. it also can take several years after first getting your period to have a "normal" cycle. have you seen thi...

Redskies has some great advice. I've had doctors who've done it without me asking actually so that they get honest and comfortable conversations--so it's a very normal request & often a common practice Asking that doctor does this is a good idea, however, just to make sure.

Hello!

When you ask about switching to placebo pills while you are staining, are you worried about how this will mess with your cycle?

Hello MissT, First off, welcome to Scarleteen! If you have taken a pregnancy test--or two--after a missed period & more than two weeks after the possible risk, it is correct. You can trust the results. (Here is more about that: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/pregnancy_parenting/peeing_on_a_st...

Hi themathgirl, First off-welcome to Scarleteen! I am so sorry to hear about the position you are in. First of all, are any of the survivors of sexual harassment and/or rape seeking counseling? Would you like resources for your area should they want them? Regarding your friend--this might be simulta...

Hi confused123!

The tests will be accurate with that timing Have you seen this article ? http://www.scarleteen.com/article/pregn ... ancy_tests

Hi Anonymous88! Sam is likely right. Baby powder or coconut oil might also feel nice, depending on your preference. I wanted to write and add-- in my experience, hair poking through your underwear is normal! Waiting until the hair is a bit longer, or trimming it a bit shorter, might minimalize this,...

Hello helizabeth2016! It is very normal for your period to be lighter, off schedule, skip, etc. when you are under different types of stress--traveling, moving, anxiety, etc. This is a really good article explaining that a bit more: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/mia_or_dude_wheres_my_peri...

Of course, LegoUnicorn! I'm glad we could help.

Hello LegoUnicorn, Welcome to Scarleteen! Well, you may have expected this answer, but we can't tell you what you feel deep down. However, if you know that you are happier not being in a relationship with your ex-- that you know in your gut you want to continue moving on from her, that is what you s...

Hello emily20! Have you seen this article? http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexual_health/condom_basics_a_users_manual Might have some tips that are new to you :) From what you've described, sounds like you used the condom correctly and thus would be effective in preventing pregnancy :) Did you loo...

If you don't engage in any activities that present a risk in pregnancy, then no reason to panic! I frequently travel, move, change lifestyles, etc., and it frequently changes my cycle. As Mo said, what you're describing is perfectly normal. (When you have skipped several periods is when you should c...

Hello anonymous1701! "Typical use" means that the condom is not used perfectly every time, for the entire time. This means maybe it wasn't used according to directions, or was not always used. A common mistake is letting the condom dry out (lubricant is not involved, etc.), thus the condom...

Hi ilovemattyhealy! Have you seen this? http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/three_questions_about_taking_the_birth_control_pill_and_plenty_of_answers I'd check it out, particularly the section "What is taking it on time and what isn't?", but you haven't lowered your effectiveness by t...

Hi Redheadcaligirl! Welcome to Scarleteen! We're so happy to have you :) First of all, have both you and your boyfriend been tested since your last partners (if there were)? If not, I would definitely suggest wearing a condom because BC does not protect against STIs, etc. With condoms, not only are ...

Hi DeJay1000, I would like to echo what Sam said in terms of how you're wanting to currently identify--you can identify however you best feel describes you right now , without worrying if it is a permanent identity--it isn't or doesn't have to be! But it also does sound like there were a lot of othe...

Hi Crabby-one, A plus two kudos for getting out of a toxic friendship! I was in a very, very similar situation several years ago, but instead of another friend the said toxic friend dated after I decided to end my friendship with her, it was my boyfriend at the time (ya..). As Heather and Sam have w...

Hi Katlyn! Welcome to Scarleteen! There is no way for us to tell you if you are pregnant or not if you have engaged in activities that involve risk of pregnancy. Also, pregnancy test 10 days is a bit early to give you an accurate result. However, it is likely your period cycle was thrown off because...

Hi Ag18---first of all, welcome to Scarleteen! I am so sorry to hear what has happened to you. As your subject line states, yes--you were sexually assaulted. I am glad to hear you know it is not your fault. It can be difficult to process the emotions and feel as though you aren't at fault--but no th...

Hi Lilythetornado, First of all, welcome to Scarleteen! We are so happy to have you. I am so sorry to hear what happened to you. Firstly, to answer your question, no--only genital to genital contact can cause pregnancy. See this article for more information: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/...

Hello Deerann! First of all, welcome to Scarleteen! To start off, I want to say that often our generation of people have a tendency to treat relationships "like Dixie cups" as the author bell hooks stated. I want to make clear that I think it is important for our own growth, as well as tha...

Hi CraftyKid! Totally!! Gardening is the best, it is one of the most grounding things I can do for myself when I am feeling anxious, down or unbalanced. I personally really enjoy doing a bit of yoga to get centered and then weed, plant or harvest as a meditative tool. As for gardening tips, I found ...

Hello CraftyKid! Have you seen this? http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/quick_hits_questions_and_answers_on_the_pill To help guide you to a related Q&A: "If you are on a combined oral contraceptive (one that has two hormones in it, and your information packet with your pill packs will...