Common Questions
Teens have a ton of questions about sex, their bodies, relationships and lots more. We collected questions from local teens and had the experts give answers!
If we haven’t answered your question, contact us to submit a question!

Your Body
How do I know if my vulva/breasts/penis look normal?
Should I shave my genital area?
What holes do women have “down there”?
What is puberty? How do I know if I’ve started puberty?
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Always Changing and Growing Up | Co-Ed Puberty Education Video
P&G School Programs is proud to offer educational videos to teach the fundamentals of adolescent development and ... puberty. This video focuses on development and answers questions about what to expect during puberty.
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What changes will happen to my body during puberty?
Puberty is a little different for males and females, but some symptoms are the same. Everyone regardless of gender can expect to experience new body hair growth in the armpits and pubic area, body odor, changes in emotions, acne, and growth spurts.
For males, you can also expect growth of the penis and testicles, hair growth on your chest, more frequent erections and nocturnal emissions, a deeper voice, and changes in the size and shape of your face and chest.
For females, puberty includes the start of menstruation, growth of the breasts, and widening of the hips.
When will I get my period for the first time?
What is a hymen?
When a person ejaculates, how much semen is there? And what’s that clear stuff that comes out of the penis before it happens?
How do I know if my penis is too small? My penis looks small compared to other guys I’ve seen in the locker room. I’ve heard you can buy things to make your penis bigger. Do they work?
Penises can be many different shapes and sizes. If your penis is about 5 inches or about as tall as a regular soda can when erect, then you have an averaged sized penis. Lots of males worry that their penis is too small, when in fact it’s perfectly normal.
The length of a non-erect penis doesn’t predict the size it will be when it is erect. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns, but don’t trust “enlargement” products that make unproven claims. They might even do permanent damage to your penis. (Source)
When you’re ready for a sexual partner, their needs and desires will be more much important than the size of your penis, anyway.
What are yeast infections? How do you get rid of them?
A yeast infection is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast, which is a type of naturally occurring fungus. Yeast infections aren’t sexually transmitted. Although they most commonly occur in vaginas, they can occur in in any warm, moist part of the body and also occur in the penis, scrotum or in the mouth or throat. Oral yeast infections are called thrush.
A yeast infection may not be noticeable or it might have symptoms like itching, a thick white discharge or pain when having intercourse or urinating. Yeast infections are easy to cure with the right medications but they’re also easy to confuse with more serious infections or even STDs. Talk to a healthcare provider if you think you might have a yeast infection.
I have a smell and slight discharge coming out of my vagina. My friend said I might have BV. What is that?
While it’s normal to have a vaginal discharge at different points during your menstrual cycle, you should see a healthcare provider about any changes that don’t seem normal for you. These include unusual or bad-smelling vaginal discharge, pain, burning or itching. Only a healthcare professional can tell you for sure whether or not you have bacterial vaginosis (BV for short). BV is an infection caused by overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. It isn’t an STD but having multiple partners can increase your risk of having it. BV can be treated with antibiotics by a healthcare provider. Left untreated, BV can lead to other problems and put you at higher risk of other STDs.
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Birth Control & STDs
How do you put on a condom?
Smart question! It is super important to use a condom every time you have sex and that you use it correctly. That means knowing how to put one on and take one off. Here’s what you need to know:
These are the steps to correctly put a condom (external) on an erect penis:
- First take a look at the condom package (or wrapper). It should be sealed, clean and dry and you should be able to feel a little air bubble when you squeeze it. If the wrapper feels dry, stiff or sticky, throw it away! Now check the expiration date to make sure it hasn’t expired.
- Open the package with your fingers. Don’t use your teeth or sharp objects like scissors or you could damage the condom.
- Look at which way the condom unrolls (before placing on the penis) – the rim should be on the outside so that it looks like a little hat. You can unroll it a little bit to make sure it’s right side out.
- Gently squeeze the tip of condom with your fingers and place the rolled condom on head of penis. Leave a half-inch space at the tip of the condom to collect semen.
- Now, roll the condom all the way down the entire length of the penis, as far as it will go. It should cover the entire penis. If the condom doesn’t unroll easily – it is probably upside down. If it is upside down, then remove the condom, throw it away and try again using new condom. That’s it!
It’s also important to remove a condom correctly.
Here are the steps to safely take a condom off:
- Withdraw from your partner’s body before loss of erection. It helps to hold the base of the condom while doing this.
- Pull the condom off slowly, away from your partner, so semen doesn’t leak out or spill.
