Condoms: Be Prepared!

National Condom Week runs from February 14th to the 21st, so it’s time to celebrate a great, effective contraceptive—the condom!

Barrier Method

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception, meaning they block semen from entering the vagina. They can be used during sex (vaginal, but also oral and anal) to reduce the chance of both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are the only contraceptive that protects against both! But here’s a question—when having sex, whose responsibility is it to bring condoms?

Whose Responsibility?

Ideally, everyone’s! A common misconception is that only the partner with a penis needs to worry about providing a condom, but this is not a good practice. Your partner’s condom could break or be expired. They could forget to bring one. You may have a latex allergy and need a condom made of a material you can tolerate. Or, what if your partner only brought one and you end up needing an additional condom?

Safer Sex

By having condoms, even if you don’t plan to wear one yourself, you can help provide for safer sex. Plus, while most people think of external condoms, which are worn on the penis, there are also internal condoms, which can be used in the vagina or anus.

Best to Be Prepared

If being prepared with a condom is so important for safer sex, why the thinking that only one partner should be responsible for having a condom? It can often stem from stigma and judgment; some people think having condoms means you’re “looking for sex” in a derogatory, slut-shaming way. This is often aimed at those who are female-identified. Yet those who identify as male are often praised for having condoms. This is an outdated double standard.

No matter your gender, if you plan to have sex, it’s best to be prepared so you can have safer sex.

Availability

Condoms are available at supermarkets, pharmacies, online and sometimes for free or at a low cost at health clinics or your doctor’s office. There is no age requirement to purchase them.

By having a condom when you plan to have sex, you can help create safer sex for both you and your partner. You can help prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs, so why not have a condom on hand?

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The HPV Vaccine: Protecting Yourself and Others

Happy New Year! Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? What do you know about cervical cancer and how the HPV vaccine can help prevent it?

What Is HPV and Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. It’s the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, cervical cancer can be prevented by getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Condoms can provide some protection but HPV can still spread via skin-to-skin contact, even with condoms.

There are more than 200 strains of HPV, most of which are not harmful. The vast majority of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point, and, in most cases, the body’s immune system clears the virus without causing any problems. Most people will not even be aware that they have it.

However, in addition to the low-risk strains, there are twelve high-risk strains of HPV, some of which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

All About the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect you from the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. In the U.S., Gardasil-9 is the HPV vaccine administered.

HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV from ever developing. This is an estimated 33,700 cases in the U.S. every year, according to the CDC!

The vaccine currently protects against nine types of HPV, including the two (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. It also prevents types that: lead to genital warts, cause another 20 percent of cervical cancers, cause anal cancers and cause mouth and throat cancers.

When Should I Get It?

The vaccine is most effective when given before a person is exposed to HPV, which is why it’s recommended before someone chooses to become sexually active. The recommendation is typically age 11 or 12. Though this is the case, getting vaccinated even after you become sexually active can reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers or genital warts. People can currently get the vaccine until age 26, and even up to 45 in some cases (a health care provider can help determine if it’s right for you).

Clearing Up Misinformation

The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective tool in cancer prevention, but not everyone is getting it. Only around 61 percent of teens are vaccinated against HPV in the U.S. and while rates of vaccination had been rising, in recent years they have stalled, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, barriers prevent young people from receiving the vaccine.

One obstacle is lack of access to health care, either via distance, lack of transportation or otherwise. As far as cost, most private insurance plans cover it. For those without insurance, there are resources to help.

Another barrier is stigma and misinformation surrounding sex and sexual health. Some parents worry that getting their child the HPV vaccine would encourage sexual behavior, but many studies have disproved this. The choice to engage in sexual activity is much more complex than a vaccine, and the vaccine does not promote sexual behavior. It does, however, prevent many cancers and cases of genital warts.

Finally, people assigned male at birth (AMAB) have low rates of HPV vaccination. Many believe that the vaccine is only for people with cervixes. This is false. It’s for everyone and prevents not just cervical cancer, but also vaginal, penile, anal, throat and mouth cancers, among others. In addition, if you are AMAB, getting vaccinated protects your sexual partners, along with yourself.

What Can Be Done?

We can take small actions to create big change! The main way is to educate ourselves and others. It’s always a good idea to ask a health care provider any questions you have about the vaccine and HPV in general.

Another important duty we teens have is to decrease stigma surrounding sex and sexual health. HPV is really common. Talking openly about HPV and other STIs encourages people to ask questions, learn more and feel less ashamed. Have conversations with friends and family members about HPV.

