Sex

I know about safe sex but I don't know where to get contraception?
There are many different places to get contraception based on the kind of contraception you are looking for. Both male and female condoms, foam, vaginal film, and vaginal suppositories can all be purchased at a drug store. For birth control pills, Depo-Provera (a shot every three months), Norplant (capsules inserted in arm), IUD (inserted in uterus), and diaphragms a physician or nurse must be seen. Of course most teens don't want to talk to their parents. Although it may be weird at first, talking to an adult is a good idea because they can help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a final decision. However, places such as Planned Parenthood and your local health department offer services to teens confidentially and at a lowered cost if you don't want your parents to be involved.

Am I still a virgin?
Technically speaking, anyone who has not had vaginal intercourse is a virgin. However, if you have had oral sex or anal sex your virginity is questionable. Virginity is something that is based on a person's beliefs. A lot of religious institutions believe that any kind of sex, whether it be oral, anal, or vaginal, takes away a person's pureness or virginity. Some also believe that if a girl's hymen has been broken (a small circular piece of skin at the vaginal opening) she is not a virgin. This is not true. Tampons, horseback riding, bike riding, gymnastics, or possibly foreplay can rip or tear the hymen. The truth is oral sex and anal sex are very intimate acts that people may engage in whether they are homosexual or heterosexual. It is important to talk to your partner before things happen. It is necessary to set limits in relationships that are agreed upon and followed. It is up to you to decide whether or not you are virgin taking into consideration both physical and emotional aspects of the situation. If you are confused talking to a trusted adult may help.

Is it possible to get a STD or become pregnant without having sexual intercourse?
Yes, it is very possible to get a STD or become pregnant without actually having sex. The first thing that teens need to understand is that oral sex is just as dangerous as vaginal sex. STDs such as herpes, gonorrhea, and HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through oral sex. It is also dangerous just to be naked with another person whether you are having sex or not. A lot of teens think it is ok to mess around and be naked together as long as they don't have sex. This is definitely risky. If a guy ejaculates (comes) near the opening to the vagina it is possible for the sperm to get inside possibly causing pregnancy or a STD. There are also STDs that can be passed just by having skin-to-skin contact such as syphilis, genital warts, and herpes. It is important to talk to your partner before a situation arises that could put you at risk for pregnancy or STDs.

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