…She did use a condom.

Your granddaughter is lucky to have someone she can talk to!  Thanks for writing in on her behalf.

Although light bleeding can occur after a person’s first vaginal intercourse, bleeding that continues should be evaluated by a medical professional. Vaginal bleeding is often a sign of infection, whether a sexually transmitted infection or an organic infection, like yeast or bacterial vaginitis.  If she doesn’t already have a gynecologist, consider helping her get to Teen Clinic for a check-up. We offer low-cost and confidential services.

Make sure your granddaughter knows that sex shouldn’t be painful.  The tissue in the vaginal canal is very fragile, and can tear if a person isn’t lubricated enough during intercourse. Choosing a water-based lubricant to use with condoms is a great idea. It’s also important to make sure she is aroused enough for vaginal intercourse. During arousal, blood fills the vaginal tissues, allowing them to expand and lengthen. The body may also self-lubricate, reducing friction  further. If a person experiences pain during intercourse, it’s often a red flag to stop or slow down.

For a more in-depth guide to preventing pain during sex, check out this question.  To make an appointment at Teen Clinic, take a peek at our contact information. Thanks again for being a safe place your granddaughter can go!

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know over the internet whether or not you’re pregnant. The best way to know is to take a test. Teen Clinic offers free, confidential pregnancy tests on a walk-in basis anytime we’re open! You can also purchase pregnancy tests at local pharmacies and grocery stores to use at home.

Many patients experience light or irregular periods after their Implanon insertions, and some don’t get a period at all. By using Implanon, you’re more than 99% protected from pregnancy.  It is extremely rare for pregnancy to occur during Implanon use, but it still may be worth taking the test. Over time, you’ll get used to the way Implanon affects your period, and you may feel more confident that you’re not pregnant.

However, we do not recommend having unprotected sex. Implanon and other hormonal birth control methods do not prevent against sexually transmitted infections. Using condoms every time will help keep you safe and healthy. Even if you’re in a trusted relationship, try to stay in the habit of using them just in case. It’s your health!

Pain during intercourse is often a sign of infection. Bacterial vaginosis, overgrowth of yeast, and sexually transmitted infections can all irritate the tissues of the vaginal canal, causing burning or discomfort during sex. In some cases, these tissues may bleed after intercourse.  See a healthcare provider soon to make sure you’re healthy. Remember, all services at Teen Clinic are free!

The vaginal canal can also become sore after poorly lubricated sexual activity.  Keep plenty of water-based lubricant on hand, especially when you’re using a condom. Some females naturally self-lubricate quite a bit; others may not lubricate enough to avoid discomfort. Remember, reducing the friction during intercourse makes it less likely that vaginal tissues—and condoms!—will tear, lowering your risk for STIs. It’s important to use only water-based lubricants, since oil-based lubes can create holes in a condom.  We keep free samples of lube in the waiting room at Teen Clinic; come grab some!

Lastly, make sure your partner knows when you’re experiencing pain during intercourse! Communicating with your partner is key to keeping sex safe and healthy. If you’re in pain—whether from a position, an infection, or poor lubrication—your partner should know that it’s time to stop.

Taking an emergency contraceptive, like Plan B, can change your regular bleeding pattern. The Plan B pill is a dose of progesterone, a natural hormone that builds up the lining of the uterus. The medication is actually tricking your body into thinking it should have a period. You should have some sort of bleeding within three weeks of taking the Plan B pill. If you do not have any bleeding or spotting (minimal bleeding) within three weeks, visit Teen Clinic for a free pregnancy test.

You can find more information about your period, Plan B and other birth control methods on our website.  Make an appointment at Teen Clinic for a personalized consult.

Nope!  Menstruation will not make the NuvaRing less effective or cause infection.  Stay on schedule with your birth control, even if the timing seems different than before.  If the bleeding occurs only after intercourse, includes itching or burning, or seems abnormal in any way, make an appointment for an exam at Teen Clinic.  And don’t forget—Nuva Ring does not prevent against STI transmission, so be sure to use a condom, too!

Thanks for checking in before making changes to your birth control routine!

…(although I don’t remember how long it lasted). It’s now November 22 and my period hasn’t come again.  What are the chances I’m pregnant?

There’s a good chance the bleeding was your period—especially if it was similar to what you experience each month. Plan B can reduce the risk of pregnancy, especially when taken the same night as unprotected sex.  However, the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. These can be purchased at a local pharmacy or grocery store for just a few dollars. Both Longmont and Boulder Teen Clinics also offer pregnancy tests for free!  Being sure you’re not pregnant is an important part of responsible sexual activity.

A female’s period can actually fluctuate based on what’s going on in her life.  This means that stress, sickness, change in physical activity, or even worrying about being pregnant can make a period come late. So take a deep breath and come on over to Teen Clinic. You’ll feel better once you know!