Overall, the HPV vaccine is life-saving and has decreased HPV infection by 88 percent in teen girls, according to the CDC. Pretty impressive.

 

This factsheet has more information about the HPV vaccine.

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Chappell Roan and LGBTQ+ Visibility

By now, you’ve likely heard of Chappell. Chappell Roan, that is. An American singer and songwriter whose popularity has skyrocketed as a result of her song “Good Luck, Babe!” going viral, she’s become a superstar.

I first heard “Good Luck, Babe!” in the background of an Instagram post, but people had been praising Roan’s music to me even prior to that. I finally listened to her most recent album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” and to say the least, the hype was well-founded. Not only are the melodies catchy, but her lyrics tell a story—of oppression, difficult romantic endeavors, finding yourself, living out your dreams and much more. This is why Roan’s music has resonated with me and why I think it’s resonated with teens across the world.

Plus, Roan is overt about her identity as lesbian, which helps inspire LGBTQ+ teens who may find comfort in and relate to her music. Her honesty and storytelling is what makes her such an impactful representative for LGBTQ+ people.

Seen, Heard and Understood

In light of the recent U.S. presidential election, visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people are essential to our social progress as a country. Music like Roan’s provides an outlet for us to feel seen, heard and understood. When LGBTQ+ teens have public figures to look up to, we can feel inspired to speak out about our experiences and advocate for ourselves. It also establishes a way for cishet (cisgender and heterosexual) people to grasp some of what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ and maybe even relate to the emotions shown in the music and lyrics.

Good Luck, Babe!

For example, “Good Luck, Babe!” is about being romantically involved with someone who is afraid to be true to themselves about their sexual orientation. It’s also about compulsory heterosexuality, which refers to the idea that heterosexuality is assumed and enforced upon people as the norm, whether or not people fit that identity. These ideas are prevalent and can affect teens deeply, as we figure out who we are and what we want.

To me, “Good Luck, Babe!” is not hateful. The song feels sad and wistful over a lost romance, and maybe even angry, but not at the person who’s afraid to come out. Roan is instead expressing her anger at societal pressures to be heterosexual, while, at the same time, saying that you need to know your worth in any relationship.

The Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation

“Good Luck, Babe!” is not the only song of Roan’s that discusses such relatable and important topics (for LGBTQ+ folks and beyond). Her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” explores concepts from learning to be proud of who you are despite what others think of you (“Pink Pony Club”) to the experience of falling in love with a person when they just want a casual relationship (“Casual”).

LGBTQ+ representation in media like pop music is crucial to informing and helping people be more accepting. Chappell Roan’s contributions have been immeasurable. Authentic lesbian and WLW (“Women who Love Women,” an umbrella phrase that describes people who identify as women who experience romantic and/or sexual attraction to other women) representation is particularly important due to ongoing sexism and misogyny. Lesbians are often portrayed in stereotypical, objectifying ways in music and film, among other media; having music like Roan’s helps counteract that.

Check out Chappell Roan’s music on all streaming platforms, and continue to support LGBTQ+ artists!

 

*Photo by Justin Higuchi, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

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Can’t Vote Yet? You Still Have a Voice

In less than a month, the U.S. will elect its next president. Other elections will also take place, like for your school board or other local and state representatives.

Winners of elections have the power to create policies that affect your life, no matter the level they occur on!

In the U.S., it’s “we, the people” who are responsible for electing representatives to support our interests. And making sure our interests are represented can be done through voting. Through voting, you make your voice heard!

Not Just Voting for President

Presidential elections occur every four years, but there are elections every year for different levels of government—local, state and national. Governors, members of congress, mayors, town council members and other public servants are all elected, and their policies affect things from whether books and topics are banned in your schools and libraries to the local park staying open. By voting in every election, for different positions, you can make sure that your voice is heard across these diverse areas.

Issues on the Ballot

Elections, especially presidential ones, often feel very distant and big. It can be hard to remember that their results can have a direct impact on our lives. But because they do, it’s important to know what issues are important to you, and support candidates that align with your beliefs.

For example, two examples of topics that affect teenagers are reproductive health and sex education. Having comprehensive, medically-accurate sex education in classrooms and access to contraceptives and reproductive health care are all important to our lives as teens, and are all on the ballot. Because of this, it’s important to use your voice in all elections, not just presidential ones.

What if I’m Too Young to Vote?

