Sexual Health

Articles In This Section

• Why Do My Testicles Ache?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• What’s a “Well-Woman Visit” and Why Do I Need One?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Pap Smears

  A Pap smear is a medical test that helps doctors figure out if there are any problems with a girl's cervix. Find out what happens during a Pap smear.

• Breast Exams

  It's rare for teen girls to have breast problems. But sometimes a doctor or nurse might think a breast exam is a good idea. Find out why, as well as what's involved in a breast exam.

• Pelvic Exams

  A pelvic exam is where a doctor or nurse practitioner looks at a girl's reproductive organs (both outside and internally) and feels the uterus and ovaries to be sure everything's normal. Find out what's involved in this article for teens.

• Do You Need a Pelvic Exam to Get Birth Control?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Can I Stop Myself From Having a Wet Dream?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying

  Just like other kinds of bullying, sexual bullying is intended to hurt, offend, or intimidate another person. Find out how to recognize sexual bullying and harassment and what to do.

• Why Does a Gynecologist Ask About Your Last Period?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Testicular Torsion

  This emergency condition happens when the spermatic cord gets twisted and cuts off blood supply, causing pain and swelling. Find out what to do in this article for teens.

• Bacterial Vaginosis

  BV is the most common vaginal infection. Although it's a mild infection, it can cause serious problems if it's not treated. Find out how to recognize BV and what to do about it in this article for teens.

• Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)

  If periods aren't regular it's usually because a girl's body is still developing. But sometimes, changes in blood flow can be a sign of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB).

• How Do I Get Checked for STDs Without My Parents Knowing?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Transgender People

  People who are transgender feel like they're living inside a body that's all wrong for them. Find out what it means to be transgender in this article for teens.

• Finding Low-Cost Medical Care

  If you need medical care but don't think you can afford it, you're not alone. Get tips on finding low-cost or free care in this article for teens.

• Is It Normal to Have an Erection When Waking Up?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Will My Monthly Cycle Go Back to Normal With PCOS Treatment?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Talking to Your Partner About STDs

  You know you should talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before the action starts, but if you're like most people the thought of having "the talk" makes you completely nervous. Welcome to STD Chat 101.

• Telling Your Partner You Have an STD

  People who have STDs might feel apprehensive about discussing their disease with a partner. Here are some tips on talking to a partner when you have an STD.

• Adolescent Medicine Specialists

  Adolescent medicine doctors are specialists who have extra training in the medical and emotional issues that many teens face.

• 5 Myths About STDs

  There's lots of misinformation out there about STDs. We set the record straight on 5 of the most common myths.

• Telling Parents You’re Pregnant

  If you just learned you're pregnant, you're not alone. You probably wonder how to tell your parents and how they'll react. Read our article for some tips.

• My Friend Has HIV. How Can I Help?

  People who have HIV might feel alone and frightened at times. More than anyone, they need good friends like you to lean on and trust.

• How Can Condoms Break?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Implantable Contraception

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

• Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies

  When it comes to pads and tampons, there are lots of choices. It may take some experimenting before you find what works best for you. Here are some tips.

• A Guy’s Guide to Body Image

  Many people think of guys as being carefree when it comes to appearance. But guys spend plenty of time in front of the mirror. And some worry just as much as girls do about their looks.

• Sexual Attraction and Orientation

  Both guys and girls often find themselves having sexual thoughts and attractions. For some, these feelings and thoughts can be intense — and even confusing.

• HPV Vaccine

  The HPV vaccine can help protect against the virus that causes genital warts and may lead to some kinds of cancer. Find out more in this article for teens.

• Help! Is This My Body?

  Your body's changing - and if you've ever felt out of step with it, you're not alone. Find out how to deal with body changes and feelings in this article.

• Do Condoms Really Work?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Male Reproductive System

  What makes up a guy's reproductive system and how does it develop? Can anything go wrong? Find the answers to these questions and more in this article.

• Female Reproductive System

  Why do girls get periods? What goes on when a woman gets pregnant? What can go wrong with the female reproductive system? Find the answers to these questions and more in this article for teens.

• Why Is My Voice Changing?

  At puberty, guys' bodies begin producing a lot of the hormone testosterone, which causes changes in several parts of the body, including the voice.

• Birth Control Ring

  The birth control ring is inserted into the vagina where it slowly releases hormones through the vaginal wall into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

• Birth Control Patch

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn what the birth control patch is, how well it works, and more.

• Finding the Right Bra

  Bras not only minimize jiggling and shape the appearance of a girl's breasts, they're also helpful from a health standpoint.

• Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work?

  Some birth control methods work better than others. This chart compares how well different birth control methods work.

• Abstinence

  Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

• Having a Healthy Pregnancy

  Whether you feel confused, worried, scared, or excited, you'll want to know how your life will change, what you can do to have a healthy baby.

• How to Perform a Testicular Self-Examination

  The testicular self-examination (TSE) is an easy way for guys to check their own testicles to make sure there aren't any unusual lumps or bumps - which are usually the first sign of testicular cancer.

• Feeling Fresh

  Wondering what you can do to feel as clean as possible "down there"? Read this article for the facts on douches, wipes, and other feminine hygiene products.

• Hernias

  A hernia is an opening or weakness in the wall of a muscle, tissue, or membrane that normally holds an organ in place. Learning to prevent hernias isn't hard to do - check out these tips.

• Condom

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to find out how condoms work - and how well they protect against pregnancy and STDs.

• What Are Wet Dreams?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

  Hepatitis B can move from one person to another through blood and other bodily fluids. For this reason, people usually get it through unprotected sex or by sharing needles.

• Urinary Tract Infections

  A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons that teens visit a doctor. Learn about the symptoms of UTIs, how they're treated, and more in this article.

