Article featured in Avatar - Volume 1, Issue 5 (Sept. 2007). Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by drowningangel Several times a week, the TeenHelp staff gets questions regarding sexually transmitted diseases and infections: what they are, how to prevent them, and the symptoms you may have if you do contract one. This month, we are addressing what is becoming a commonplace issue for teenagers around the world - STDs and STIs. ...

Guide to condoms By Traci (Coffee.) Condoms are one of the best ways to protect yourself during sex. Unlike the pill, shot, patch, ring, and other hormonal forms of birth control or not using protection at all, condoms protect you from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When buying condoms, it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with all the different brands, textures, and materials that they can come in. It's also common to wonder which one is right for you....

The Basics of Intersexism By Nicole (eumoirous) The Intersex Society of North America defines intersexism as “a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.” Typically, intersex individuals are born with ambiguous genitalia, however they can also appear a certain sex on the outside, but have the opposite sex’s anatomy on the inside. They are usually...

Shake the first time jitters by Amy (Ronald Weasley) Are you worried about your first time having sex? Are you nervous it will be awkward? That you might underperform? Fact: Everyone was nervous their first time. You're not alone. Instead of worrying yourself with fantasies or about how the extravagant night will unfold, keep your plans simple. Be sure you know a time and place, as well as the type of birth control you will be using. If you and your significant other have already talked...
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How to insert tampons By Cassie (Cassado) Tampons can be described as cotton plugs that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves the body. Learning how to use tampons can be a stressful experience. There are so many different brands and levels of absorbency to choose from, and putting them in can seem daunting. Choosing tampons There are a lot of brands to choose from, and different colors stand for different things. Generally, purple tampons...

Talking to your parents about sex By Traci (Coffee.) Growing up, many people had “the talk” about sex with their parents. Although often awkward, these moments created a mutual closeness where parents and kids got to speak about adult choices and felt comfortable continuing a lifelong discussion. However, for some, these discussions were uncomfortable and uninformative with the subject never being brought up again. But no matter what, the time has come; you're in puberty, you have...

Menstruation terminology By Cassie (Cassado) and Nicole (eumoirous) Menstruation is a normal process but can vary and even be abnormal. Knowing the meaning of different terminology for menstrual cycles and their differences can allow one to better understand their body. Most women experience some abnormality with their periods at some point, and so typically it is not something to worry about. However, knowing what is considered abnormal and what the common side effects are can be a ...

Bras and how they support By Cassie (Cassiopeia.) Did you know that women spend approximately sixteen billion US Dollars worldwide on bras each year? source] Those who wear bras own up to nine bras on average source]. A bra is a garment worn by people to support their breasts. Each bra is designed to meet the individual requirements of people of all shapes and sizes around the world. The average age that people begin to wear a bra is age eleven, but breast development normally starts...

What is the age of consent, and what does it mean for you and your partner? By Bex (Eclectic.) Defining the Age of Consent The age of consent is defined as the age at which a person's consent to sexual intercourse is valid in the eyes of the law. This separates them from being a minor because they are now officially an adult who can consent to sex in his or her own right. When an adult has sex with a minor—even if the minor has consented to having sex—it is called statutory...

Barrier contraceptives: going beyond the external condom By Traci (Coffee.) A barrier contraceptive method, or shortened simply as a “barrier,” is a method of preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by physically preventing the sharing of fluids and/or skin contact. Because it prevents physical contact, it is thought of to be one of the safest ways to protect oneself from STIs and pregnancy. The most common type of barrier is the external condom, also known as the...

The basics of Pap smear testing By Cara (Khaleesi.) Getting a Papanicolaou smear test, commonly known as a Pap smear, is a very important part of becoming an adult as these tests enable doctors to find any abnormal cells that may be present in the cervix, or the lower portion of the uterus that connects with the vagina. These abnormal cells can sometimes lead to cervical cancer which is a big killer of adults aged thirty to sixty and the sooner these cells are found the easier it is to...

Hooking up safely By Nicole (eumoirous) Hooking up, commonly known as engaging in sexual activity, has become more common as the stigma of sex has reduced in intensity. Hooking up may seem enticing, however it is important to be safe about it. Since hooking up tends to occur in the heat of the moment, it is important to consider the consequences and to communicate with your partner beforehand. This article aims to present steps to stay safe and healthy, as well as tips on how to prepare...

The concept of virginity By Nicole (eumoirous) Virginity is a term with a long history, and because society is becoming more modern, many people are still confused about what it is. This can lead to emotional stress as, today, we still consider virginity as a “good” thing, and many religions still require its followers to remain virgins until marriage. This means that it is beneficial to understand what exactly the concept of virginity is. The well-known concept. Most people consider...

How to perform a self breast exam By Cassie (Calico.) A breast self exam, or BSE, is an exam that people do regularly to look for any possible changes in their breasts. Mammograms are able to see tumors before they can be felt, but a self exam will allow you to understand the normal appearance and feeling of your breasts. This understanding will help you to determine whether or not there are any abnormalities in your breasts. According to John Hopkins Medical Center, 40% percent of women...