Great question! Asking questions before engaging in sexual activity is the best way to make informed, safe and healthy decisions. As with many types of sexual activity, unprotected anal sex can transmit STIs if a partner is infected. Anal sex presents an increased risk of infection because the lining of the rectum is a thin membrane that can easily be torn or damaged during sex.  Small tears (known as anal fissures) may occur during intercourse. Fissures can be fairly painful and slow to heal, and provide a direct route into the bloodstream–so you’re right to worry about sexually transmitted infections! Most anal fissures won’t cause permanent damage to the rectum, however.

Many doctors recommend exploring anal sex by using a lubricated finger first.  Because the anus does not self-lubricate, it’s important to keep a bottle of water-based lubricant on hand; this will help prevent fissures and make the experience more pleasurable.  When you begin having anal sex with a partner, be sure to wear a condom every time.  The insertive partner can choose to wear male latex condoms, or the receptive partner can choose to wear a Reality Condom (also known as a female condom). Both are available for free at Teen Clinic. (Wear only one condom at a time, however!)

Remember:  if you feel pain at any time during sex, slow down, communicate with your partner, and consider using more lubricant. And make an appointment at Teen Clinic if you ever experience any irregular bleeding or internal pain after intercourse.

First, keep in mind that not everyone defines “sex” the same way. To some people, “sex” refers only to vaginal intercourse. To others, it includes oral and anal intercourse.  To others still, “sex” includes mutual masturbation and sex toy play.  For your first sexual experience, focus on exploring each others’ bodies in a way that feels comfortable to both of you, and don’t worry too much about what you’re “supposed” to do.

It’s always possible for vaginal intercourse to be uncomfortable, whether for the first time or the millionth.  Here are some tips that can help keep intercourse pleasurable and safe.

• Make sure both partners are fully aroused before beginning intercourse. Engaging in foreplay—kissing, oral sex, or mutual masturbation, for instance—stimulates blood flow to the genitals, which allows the tissue in the vaginal canal to stretch.  A female’s cervix actually lifts toward the uterus during arousal, elongating the canal by several inches.  Also, most vaginas self-lubricate when aroused, making it easier to accommodate a penis.

• Some women have a thin membrane, called a hymen, blocking the entrance to their vaginas. Hymens can be broken by fingers, tampons, penises, or other things inserted into the vagina. Not all females are born with a hymen, however, and some are broken in childhood by everyday activities like sports.  If you are engaging in vaginal intercourse for the first time, it is possible to feel a brief pain as the hymen breaks.  A small amount of blood may be present.  Know that this is normal and involves no lasting damage!

• Use lubrication. Some bodies self-lubricate quite a bit; some don’t at all!  Lubrication will lower the  amount of friction during intercourse, allowing the penis to slide in and out without catching on the vaginal tissue.  Even if your body does self-lubricate, it’s great to have a bottle of water-based lube on hand just in case things become dry and uncomfortable. (Lubrication is especially important when having intercourse with a condom, since the latex can create extra friction in the vagina.)

• Stay positive. You may be nervous about whether or not vaginal intercourse will hurt. There’s nothing wrong with this, but remember that the vagina is a muscle. If you’re tense, it might be, too! Sometimes people who are stressed out will feel pelvic pain during intercourse instead of pleasure. This is a good signal to take a step back. Check in emotionally with your partner, return to foreplay, or listen to what your body needs instead of sex. If you find that sex of any kind makes you anxious, talk to a trusted adult about your concerns. Share dinner and conversation with your partner. Pamper yourself with a long bath. Remember that relationships can be meaningful and intimate without sexual activity, and try intercourse again when you’re feeling confident and aroused.

Some vaginal or penile pain during intercourse is a cause for concern. If you’ve been experiencing pain during intercourse consistently for several months, it may be time to seek out a healthcare professional. Make an appointment with your doctor or come see a nurse at Teen Clinic.  It’s free and confidential!

…I am on the pill and take it religiously so it isn’t my period. What could this mean?

First of all, good for you–it sounds like you’re taking charge of your sexual health!  Taking a pill every day can be hard, but at least you know this bleeding isn’t normal.

Bleeding after intercourse can be a sign of infection. Some infections are sexually transmitted, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, but some are not;  it’s possible you’re experiencing bacterial vaginitis or cervicitis.  To be sure,  make an appointment to see a nurse at the next Teen Clinic.

Has your partner been sexually active with others in the past? Even if you are only sexually active with each other now, it’s possible that one of you was carrying an asymptomatic STI from a past partner.  It’s important to get tested every time you become sexually active with a new partner; ask him or her to get tested too!

The discharge is probably just the end of your period. If you continue to have spotting after intercourse, you should visit a health care provider or make an appointment at Teen Clinic. Remember that even if you’re on your period, you are still at risk for pregnancy if you have unprotected sex. Consider using a reliable birth control method and condoms. STI transmission is another risk factor during unprotected sex. In fact, transmission is more likely during your period because of the presence of menstrual blood. Always use a condom and get tested.