…Yellow or brown discharge comes out and it itches. What do I have?  I don’t use a condom.

Thanks for writing in—it’s responsible to be aware of what’s going on in your body!

It sounds like you are experiencing the symptoms of an infection. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell exactly what’s going on without seeing a doctor. Make an appointment at Teen Clinic as soon as possible to make sure you’re healthy.  We also suggest abstaining from sex until you know for sure, since some infections can be sexually transmitted. Give us a call to schedule your appointment, and consider using condoms 100% in the future to keep yourself safe and healthy!

…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!

Condoms can be a great method of birth control when used correctly. They’re cheap, easy to find, and can prevent the transmission of some STIs. However, it’s important to realize that condoms—like any birth control method—aren’t 100% effective.

When used correctly, they can be up to 98% effective. With typical use, however, condoms are only 82% effective.  That’s because many people aren’t using them correctly.  While it’s possible your brother’s condom failed for manufacturing reasons, it’s also possible he forgot to check the expiration date, used two at once, or chose the wrong kind of lubricant.  Many of the reasons condoms fail aren’t intuitive—so a person who has taught himself to use a condom might not know some of the things to avoid.

In some school districts, health classes are a safe place to learn to use a condom correctly. Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher (or a visiting sexual health educator) to explain the process in detail. If your school has different educational standards or you don’t feel comfortable, consider visiting Teen Clinic. One of our health professionals can work with you one-on-one to make sure you know everything you need to. You can also check out this website if you are looking for an anonymous way to check your facts.

When it comes to pregnancy prevention, it’s a great idea to combine methods.  Using a hormonal birth control method and condoms gives you a back-up in case something goes wrong.  Teen Clinic offers free birth control to anyone under 20, so make sure your sexually active friends know it’s a good idea to make an appointment and choose a reliable method.

It’s smart that you’re looking to learn from your brother’s experience! Thanks for asking this great question.

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!

…We used a condom but after we had sex I started getting headaches and started feeling nauseous in the morning and afternoon. He doesn’t think I am pregnant but I’m worried that I am.  It’s been about a week now or so. Can you help?

You’ve come to the right place! At Teen Clinic, you can walk in anytime we’re open for a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are accurate about ten days after unprotected sex, so you may need to wait a few days before you come in. However, it’s a great idea to take one—worrying about pregnancy can affect your health, causing a late period or even feelings of sickness.

If you’re not pregnant, you may want to start a hormonal birth control method while you’re at the clinic. Condoms can be up to 98% effective when used correctly, but combining condoms with a hormonal method is an even better way to prevent unintended pregnancy. (Make sure you’re using condoms correctly here.)

If you continue to feel anxious about sex and pregnancy, consider talking to a trusted adult. You’re welcome to visit Teen Clinic for support from our unbiased, compassionate professionals; just walk in any time we’re open.

…Then after she decided to get on birth control and she got the ring. Six days later we had sex again with a condom with spermicide in it and the condom broke. (I did not ejaculate but it still broke). I am really worried about this and I was wondering if you could give me an idea if she is pregnant or not.

First of all, good for you! You’re doing all the right things to make sure your girlfriend doesn’t get pregnant—supporting her in choosing a reliable birth control method, using condoms, and asking for medical advice.  However, it’s hard to say whether or not she is pregnant. The best way to know is to take a test. Pregnancy tests are accurate ten days after unprotected sex, and are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Your girlfriend can also walk-in to Teen Clinic for a pregnancy test any time we’re open.  If you and your girlfriend have questions about how the ring works, it might be helpful to come talk to one of our medical practitioners; understanding your birth control will help put your mind at ease.  And keep using condoms! A hormonal method plus condom use is a great way to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

Great question! Teen Clinic’s condom stash is rarely the same two months in a row. Because we are a donation-based clinic, we purchase whatever condoms are on sale. Right now we have Lifestyle Extra-Lubricated condoms; before that we had Atlas-brand condoms in six colors. We will be ordering our next shipment in the coming weeks.

We do our best to take your feedback into account, so if there’s a problem with the condoms we’ve chosen, please let us know.  However, the condoms we pick may not be your favorite. There is no legal age for buying condoms; feel free to learn which ones you prefer by purchasing your own!  Some teens worry about being seen buying condoms; visiting stores with a self-checkout can help with this problem.

Of course, you’re just as welcome to come grab a handful of whatever condoms are available at Teen Clinic, at no charge. If you’re sexually active, using condoms is the healthy, responsible thing to do!

… One week? 2 days? One month?

Teen Clinic recommends using a back-up birth control method for seven days after your Implanon insertion. After the first week, Implanon prevents pregnancy 99.9% of the time.

However, Teen Clinic does not recommend having sex without a condom!

Here’s why:  unprotected sex carries a high risk for sexually transmitted infections, which can pass through skin-to-skin contact, sexual fluids, or blood. Some STIs don’t always have symptoms—so it’s possible your partner has an infection without knowing it. Choosing to have sex without a condom could put your health at risk.

Throughout your life, make it a priority to ask your partners about their past sexual experiences. Suggest getting tested at Teen Clinic. And keep in mind that, while it’s ideal to be able to fully trust a partner, sometimes people make decisions they’re not proud of and don’t tell their partners. It’s your health!  Using a condom correctly, consistently, and all the time will help keep you safe and healthy; a partner who doesn’t respect that doesn’t respect you.

Feel free to make an appointment at Teen Clinic if you’d like to talk to a practitioner about real-life condom use.  Discussing condoms and STIs with your partner can be hard, but it’s an essential part of being sexually active in a safe, healthy way.

Absolutely! At Teen Clinic, we don’t require patients to make an appointment or fill out paperwork to pick up condoms. Walk in anytime we’re open and grab a few for yourself or your friends. If you’re feeling self-conscious, approach the desk. The receptionist can give you a brown paper bag to make carrying the condoms more comfortable.  Condoms can reduce the risk of STI transmission and pregnancy. Be sure you know how to use them correctly; check out this guide if you’re not sure. Thanks for making healthy decisions!

Although it’s most effective to start your next pill pack on time, there’s still an easy way to prevent pregnancy:  use a condom! Condoms are cheap, easy to use, and available at nearly every pharmacy, grocery store, or gas station. (If you’re feeling self-conscious, choose a store with a self check-out option.  There is no age limit on buying condoms.)  Teen Clinic recommends using a condom even when you are on a hormonal birth control method—remember, the pill doesn’t prevent STIs!  Always keep properly-lubricated, non-expired condoms on hand if you are sexually active.

Boulder Teen Clinic will re-open Monday, April 11 at 5pm.  Stop in to pick up your birth control anytime between 5-7. We will also be open Tuesday from 4-7 and Saturday 1-6 next week, just like normal!  Call us at 303-442-5160 if you have any questions.  Thanks for being responsible!