Hi ohj22,

So, bleeding after intercourse is generally a sign that either you were tense, or that there was not enough lubricant used during sex. Do either of those situations sound like they apply to you?

Hi JCF,

We can't say why those other sources say what they do. And yes, as you read, sperm require very specific conditions to be able to move and survive, conditions that just don't happen when clothes are present.

Hi butterly, That does sound like a stressful relationship to be in. And it's seldom a good sign if your partner tends to make things that most directly affect you (periods, depression) about them. Supportive partners tend to comfort you in moments of stress and turn to other people to help them cop...

Hi Berry,

Have you had a chance to look at this piece yet to use as a reference when you're looking at your genitals? It might help you figure out what you're seeing: Innies & Outies: The Vagina, Clitoris, Uterus and More

Hi bigbywolf,

Sounds like a good self care plan As for one to do on the boat, maybe have a fun, distracting app or a book/magazine that you enjoy as a means of distracting yourself from him?

Hi kiki, So, I don't know what your boyfriend was reading, but bleeding is not a sign of "virginity" nor is it a natural consequence of first intercourse. A lot of people do bleed after the first time, but that has more to do with nerves (that cause tension, which can lead to bleeding) and...

I have to say that communicating desire nonverbally is tricky, especially if you haven't been being intimate with that person very long. Things like kissing and touching communicate desire, but they're not great at communicating what, exactly, you want. So it helps to pair those non-verbal signals w...

Hi tonasa, I'm sorry you've been having these worries. I think the best thing to focus on is that the doctor, who had information about your medical history, proscribed these pills, and likely would not have done so if they thought you were at any realistic risk for blood clots. You mention needing ...

Of course

I hope the article helps! Another one you might find useful is this one, since you feel nervous about doing this "wrong"
http://www.scarleteen.com/article/gende ... fectionism

Okay, that makes sense. Is there something that makes it hard for you to be forward (like worrying that you'll mess up)? I think a really helpful place to start is with this article: Be a Blabbermouth! The Whats, Whys and Hows of Talking About Sex With a Partner Too, something to keep in mind is tha...

Hi nervousone,

I guess a starting place is: what do you think taking the lead in a sexual situation looks like? What seems like it would be hard for you in that scenario?

Hi Volleygirl, I think Snorkmaiden's advice is quite sound (although Snorkmaiden, a reminder that this area is for staff/volunteer replies only). I think it can also help to remember that, unless he's discussed it with you in detail, you may not know all his feelings regarding his break-up or what h...

The best way to get that information is to look at the STI files Heather told you about, linked to each infection on the page you were looking at (like this one: The STI Files: Chlamydia [/b] ) for the infections you're curious about. That way, you'll get a more detailed description of how different...

Hi AnnaJo, So, for the pregnancy worries, the place to start is this article: The Pregnancy Panic Companion . I will say that your body may still be adjusting to the pill, and that can affect your cycle. Too, our periods don't always arrive exactly when we expect them to. I am a little concerned tha...

Hi wildprincess,

This is certainly not a scenario where the risk of HIV is high, so your friend is correct in that this may not be necessary. However, like Edith said, staying up to date with your sexual health check-ups and testing is a sound choice. So, the test is something you can do.

We have a new poll up, and we'd love to hear your thoughts!
http://www.scarleteen.com/node/7826

Hi Nyako,

Thank you for your contribution! I do want to let you know for future reference that this section of the boards is for staff replies only to users.

You're welcome. The reaction you're having is normal. People who do abusive things do not do them 100% of the time. They can (and usually do) have qualities that make us really like and care about them, and want to see the best in them. But those good things don't cancel out the harm they cause. You...

Again, that's one of those things that's going to vary from person to person. However, some general signs that someone likes you is that seem to enjoy your company and actively seek you out (texting you, initiating hang outs, etc). Really, the best way to find out if a girl you like likes you back i...

You're welcome

Hi Eta,

The best way to protect against transmission is to just keep having protected oral sex, either with a condom or a dental dam. You can read about transmission and testing in more detail here: The STI Files: Herpes

Hi Hsurniarb, Those are both really cruddy things to have to go through, so I'm sorry you did. I want to say that, ultimately, the only person who can label these experiences is you. So if they felt abusive, then you get to call it that. And, you get to feel the ways that you feel about what happene...

Hi Hsurniarb,

That's a question it's best to ask the doctor you've been seeing (especially if you're changing other meds at about the same time). They'll be able to tell you what the best process for you ending the current birth control is.

I'm finding some contradictory info as well, so can see how it would be confusing to work out. It looks like some oil based lubes can be damaging to silicone toys, as well as potentially the harnesses. However, you can try spot testing your toy. Put a little bit of the lube in question on the toy, a...