Using Plastic…and I Don’t Mean Credit Cards
By Julie

Same-sex, safer sex

Many women in relationships with women neglect the fact that they, too, can and should make their sex safer. Not only do women in relationships with women need to worry about passing STIs such as HPV and HIV during intercourse, they also need to think about passing bacteria that can cause yeast infections, urinary tract infections and other forms of bacterial vaginosis.

One key component of practicing safer sex is knowing your body inside and out. You need to be able to recognize the difference between your healthy body and something else. You know to protect your breast health by doing self-exams. Did you know you can also examine your vulva and vagina? You can give yourself a self-gynecological exam in your own home. It’s easier than you think! Read more here.

Visiting the Gynecologist

Young women have unique health concerns that deserve some special attention. First of all, there's this thing called a gynecologist that young women should go to once they become sexually active or reach age 18 - whichever comes first.

There's a lot of myths and rumors about what a GYN appointment is like - this article tells you the real deal about what your first GYN appointment will be like, and what your doctor is looking for when he or she examines you.

Emergency Contraception

Oops... the condom broke. If you're having heterosexual sex and protection fails or if you forget to use a condom, you need to know about emergency contraception. Learn more here.

'Lesbians Don't Need Birth Control'

Health care professionals often assume, incorrectly, that lesbians do not need information about pregnancy prevention or STI testing and treatment. They also assume, also incorrectly, that heterosexual youth never have same-sex partners.

In fact, lesbian teens are twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to experience unwanted pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, self-identifying as lesbian or gay does not mean that someone will never have sex with a member of the other sex. Young lesbians are in the unusual position of often needing to educate their doctors about their reproductive health needs. Read more here.

Transgender Health

Managing the health care of a transgender youth is a complicated matter. A patient-provider relationship requires several critical components for maximum positive effect: an ongoing and trusting relationship between the youth and the provider; a commitment by the provider to addressing the stigmas, disenfranchisement, and added challenges faced by transgender youth; and a personal commitment by the young person to their overall health and well being. Since many of us are not the best health care consumers, empowering youth to accept this personal commitment may be the most critical component. Read more here.

Body Image