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Thanks, Birth Control Day Is November 15 & Here's How The CEO Of The National Campaign Wants You To Celebrate

Hi I'm kind of freaking out so we are both virgins but I'm not sure if she was born with an std or not I'm having s panic attack because I'm pretty sure she doesn't but when I asked her she said "my parents would have told me" I only stuck the tip in because it didn't fit. Should I be scared that I can contract an std????? –Will

Hi Will - There's a simple way to stop freaking out and that is for you both to get tested. Go to your doctor, or a clinic, or a Planned Parenthood if one is nearby. Or go to your school's health clinic.  It's not a big deal and people get tested all the time.

Since it takes time for STDs to develop, as the person testing you how long you should wait before you have any kind of intimate contact again. People can contract STDs from more than intercourse, and if you're going to have any kind of sex, you need this information. 

Scarleteen has several services that can help you navigate this and hopefully find a place to get tested. They also have articles on all aspects of STIs and STDs: http://www.scarleteen.com/tags/sti. In fact, there’s so much info, you may have to go through a few pages to find exactly what you want. 

Also, check out Bedsider for STI basics at https://www.bedsider.org/features/555-stis-and-relationships-what-you-need-to-know

Talking to Adolescents and Parents About Safe Sex

Talking to children about their sexual activity and how to protect themselves is something that many parents dread. Or more unfortunately, just flat out avoid. As providers it is important that we know how to navigate these conversations with both parents and their children. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are approximately 20 million people with new sexually transmitted…

What To Do If You Are Refused Birth Control | Care2 Healthy Living