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!

In the meantime, it’s a good idea to abstain from sex until you know for sure.  Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and eat a balanced diet.  Help your body stay as healthy as possible! And try not to worry. Seeing a doctor is a great way to find out for sure. You’ll have the chance to ask lots of questions and get any treatment you need.

To make an appointment at Teen Clinic, give us a call the day before you’d like to come in.  All services are free to those under 20.

First of all—good for you! It’s great that you made the healthy decision to use a condom, and it’s important to be aware of your body, too!

Vaginal itching can occur for all sorts of reasons. Some females may experience yeast or bacterial vaginitis infections after intercourse; others may experience a reaction to spermicides or lubricants.  Itching can also be a symptom of some sexually transmitted infections.

The most important thing is to see a healthcare provider if the itching continues. Teen Clinic offers free, confidential infection checks if you’re under 20. Just give us a call to schedule for the next possible day.

Unprotected sex also carries a risk of pregnancy. No hormonal birth control method is 100% effective; use condoms consistently, correctly, and all the time!  You can get unlimited condoms for free at Teen Clinic; just walk in anytime we’re open!

There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some infections that we consider STIs can be spread non-sexually. Bloodborne diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis are often transmitted through IV drug use. If someone has used needle drugs, it’s possible they have an STI, even if they haven’t been sexually active.

Pubic lice, also known as crabs, can also be transmitted non-sexually. Pubic lice can live for up to twenty-four hours outside the body in warm, dark, moist places like bathtowels, bed sheets, loofahs, or wet bathing suits. If a person shares these items with someone else, lice transmission is possible.

Does that mean it’s a good idea to have sex without a condom? No way. The only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy is abstinence. Although hormonal methods can be more than 99% effective when used perfectly, it’s still a good idea to use a condom as a backup.  Besides—although we always want to trust our partners, occasionally people do not share the truth about their sexual health history. Staying in the habit of using a condom is a great way to keep yourself safe every time.

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.

• Are you supposed to shave your genitals before sex?

We know transportation can be tough for teens. Thankfully, both of our clinics are located near easy-to-use bus routes. This website can help you figure out how to get to us if you don’t have access to a car. You might also want to consider talking to a trusted adult. We know it can be scary to discuss sexual health, but many adults—whether a parent, uncle, friend’s parent, or teacher—support youth who make responsible health decisions, like choosing to get tested for STIs.  You may have someone in your life who is willing to help you get to the clinic! (Once you’re here, our nurses can brainstorm with you on how to talk to your parents in the future.)

Curious about which tests you should ask for? Check out this guide on what to get tested for after sex.

Great question!  Flavored condoms are just regular latex condoms with a flavored coating.  If you’ve ever had a dentist’s glove in your mouth, you know latex doesn’t taste very good;  flavored condoms help make protected oral intercourse more enjoyable for the giver, just as you suggested!  The coating flavors range from strawberry to chocolate to cola, and are all safe for human consumption.  And don’t worry—these condoms will reduce the risk of STIs as effectively as plain condoms!

Avoid using flavored condoms for vaginal intercourse, however.  The artificial flavoring can contain sugars and other chemicals that may cause vaginal infection.  To reduce the risk of STI transmission and pregnancy during vaginal intercourse, just use a plain condom! And don’t forget to switch condoms between sexual activities.

Pelvic pain generally indicates that something is wrong.  Ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) will cause sharp pelvic pain that begins suddenly and goes away once the problem has been addressed.   Other conditions, like dysmenorrhea (pain during periods), mittelschmerz (pain during ovulation), and endometriosis (growth of the uterine lining on other reproductive organs) cause intermittent or chronic pain.  These conditions are generally less serious, but a physician should be consulted if pain begins to interfere with daily life.

It is also possible for Teen Clinic patients to experience pelvic pain during and after the insertion of an IUD into the uterus.  As with all birth control methods, the body will adjust within several months, and the cramping will lessen.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, come to Teen Clinic as soon as possible!  Some conditions involving pelvic pain are serious and require immediate attention.