Just because you’re under 18 doesn’t mean you can’t get involved! The first step is getting educated. Looking at reliable and factual news sources, studying history and talking with a range of trusted adults are all great ways to learn more.

After you clarify where you stand on the issues, it’s time to get involved! Writing letters to your representatives (check who those are here and here) is a great way to make your opinion heard, even if it isn’t at the ballot box. You can also attend city or town council meetings, follow politicians on social media, volunteer for campaigns, help register others to vote and fundraise for issues you care about.

In many states, you can also register to vote before you turn 18. Some even let you register to vote when you get your driver’s license. Make sure to check your state’s laws and policies to see whether you can register to vote before you turn 18. And if you can’t, be sure to register to vote when you turn 18!

Your vote is your voice. And because all elections can impact your life, it’s important to use your voice and make your opinion heard.

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Your Guide to Choosing a Condom

Hey! When’s the last time you thought about condoms? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have unfortunately been on the rise in teens and young adults. And one of the best ways to prevent STIs? Condoms.

Did you know that the only contraceptive that helps prevent both STIs and unintended pregnancy is the condom? Whether or not you have a penis, you should know about them.

Let’s celebrate the diverse assortment of condoms that are available!

STI Transmission

It’s important that we learn about condoms so we can properly protect ourselves from STIs like HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia, which can be transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sex.

Some STIs—like HPV and herpes—can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact (although getting the HPV vaccine will protect you from the most harmful strains and taking medication as prescribed if you have herpes can reduce any chances of transmitting it). While there is no way to completely avoid some STIs during this kind of contact, condoms can help reduce transmission, since they act as a barrier.

Knowing about condoms and their many forms can allow us to take more control over our sexual health and engage in sexual activity more safely and confidently. Schools may only cover classic latex condoms, so it can be overwhelming to see all the options when considering which condom to use. Sex should be safer, but also fun. And these days, there are many ways to get creative with different condoms.

Prior to Purchasing

To ensure optimal use, before purchasing any condom you should consider sizing, your preferences, your partner’s preferences and any potential allergies or sensitivities.

You can measure penis length and girth (the measurement around the penis) to determine size. The condom should be snug around the base of the penis and provide full coverage. If you have any potential food or skin sensitivities, make sure to read the labels on the condom packaging before purchasing.

Once you’ve completed the investigation phase, you should be ready to choose your condom!

The Classic One

Latex condoms are the most common type. Rubber latex is a stretchy material that allows condoms to be form-fitting and durable. Latex condoms range from about two to six dollars per box of three. These are the perfect match for you if you don’t have a latex allergy.

The Alternative One

For those with a latex allergy, non-latex condoms made out of polyurethane or polyisoprene provide an equally safe alternative. Some condoms are also made out of lambskin, but this porous material does not prevent transmission of STIs.

It’s important to note that non-latex condoms do not stretch as easily as latex condoms, making them more susceptible to slipping and breaking, so finding the right size is especially important.

Polyisoprene is stretchier and softer than polyurethane. Polyurethane condoms tend to be thinner and also odorless.

The Sweet One

Flavored condoms are specifically made for oral sex. They prevent the transmission of STIs. They should not be used for vaginal or anal sex (the added ingredients that make them flavored can also lead to irritation or a yeast infection).

These condoms come in various flavors and colors. Always read the ingredients before purchasing because of potential food or material sensitivities. Some are even labeled as vegan or gluten-free.

The Extra One

Ribbed condoms have raised ridges or dots on the outside that help enhance sensitivity. One thing to be cautious of is any potential irritation that may occur from the added friction, which is easily avoidable with the addition of a water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants like lotion should not be used with any latex or polyisoprene condoms as they can wear down the material, leading to breakage.

The Slim One

Let’s discuss ultra-thin condoms. Have you ever heard that thinner condoms can break more easily? Well, fear not—they function just as well as any other condom! Ultra-thin condoms have been said to said to provide a more “skin-to-skin” feel, while still functioning as a barrier.

The Bright One

Glow-in-the-dark condoms can add some fun to the mix! They meet the safety standards of any other condom. The only difference is that they include a non-toxic pigment which gives them a bright glow for up to 30 minutes.

The Internal One

Last but not least! Internal (sometimes called “female”) condoms can be inserted into a vagina or anus and prevent the transmission of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

When used perfectly, internal condoms are 95 percent effective. However, with typical use, they are 79 percent effective. To contrast, external condoms are 98 percent effective with perfect use and 84 percent effective with typical use.

