Sexual health
You’re going to have this body for a long time, so take good care of it. Floss those teeth, slather on that sunscreen, and get plenty of sleep. It’s important to take good care of your sexual health too.
We respect your privacy
We take your privacy very seriously and understand that you may not want to share certain aspects of your care. If your doctor or other health professional sees you for a confidential service, they can’t tell your parents or guardians anything about your exam, in most cases.
If you want a test or exam to be private, tell your doctor right up front. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about what is or isn’t private.
If you’re 13 or older, register for your own kp.org account. You can use your account to email your doctor. Just know that those emails might not always be private.
Have a question about something that concerns you or want to find a teen clinic that’s set up just for your age group? Jump on the KP website to find services near you.
Confused about your sexuality?
Are you straight? Gay? Bi-sexual? It’s perfectly normal to be confused about your sexuality, many people are. The important thing is to back off in judging yourself. Give yourself a break. Go with your heart. Sexual orientation is not a test, there’s no wrong answer. If you have questions or just need someone to talk with, reach out to your doctor or a trusted friend or family member. Above all, don’t suffer in silence. There are many people who understand and want to help you.
Your period
Your period is a natural, normal thing and you can count on it once a month.
Here’s what happens:
- An egg matures in one of your ovaries
- The egg signals your uterus to get ready for pregnancy by building up a thick lining of blood
- If you don’t get pregnant, there’s no need for the thick lining of blood in your uterus
- The blood passes out of your body for the next 4-7 days
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Feel bloated, achy and grouchy in the days before your period? Are your breasts tender? Does everybody get on your nerves? You’ve got PMS. You hormones are hard at work getting ready for a pregnancy that might or might not happen.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms are too bad. There are medicines for problems like bloating or for more severe PMS symptoms.
For symptom relief:
- Get plenty of exercise
- Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and salt
- Eat healthy – fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and protein are good choices
- Take vitamin B6 and extra calcium
Menstrual cramps
Cramps are caused when your uterus contracts during your period. Cramps are common in teens especially when you first start having your periods. As if the pain isn’t enough to deal with, you might also feel dizzy or faint or nauseous, you might have diarrhea or constipation. Talk with your doctor if things get too bad. There are medicines that can help.
Missed or irregular periods
Irregular periods aren’t all that unusual in teens. It might take several years for your periods to settle in to a regular, predictable schedule of once a month. Talk with your doctor if your periods don’t become more regular after the first few years. Most women have 11 to 13 periods a year, but that doesn’t mean you will. You might have more or you might have less.
Pregnancy is the main cause of a missed period, but there are many other causes too for missed or irregular periods.
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
- Excessive exercise
- Stress
- Illness
- Hormone problems
- Problem with pelvic or reproductive organs
- Diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or diabetes
- Illegal drugs
Unless you’re pregnant, chances are that your cycle will return to normal. If not, your doctor is here to help.
Also, talk with your doctor if your periods don’t return to normal after any other health problems are taken care of.
Choosing when and if to have sex
Choosing when and if to have sex might just be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Having sex before you’re ready can cause emotional upheavals you’re not ready to handle right now. Add to that the risk of an unwanted pregnancy or getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that could seriously affect your health and even your ability to have a baby later on.
Having sex is your decision, and yours alone. Don’t let anyone pressure you.
If you decide to have sex, reduce your risk of pregnancy or getting an STI by using condoms, dental dams, and birth control. Of course, not having sex (including oral sex) is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STIs.
Having a safe and healthy relationship
You deserve a safe, healthy relationship that looks like this:
- You and your partner treat each other with respect
- You communicate what you want, and what you don’t want. Remember, “no” means NO
- You and your partner never hit or threaten one another
- You and your partner support each other and don’t put each other down with hurtful remarks
- You and your partner don’t try to control each other
If anything about your relationship makes you feel you’re in danger, tell your doctor or another person you can trust or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), toll-free, 24 hours a day.
