Hi Agapezara, I want to start by saying nothing that you do when having sexual contact with another person is "supposed to" or "should" be hurtful or uncomfortable. Sex is about doing what is pleasurable for you personally and if something does not feel good or is "unbearabl...

hi lb07, That's good you are feeling less ashamed about it than in the past. Touching on what Sofi raised it can often be helpful to reflect on what is attractive about wants that we have so we can understand ourselves better and not be as hard on ourselves. Some good starting points could be to thi...

Hi Wheely.tracor, It makes sense that you have this worry and want to care for someone you love. From your response, it seems like he already seems comfortable coming to you when he is struggling and needs help. Circling back to Sam's question about what you hope to gain from the possible conversati...

Hi PrettyPrincess, Welcome to the boards! If this is something that has been bothering you, bringing it up to your boyfriend sounds like a good idea. It can feel awkward to navigate but often short moments or memories like that can build and build over time and stick in one's mind so it can be helpf...

Hi Donnwannago, I am so sorry your case worker has been so ineffective and uncommunicative during this process. Echoing Sam's advice earlier in the thread, it may be worth it to investigate getting in touch with a higher up of your case worker to see if you can get a clearer understanding of the tim...

Hi iLilli, Thank you so much for your vulnerability and for sharing your thoughts here. I think speaking truthfully here is an amazing first step for getting to the root of what would make you most happy and preventing your negative self-thought and anxiety from halting exploration before it has eve...

Hi Skybushh, It is really difficult to advocate for yourself and express problems that arise, I definitely get that. However, it seems this situation is causing you a lot of anxiety and strife which is something to consider. You do not have to do anything before you feel ready, but it is important t...

Hi Jay27,

That sounds like a really good plan for your first appointment with your doctor to make sure you are safe and comfortable. Would you like to talk more about the anxiety you're feeling surrounding dilators?

Hi Skybushh, It can be really difficult to think of the ways our partners may not be treating us well, especially when we have so much love for them. Talking about the ways our partners are hurting us does not mean they are bad people or that we do not have any faults of our own. People will inevita...

Hi SillyMcGoof_! Opening up conversations with parents around sex and sexuality can be difficult, but it can also be a great way to get the support you need for this new period in your life where partnered sex is something you may be more seriously considering. One great source to get started in mak...

Hi Jay27, One option can be to set up a consultation appointment before an appointment with any physical exam. This may help you ease some of that anxiety and begin a conversation with your doctor about your anxieties around intense pain during pelvic exams. This is a time in which you and your prov...

Hi TahjTahj, When you met with this gynecologist did they complete any kind of physical exam? Or are you looking for a more specific exam for your concerns specifically? You know your body better than anyone else, and because you feel so strongly it sounds like a good idea to reach out again and ask...

Hi ConfusedGrape, This is not a weird question at all it is incredibly common for a couple's libidos to change and alternate throughout different stages of a relationship. It can be a source of anxiety for many people, but with communication, it can become another wonderful chance to grow and learn ...

Hi axolotlperson, Discharge can change for a variety of reasons. For example around ovulation the discharge can become more thin and clear, while later in your cycle it is normal for the discharge to thicken or change in color to more white or yellow. One source I can give you to give some more cont...

Hi MariaSjohn, The idea that inserting something into the vagina will change its tightness or make it loose is a myth. The vagina is made up of many muscles that are made to expand and contract again. Using a menstrual cup would not have any effect on the "tightness" of your vagina. Anothe...

Hi Urlocalclown, The most important thing about masturbation is doing what feels good for you personally. It is a normal part of life and a great way to explore your sexuality in a safe and personal way. When you say that touching yourself grosses you out, is it that it physically is not pleasurable...

Hi Mika.m, This situation is not an abusive friendship, but depending on the way you communicate it, your friend may still feel negatively or objectified. One question to start is how do you want your relationship with this person to change? Would you like to interact sexually with her or is there a...

Hi Trixieandtoast, It is clear you have put a lot of thought into drafting these texts, which I commend you for. Before I discuss the draft I wanted to quickly touch on your point of sex being "way less of a deal" to him rather than to you. No matter where we are in our journey with sex an...

Hi Trixieandtoast, I am glad the responses by KierC and CaitlinEve have been helpful for you during this process. Touching on planning your conversation, texting is definitely an option you can try and see if that is a comfortable option for you. If you feel like talking in person is too overwhelmin...

Hi Liore, I'm glad the resource provided was so helpful to you and allowed you to do some self reflection. Break ups are very disrupting and can raise a lot of negative feelings and self doubt, but through caring for yourself healing is possible. When you see him in a few days will it be a social en...

Hi Lyle Lanley, I want to start by saying I understand your feelings and I do not want to invalidate them at all. It is normal to feel strong emotions about gendered violence, gendered abuse, and the way patriarchy hurts people especially when we have experienced it ourselves. However when it starts...

Hi Ms. Candy! Do you have any mutual friends? Mutual friends can be a great way to organize something in a group so you can get to know each other. Maybe the male friend you spoke about in your first post? Like Sam said something casual and low stakes is always good for a first hang, like getting so...

Hi Amazingstar344, welcome to the boards! To start, it is totally normal to experience varied amounts of arousal after something like sexual trauma. There is nothing wrong with you, it is just your body processing how to feel safe again after the violation of consent and safety. I am very sorry this...

Hi Whispermae, I am so sorry you have been dealing with this. It is so difficult when we feel like we don't know how or are unable to set these boundaries, but you deserve to have touch and interaction that is pleasurable, safe, and consensual. We are here to discuss ways to keep you safe in future ...

Hi CaswasHere, Many things can effect libido and sexual response, one being our mental health. Changes such as increased feelings of anxiety or depression can affect other things such as our sleep and eating patterns, all of which can have effects on our bodies. When these changes happen it can be v...