- Throw the condom away in a garbage can. Do not flush down the toilet (it will clog it).
- Remember that you can’t reuse condoms. A new condom should be used with every new sex act. If the penis gets soft (loses an erection) during sex, you should also stop and put on a new one.
Before you actually use a condom for sex, it is smart to practice putting a condom on your penis or on another penis-shaped object (like a banana, cucumber or small bottle) to make sure you understand how to do it. Remember that any kind of lubricant that has oil in it can cause latex condoms to break so never use Vaseline, baby oil or any type of lubricant that isn’t water or silicone-based with a condom.
Is it true that the Plan B pill causes an abortion?
First, don’t panic. The vagina is only 3-5 inches deep and the cervix prevents anything from entering the uterus, so it can’t go far. You should be able to find and pull the condom out of your vagina with your fingers. If you have trouble, ask your partner for help.
Remember, though, that if a condom comes off during sex, you could be at risk for STDs and pregnancy. If you’re not using another method of birth control, you may want to consider emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. If you don’t know your partner’s STD status, you should both get tested.
Does birth control stop your period?
How old do you have to be to buy condoms, and where can you get them?
Can you have an STD and not know it?
I think I may have an STD. What should I do?
If you think you may have an STD, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get tested. Click here to find a healthcare provider near you.
Most of the time the results of your tests are confidential (unless you use your parent’s health insurance) and many times, the testing is low cost or free.
Consider talking about your situation with someone you trust, such as a parent (or another adult), your partner or a close friend. You can trust a healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and your options. Try to stay calm until you learn your test results but get tested right away.
How do I know if what I have on my private parts are razor bumps or an STD?
Why is sex education important for teens?
What’s the best kind of birth control?
Remember that abstinence (not having sex) is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STDs and no birth control method is effective unless you use it exactly as directed. No matter what birth control you use, you should also use a latex condom each and every time you have sex to protect against STDs.
What’s that T thing? How can you still have sex with it in the vagina?
How does an internal condom work?
I just had unprotected sex. What is emergency contraception? Is it the same as the “morning-after pill”?
Is HIV the same thing as AIDS? Do all people with AIDS die from it?
What is Depo and how effective is it? My sister got fat using it, will I?
I have a cold sore. Does that mean I have herpes? How did get it?
If you have a cold sore or fever blister on your mouth, you should see a healthcare provider within a couple days after you notice it. Cold sores and fever blisters can be symptoms of herpes. Even if you’ve never had sex, you can get herpes from an infected person by coming into contact with their saliva or touching any area infected with it.
Cold sores can sometimes resemble harmless canker sores, so check with a healthcare provider if you notice any new sores around your mouth.
What is HPV? Is it the same thing as genital warts?
Human papillomavirus virus, (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted virus with more than 100 different types. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while others don’t. Most HPVs are shed by your body naturally, but there are also some strains of HPV that can lead to cervical, penis, anal and oral cancers. The most important thing to know about HPV is that none of the strains can be cured, but the types that may cause cancer CAN be prevented with vaccines given by a healthcare provider. Learn more about HPV and how to lower your risk.
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Communications and Relationships
How do I tell my partner I’m not ready for sex?
Communication is very important between kids and parents. Many parents and guardians are happy when their teens come to them with questions about sex, but others may find it awkward. If you haven’t ever talked with your mom, dad or guardian about sex, it might be because they feel funny talking about it.
If you are afraid, uncomfortable or unable to have this conversation with your parents about sex and you want birth control, minors 13+ can get birth control from clinics without parental consent if they can pay for it themselves. Some healthcare providers provide birth control to teenagers at low or no cost. Click here for some helpful advice.
Click to learn more about your rights and relationships. Click here to find a healthcare provider.
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Mental and Emotional Health
How do I know if I am really depressed?
Where can I get help for my depression?
I sometimes have thoughts about hurting myself. What do I do?
How do I take care of my mental health?
What is self care?
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Drinking & Drugs
Hookah, vaping and e-cigarettes are better for you than cigarettes, right?
I think my friend might have a drug/alcohol problem. Is there anything I can do to help?
How do I know if I have an alcohol or drug problem?
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Pregnancy and Teen Parents
I think I may be pregnant. What should I do?
If you think you may be pregnant, you can take a urine pregnancy test available from most drug, grocery and dollar stores. If the test confirms you are pregnant, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Click here to find a healthcare provider near you.
