Women's Health
This section provides information on women's health.
Body Image
Everyone goes through periods of time when they are uncomfortable with what they look like. Here's how to have a healthy body image. Also includes information on eating disorders.
Emergency Contraception
Oops... the condom broke. If you're having heterosexual sex and protection fails or if you forget to use a condom, learn about emergency contraception.
HIV
Anyone can become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, because it's not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk for getting HIV. This section answers many of your questions about HIV and how to protect yourself.
Knowing Your Body
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!
'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.
Mental Health
You often suffer, not because you are GLBTQ, but due to societal homophobia and discrimination; and because as adults we are not fulfilling our responsibilities—ensuring that every youth, of every race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation, grows up in a safe environment, a healthy environment, an environment that nurtures and supports your passions, hopes and dreams.
Safer sex
Everyone's heard it, right? The myth that lesbians don't have to worry about sexually transmitted infections (STIs or HIV and AIDS). Our friends tell us that, we tell each other that. Some of us might have even had our health care providers share that misinformation with us. But, the truth is, your sexual orientation doesn't make you immune to STIs.
Smoking
Smoking is bad for me. I know it. You know it. We all do. But quitting is still one of the most difficult things I have ever done. This isn’t another “smoking is terrible!” lecture. Queer teens are at a much higher risk of smoking than our straight peers. And did you realize that tobacco companies specifically target queer youth in order to increase their profit margins. It's time to find out what's really going on.
Substance Abuse
Beginning in early adolescence, some of us start experimenting with alcohol and drug use. There's a number of reasons for experimenting: because it's the "cool thing" to do; to make us feel less tense, just to see what the big deal is; or in some cases, to help ourselves deal with other issues that seem too overwhelming in our lives. This section deals with the complex issues surrounding substance use and abuse.
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.
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.
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