• Endometriosis

  Read this article to learn all about endometriosis and how doctors help girls who have it.

• Irregular Periods

  Wondering whether it's normal to have irregular periods? Get the facts about this common problem.

• Why Are My Breasts Different Sizes?

  It's quite common for girls to have different-sized breasts, especially as they develop during puberty. If you're worried about how your breasts are developing, check out this article.

• Everything You Wanted to Know About Puberty

  Voice cracking? Clothes don't fit? Puberty can be a confusing time, but learning about it doesn't have to be. Read all about it.

• Varicocele

  A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum. Although there is no way to prevent a varicocele, it usually needs no special treatment.

• Can I Make My Breasts Larger?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

  In polycystic ovary syndrome, the ovaries produce higher than normal amounts of certain hormones, which can interfere with egg development and release. Learn how doctors diagnose and treat PCOS.

• Testicular Injuries

  Serious testicular injuries are relatively uncommon, but testicular injury can be painful. Read this to find out what steps you can take to protect yourself from injury.

• HIV Testing Resources

  Often the only way to know if someone is infected with HIV is through testing. Here are the facts on what's involved in getting tested — and who should get tested for HIV and why.

• Delayed Puberty

  Concerned about your growth or development? Puberty can be delayed for several reasons. Luckily, doctors usually can help teens with delayed puberty to develop more normally.

• Talking to Your Partner About Condoms

  Some people - even those who are having sex - are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner.

• Am I Still a Virgin If I Use a Tampon?

  Many girls worry that if they use a tampon, they will no longer be virgins. Get the answer to this question here.

• How Do People Get AIDS?

  AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a disease where the body is unable to fight off many infectious diseases as it normally could. Find out how AIDS is spread and how to protect yourself against it.

• Is My Penis Normal?

  Just about every guy wonders about the size of his penis at one time or another.

• Why Are My Breasts Sore?

  Breast soreness is common among teens, but it can still seem worrying when it happens to you. Fortunately, breast pain is rarely serious. Find out why your breasts may hurt and what you can do about it.

• About Birth Control

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to get the basics on birth control.

• IUD

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn more about the IUD and to find out how well it works for teens.

• I’ve Never Had My Period, So What’s This Discharge?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Gynecomastia

  Puberty can be confusing, especially when unexpected changes occur. In this article, you'll learn what gynecomastia is and why it happens.

• I’m 14 and I Don’t Have My Period Yet. Is This Normal?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Hepatitis

  Hepatitis, an infectious liver disease, is more contagious than HIV, and just like HIV, there is no cure. Find out how to protect yourself.

• HIV and AIDS

  There is no cure for AIDS, which is why prevention is so important. Get the facts on HIV/AIDS, as well as how it affects the body and is treated, in this article.

• Gonorrhea

  Gonorrhea can be very dangerous if it is left untreated, even in someone who has mild or no symptoms. For information about how to protect yourself, read this article.

• Virginity: A Very Personal Decision

  Deciding whether it's right for you to have sex is one of the most important decisions you'll ever have to make. Each person must use his or her own judgment and decide if it's the right time - and the right person.

• Genital Warts (HPV)

  You've probably heard lots about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. For information on how to protect yourself and how to treat genital warts, read this article.

• Genital Herpes

  You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Read about how to protect yourself.

• Trichomoniasis

  You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Read about how to protect yourself.

• Emergency Contraception

  Emergency contraception is used for emergencies only -for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex. It is also available to teens who are forced to have unprotected sex.

• Does Douching Prevent Pregnancy?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Vaginal Yeast Infections

  What exactly is a yeast infection? Can anything be done to prevent it?

• Diaphragm

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Find out how the diaphragm works and how effective it is at preventing pregnancy.

• Birth Control Shot

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the birth control shot and find out how it works - and how well.

• Coping With Common Period Problems

  Many girls have to deal with PMS, cramps, or headaches around the time of their periods. These problems are usually nothing to worry about. Get the facts on which period problems are normal and which ones might indicate something's going on.

• Chlamydia

  Chlamydia is an STD that often has no symptoms, so lots of people can have it and not know it. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself.

• Syphilis

  You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself.

• Cervical Cap

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the cervical cap to find out if it's right for you and how well it works.

• Gyn Checkups

  Girls should get their first gynecological checkup between ages 13 and 15. Find out what happens during a yearly gyn visit -- and why most girls don't get internal exams.

• About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

  You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself.

• Spermicide

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article and find out how spermicides work and when to use them.

• Birth Control Pill

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what birth control pills are, how well they work, and more.

• Fertility Awareness

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what the rhythm method of birth control is and how it works - and some of the reasons why it might not work for teens.

• Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal, What’s Not

  Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina and helping to prevent infections. But sometimes discharge indicates there's a problem. Get the facts on what's normal and what's not.

• Pubic Lice (Crabs)

  Pubic lice, or "crabs," are tiny insects that can crawl from the pubic hair of one person to another during sex. Read about symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

  Pelvic inflammatory disease, sometimes called PID, is an infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Learn how to protect yourself.

• All About Menstruation

  Periods can be confusing. Get the facts in this article for teens.

• When Will I Start Developing?

  Lots of girls and guys worry about when their bodies will develop. The fact is that physical development starts at different times and moves along at different rates in normal kids.

• Is It Normal to Get Erections?

  If you've ever had an erection in an embarrassing situation, you've probably asked yourself this question. But erections are a perfectly normal function of the male body, especially in guys who are going through puberty.

• Toxic Shock Syndrome

  Although toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can be serious, it's a very rare illness.

• Withdrawal

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn about withdrawal - and whether it's effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs.

• Testicular Exams

  If you're a guy, you may be wondering why the doctor needs to do a testicular exam. Find out in this article.