Testing for STDs is low cost or free at many clinics. Results of your STD tests are confidential. Confidential means that your doctor cannot give out your personal information, health information, or sexual history – unless someone else is at risk (STDs, threat of violence), you are a risk to yourself (suicide), a court orders them to give the information, or you are being physically or sexually abused. If you are using your parents health insurance for STD testing the results are confidential- but when insurance is billed, your parent(s) may receive a letter showing what tests were run or what medication was billed. Title X clinics have special funding so that you don’t have to use your parents insurance.
Consider talking about your situation with someone you trust, such as a parent (or another adult), your partner or a close friend. You can trust a healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and your options. Try to stay calm until you learn your test results but get tested right away.
Can a woman have sex while she is pregnant?
Is it true that you can’t get pregnant while you’re on your period?
My girlfriend is pregnant…now what?
What is birth spacing?
My best friend is pregnant and she’s afraid to tell her parents. How can I help her?
Do I have to drop out of school if I’m pregnant or have a baby?
Can a teenager get an abortion in Ohio?
Why do some girls get pregnant even if they use birth control?
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Sex
Do all females bleed the first time they have sex?
Can you pee during sex?
Can a female get pregnant from swallowing semen during oral sex?
No. A female cannot become pregnant by swallowing semen. The digestive system and the reproductive system are two different sets of organs that do not connect. Semen that is swallowed will be processed in the body the same way food or drink would be.
It is important to note, however, that STDs can be spread through oral sex, so always use a condom or other barrier method for oral sex if you and your partner have not been tested for STDs.
Is it possible to be allergic to condoms or semen?
Yes, and maybe. Some people are definitely allergic to the latex found in condoms, dental dams and other items made of latex (such as gloves). Luckily, there are barrier protection methods made of alternative materials (such as polyurethane) that you can use instead.
It is possible to have sensitivity to semen in the vagina, but doctors and experts don’t agree on whether this sensitivity is actually a true allergy.
How do I know if I’m ready for sex?
Only you can decide when you are ready for sex.
It’s normal for people to start thinking about sex in their teenage years. Puberty makes people curious and more aware of their sexual feelings and other people’s sexuality. But just because you think about sex doesn’t mean that you are ready to have sex.
Deciding to have sex is a very personal and important choice. You may find it helpful to talk with someone you trust, like a parent, friend, healthcare provider, youth counselor or another person who truly cares about you.
It is important to have a healthy, trusting and faithful relationship with a partner before you have any kind of sexual experience. It is also important to know how to protect yourself against pregnancy and STDs. The time to plan for this is before you start having sex.
Is it okay to look at erotic or sexually explicit items (like porn) to masturbate? Is it possible to do it too much?
Exploring your body is very natural and it’s ok to be curious. For many people, this comes in the form of masturbation, and many people watch or look at pornography to help with sexual arousal or because they are curious about sex. As long as what you are viewing is legal and safe and on a private device in your own home, you’re not doing anything wrong from a legal and healthcare point of view. What you do have to keep in mind is that porn isn’t really like real life at all and you should never compare yourself or anyone else to the actors you see in videos or movies.
While there isn’t a set amount of how much masturbation or pornography is “too much”, any habit that interferes with your daily life or relationships isn’t healthy. You may want to talk to a healthcare provider about it. Nothing you say is going to shock them.
Is it okay to be gay?
Why is sex education important for teens?
Is all sex ed the same?
No, it isn’t. Different types of sex ed programs are taught but the most basic types of programs for teens are:
Abstinence-Only programs teach abstinence (not having sex) as the only 100% effective way of preventing pregnancy and STDs. They usually do not teach about ways to prevent pregnancy or STDs if you choose to have sex. These programs may have some information on anatomy and relationships. Often, they use “fear-based” ways to convince young people to not have sex until they’re married. Abstinence-only sex ed has not been proven to help teens prevent pregnancy or STDs.
Abstinence-Plus (sometimes called “abstinence-based” programs) may include some limited information about contraception and condoms but they still stress abstinence as the only moral choice for teens. They usually do not include LGBTQ topics or any sexual relationships outside of heterosexual marriage. Some also use “scare” tactics.
Comprehensive Sex Ed (also called “evidence-based” or “real” sex ed) teaches young people about abstinence and mutual monogamy (having sex with only one other person) as the best methods to prevent STDs and unplanned pregnancy, but they also teach about correct use of birth control and condoms using medically accurate information. Other information about things like sexual orientation and gender identity, healthy relationships, how mental health can affect sexual health – and more – is provided. 216Teens supports evidence-based, medically accurate comprehensive sex ed as the most effective type of program to help young people prevent unplanned pregnancy and STDs – now and in the future.