To use them perfectly, make sure you follow instructions like the ones here from the Centers for Disease Control. Internal condoms are made out of a nitrile outer ring and a polyurethane inner ring, making them safe for people with latex allergies.

Some Final Words of Wisdom

No matter what condom you end up choosing, always be responsible by checking the expiration date, following instructions about proper storage, using a water-based lubrication as needed and more. Check out this list.

There you go! There are lots of options to choose from when purchasing a condom. You can play it cool with classic latex or keep things light with glow-in-the-dark. All of these choices are proof that safer sex doesn’t have to be boring!

Check out our condom game to make sure you know the steps to putting one on!

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What Is Sex Ed for All Month?

Besides “May flowers,” May also brings #SexEdForAllMonth! Since 2019, Sex Ed for All Month has brought awareness to the importance of quality comprehensive sex education. A group called the Sex Education Collaborative (SEC)—“made up of 26 national, regional, and state-based organizations with extensive experience training educators to deliver school-based sex education,” according to their website—named May as Sex Ed For All Month.

The goal is to have a world where all young people—no matter who we are or where we live—get the sex education we deserve!

Accurate, Non-Shaming and Inclusive

So, what would this look like? Well, we deserve sex ed that is medically accurate, non-shaming and inclusive of all—whether that be race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or any other part of our identities. We deserve to have our questions answered without being judged. We deserve to know not just about anatomy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but also about safer sex and the importance of consent and communication in relationships.

Having this type of information is incredibly important for young people. It allows us to make safe decisions about relationships and sex by learning not just about any “risks” but also how to be healthy, compassionate and respectful of others. Sadly, there are too many schools in the U.S. that deprive teens of this right, providing a limited education, if any sex ed at all. In fact, “only 29 states and D.C. mandate sex education in schools, and where sex ed is taught, 13 states don’t require the content to be evidence-informed, medically accurate or age-appropriate,” according to the SEC.

Why Is This Important for Teens?

Did you know that research has shown that sex education helps students? Having the facts leads to fewer unintended pregnancies and STIs. It encourages better communication skills and healthier relationships. It provides information that teens may be curious about so they don’t have to go searching for it in places that may give inaccurate, harmful information. It helps LGBTQ+ teens feel seen and understood and all teens to develop empathy for those who may be different than them.

At a time when reproductive rights and sex ed are under attack, having comprehensive sex education is incredibly important. Even though the overwhelming majority of adults in the U.S. believe in the importance of sex ed, there is a minority who are trying to prevent young people from having this valuable information.

But everyone deserves the right to a quality sex education and the ability to safely make decisions regarding sex, relationships and/or their identity.

How Can You Help?

There are many ways teens can help!

For starters, you can build awareness and support the right to sex ed by finding out who makes decisions about sex ed at your school and speaking with them, with respect and curiosity. You can discover how decisions are made about what does and doesn’t get taught as a part of your district’s sex ed.

You could gather friends and peers and ask them what they would like to see as part of their sex ed. You can plan different ways to advocate for more comprehensive sex ed, such as attending and speaking at school board meetings.

Don’t forget there are so many resources out there, including Sex, Etc., to help you along the way!

By bringing awareness to this issue, we hope that it will help remove stigma, spread the word about the importance of comprehensive, inclusive sex ed and allow a judgment- and shame-free zone for every teen to freely ask questions about sex and sexual health.

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The Value of Gender-Affirming Care

Have you heard of Transgender Awareness Week? The week leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20)—a day meant to honor trans lives lost to violence—it’s a time to raise visibility and awareness of transgender people as well as celebrate trans pride and advocacy.

Unfortunately, progress has been slow at times. One important area which has been under attack is gender-affirming care, which remains restricted or banned in parts of the U.S. When it comes to transgender awareness, knowing about gender-affirming care is a good start. For starters, it includes services that support teens both physically and emotionally in aligning with their gender identity.

In honor of Trans Awareness Week, I’ll be taking a look at why gender-affirming care is so important to trans folks.

So, What Is Gender-Affirming Care?

You may be asking, what exactly is gender-affirming care? Well, it spans a wide variety of medical and therapeutic services intended to support physical, mental and emotional health. The American Medical Association and American Psychological Association both support age-appropriate, evidence-based gender-affirming care, in consultation with professionals.

In essence, it helps transgender people—who identify as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth—feel comfortable in their own skin. This can be crucial to their well-being. “Everyone deserves to feel comfortable when they look in the mirror,” says Ajay (she/her), 17, of Columbus, OH. “At the very least, everyone deserves to not hate the body they are in.”

