Hi Silentdragon, So glad to hear from you! I can't tackle all of your questions, by I have some thoughts on a number of them. To start with the "bad behavior" and making friends thing. It may help to think of it as avoiding behaviors (or people) who make you uncomfortable. And that can be ...

Okay, so, it sounds like they did a full screening and gave you an indication that you were in the clear. So, I would say that you can move on from worrying about this.

Hi Blondinella, The best person to ask this question to is the healthcare provider who tested you because they can tell you what STIs you were tested for (not every place does a full screening unless asked). And, some STIs have to be in you system longer than others in order to create a positive tes...

Hi Kawani, I just want to say that the cycle of thoughts your describing is familiar to me. It's like some sort of jerkbrain power move and it sucks. Something I find helpful is to make the fact that I get to set my own pace explicit to myself. Like write it on a piece of paper and stick where I can...

Well, my hope is that the reality of the situation (then men can be raped by women) is reflected in the law somewhere. However, since I'm not a lawyer I can't say that with certainty. But, let me check in with some of the other volunteers to see if we can find the information or resources you need.

Hi Tarwin, So, it would technically be possible for someone else to have sex with you while you slept. However, if your worried about any legal responsibilities towards a child conceived by someone sexually assaulting you, that's a stickier question that none of us here are really qualified to answe...

Hi Avocadolime, That script sounds like it gets across what you feel you want to tell her and gives specific things she should and should not do if you zone out (which she will likely find helpful). So, if you're comfortable with it, I think it's a good script to use :). And my guess is over the pho...

Hi Avocadolime, First off, big round of kudos to you for being so proactive in taking care of yourself, both in terms of making the appointment even though you know it might be tricky, and for planning out some support for yourself. I think the ultimate answer is that you should tell your friend wha...

Hi pinkpetals, Some people do report having a slight twinge or cramping when they ovulate. However, the only way to know if you were ovulating at the time of the cramps is if you've been tracking your cycle pretty rigorously. However, if these cramps have been going on for several days, it would be ...

You're very welcome Purpleberry , and I'm so glad that found the articles addressed what you were feeling. If there's anything else we're able to help you out with, feel free to let us know.

Yep, you got it. And talking with your doc at your next appointment sounds like a good plan

Hi celica, We can't say for certain what the source of the tenderness is. It could be that the side effects of the pill are changing again (which can happen) or, depending on where in your cycle you are, the soreness might be linked to as soon-to-arrive period. If the soreness is ongoing, it might b...

I would suggest either calling or emailing (if you have the capacity to do either) the person who prescribed the pills and talking to them. Or, depending on what country you're in, you may be able to find a pharmacist or doctor to talk to about the pills and what the best way to go off them is. If y...

This is not technically a "new" article, but since we're seeing an increase lately in users who are not trusting their birth control methods, now seemed like a good time to share it.
Have a Little Faith in BC

Hi aj,

If you're not happy with your current birth control, I would definitely bring it up with a healthcare provider and figure out some other options for you. You may also want to play around with birth control bingo to get some ideas:
Birth Control Bingo!

Hi Alixana, I think it's a good impulse to not want to be pushy about this. And I think you're instinct that the "maybe" was really a soft "no" is a good one. I do think you can extend the offer of one more meeting-up. I would make it something specific, rather than something vag...

If she were my friend and people were talking like that about her? I would ask them to please not say nasty stuff about my friend in front of me (often, you can't control what people say behind your back, but you can usually control what they say to your face). I would also ask them something like &...

Hi Nadine Marie, Can you clarify a little about what you want from us with this comment? I think it might also help you to keep in mind that your friend? Gets to make whatever choices sexually that she wants to (assuming she's not assaulting or otherwise hurting someone in order to do it). Besides w...

Hi Marmalade, Good luck with your research :) Some links you might find helpful: Q is for Questioning Genderpalooza! A Sex & Gender Primer You may also want to check out "My Gender Workbook" by Kate Bornstein for more some reading about working out the gender identity or expression tha...

Hi Leia, So, even when someone is on hormonal BC (like the pill) their period will not always arrive at the exact same time (we're not machines, after all). And, since you started the pill fairly recently, your body may still be in a period of adjusting its cycle. It looks like, from your last threa...

You're quite welcome

Hi Monkey, It might be less a question of getting "desensitized" (which isn't really a thing that happens with vibrators) and more one of how different sensations and vibrators feel to your body. Our bodies are going to respond differently to different stimuli, and something (like a rabbit...

Again, I advocate the direct approach, if for no other reason that it gets it over with. It might help to even write out what you think his most likely responses will be (something you know better than we can ever hope to), then write out some possible responses to those reactions. That way, you can...

I think this is an instance where your desire to not contract another STI trump his need for his penis to feel a certain way. Compromise is totally possible, as you can try different brands of external condoms, or the female condom to find one that works for both of you. But he does not get to veto ...

Basically, they're shaped like an external condom (the kind you're used to), but they're inserted into the vagina and then the penis is guided into them when intercourse happens. They're just as effective as external condoms, plus you can insert them a few hours before you need them, which can help ...