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Sexual Health

  • 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.

  • Abstinence

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Birth Control Ring

    A woman places the birth control ring in her vagina where it slowly releases hormones into the bloodstream to prevent 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.

  • Condoms

    Condoms may be a good birth control option for couples who are responsible enough to use one each time and people who want protection against STDs.

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

    Experts agree that a physical exam isn't needed before starting birth control.

  • Does Douching Prevent Pregnancy?

    Douching does not prevent pregnancy. If you decide to have sex, use reliable birth control.

  • Emergency Contraception

    Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex. It is also available to teens who are forced to have unprotected sex.

  • Fertility Awareness

    Learn what the fertility awareness (rhythm method) of birth control is and how it works - and some of the reasons why it might not work for teens.

  • How Can Condoms Break?

    Condoms can sometimes rip or tear. Here's what can help prevent that.

  • How to Use a Condom

    Condoms protect against many STDs. Here's how to use them correctly.

  • Implantable Contraception

    Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Find out what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

  • Spermicide

    Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.

  • Talking to Your Partner About Condoms

    Some people are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner.

  • Talking With Your Partner About Sex

    Find out why it's important to talk about sex with your partner and how to have that conversation.

  • The 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.

  • The Diaphragm

    Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for a young woman who can take responsibility in advance.

  • The 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Do I Need a Pelvic Exam if I Had the HPV Vaccine?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Genital Herpes

    Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There's no cure for genital herpes, but medicines can help control it.

  • 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.

  • Gonorrhea

    The STD gonorrhea can be very dangerous if it's not treated, even in someone who has mild or no symptoms. For information about how to protect yourself, read this article.

  • Hepatitis

    Hepatitis, an infectious liver disease, is more contagious than HIV. Find out about the different types of hepatitis.

  • Hepatitis C

    The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through blood or other body fluids, and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most common way people become infected is by sharing drug paraphernalia.

  • 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.

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

    In a perfect world, we could talk to our parents about anything. But if you can't, in most states, once you are 13, you can get checked and tested for STDs without a parent's involvement.

  • 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.

  • How to Get Tested for HIV

    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.

  • How to Use a Condom

    Condoms protect against many STDs. Here's how to use them correctly.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Pubic Lice (Crabs)

    Pubic lice, or "crabs," are tiny insects that usually spread through sex.

  • STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

    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.

  • Syphilis

    Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Early treatment can cure it and prevent long-term problems.

  • Talking to Your Partner About Condoms

    Some people are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner.

  • Talking to Your Partner About STDs

    You know you should talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before the action starts. But what if the thought of having "the talk" makes you nervous? These tips can help.

  • Talking With Your Partner About Sex

    Find out why it's important to talk about sex with your partner and how to have that conversation.

  • 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.

  • Trichomoniasis

    Trichomoniasis is a curable disease that can be passed from one person to another during sex. The good news is that it can be prevented. Read about how to protect yourself.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Vaginal Yeast Infections

    What are vaginal yeast infections? Can anything be done to prevent them?

  • Adolescent Medicine Specialists

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

  • All About Periods

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Female Reproductive System (Slideshow)

    This slideshow explains how the female reproductive system works.

  • Gynecomastia

    Puberty can be confusing, especially when unexpected changes happen. Learn what gynecomastia is and why it happens.

  • How to Do a Testicular Self-Exam (Slideshow)

    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.

  • Irregular Periods

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

  • 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.

  • Is My Penis Normal?

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

  • Male Reproductive System

    What makes up a guy's reproductive system and how does it develop? Find the answers to these questions and more.

  • PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods

    Get the facts on which period problems are normal and which ones might indicate something's going on.

  • Puberty Basics

    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.

  • Taking Care of Your Body: Answers for Boys With Autism

    When you're a teen, your body changes — this is part of growing up. You will have to learn new routines to keep yourself clean and healthy. Here's what to expect.

  • Taking Care of Your Body: Answers for Girls With Autism

    Learning to take care of your body is part of growing up. Here's what you need to do to keep your body clean and healthy.

  • Talking to Your Doctor

    People who play a role in their own health care make better decisions and stay healthier. Here are tips for teens on how (and why) to build a bond with your doctor.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Your Changing Body: Answers for Boys With Autism

    When you're a teen, your body changes. This part of growing up. It's called puberty. Here's what to expect.

  • Your Changing Body: Answers for Girls With Autism

    Now that you're older, your body may be changing. This is a normal part of growing up. Here's what's going on.

What next?

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