Unfortunately, many of these treatments have come under fire in recent years, even being banned in much of the U.S. “Three in ten trans youth aged 13-17 live in states that have passed bans on gender-affirming care,” according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Fighting Gender Dysphoria

The negative effects of restricting gender-affirming care are significant. Trans teens often suffer from gender dysphoria—where there is a disconnect between their gender assigned at birth and what they feel is their true gender—to the extent that they may begin to experience depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.

Gender-affirming care is medical treatment, and denying anyone treatment based on their gender identity is a violation of their human rights. “Gender-affirming care can be the difference between life and death, especially for people who are from unsupportive households or families,” says Katie (she/her), 19, of Boston. “It’s imperative that trans youth have an outlet for relief.”

Essential for Me

Trans teens truly benefit from gender-affirming care, in different ways. “I received testosterone hormone therapy at 17, and had a bilateral mastectomy at 19,” says Matt (he/him), 19, of Buffalo, NY. Matt explains specifically how these interventions helped him. “Taking testosterone was essential for me to feel comfortable in my own skin, and also allowed me to finish my last year of high school without harassment from other students, since I passed as a cisgender man,” he says. “During the first two years of high school without it, I had only been able to socially transition, and really struggled. Top surgery made a huge difference in my confidence, and allowed me to not be limited by having to wear a binder every day. If I didn’t receive this care, I would not be here today, and would not have been able to succeed in any areas of my life that I thrive in today.”

These sentiments are echoed by other trans young people. “Gender-affirming care makes me feel like there’s hope for me in the world,” says Bina (she/they), 20, of Brooklyn, NY. “Without the care I have received, I doubt I would have made it past my teens. Medical intervention was vital in allowing me to build a life worth living.”

Be an Ally

Transgender Awareness Week is a time of reflection. We’ve made some progress in protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ folks, but still have a long way to go, and gender-affirming care for transgender teens is essential.

How can you celebrate Trans Awareness Week? Even if you don’t identify as trans, be an ally. Support people you know who are going through or considering gender-affirming care, and continue educating yourself about the issues so you can stay informed. Spread awareness about what gender-affirming care really is, and don’t let misinformation hurt the people you care about.

Don’t just be aware, be an advocate!

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Talking About Let’s Talk Month

Some kids have their first sex education lesson at school; mine was at home. Growing up with a mom who is a sex educator, I was always provided comprehensive, age-appropriate information when it came to sex ed. This has helped me know how to better manage certain situations and also understand myself.

Even if young people receive sex ed in school, it’s still important for parents and caregivers to talk with their kids about sex and sexual health. Opening up this dialogue can allow families to connect, clear up questions kids or teens may have and provide information not given at school.

October is Let’s Talk Month, which takes place every year to encourage families to talk about sex and sexuality. In honor of this, I spoke to my mom, Michelle Scarpulla, MPH, MCHES®, who is currently on the faculty at the College of Public Health at Temple University, about why this month is so important.

Asking Questions and Clearing Up Misinformation

“Will I get sick if I have sex?” I was asked in middle school by a friend who was worried about getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if they had sex in the future. Too often sex is talked about in a fear-based way, as opposed to teaching how to make it both safe and pleasurable when someone is ready for it.

Questions like these are part of the reason why I feel it’s important for parents and caregivers to talk to their kids about sex, not just during Let’s Talk Month, but anytime. My mom says that having a month to highlight talking openly “brings attention to the importance of parents speaking to their children about sexuality.”

Asking questions and clearing up misinformation are vital parts of what this month is all about.

The Courage to Communicate

A large part of Let’s Talk Month is having the courage to start a conversation. It’s not always easy. “I think some parents are uncomfortable with the topic themselves and don’t know how to discuss it,” my mom says. “Some parents may be afraid of giving information too early and some just may not have the knowledge themselves to share with their children.”

Starting a conversation about sex can be uncomfortable, whether it’s the kid or the parent initiating it. Figuring out how to build open communication can make future conversations feel less awkward.

If it feels difficult to start the conversation, my mom has some recommendations, for you or your parent: “Use a news story, a post on social media or a TV show that discusses some aspect of sexuality as a starting point for conversation.” Or, you can share resources, like these from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), with a parent or caregiver, which offer additional tips.

Talking Often and Regularly

“Young people who talk with their parents about sex are more likely to put off having sex until they’re older,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They’re also more likely to make healthy choices like using condoms to prevent pregnancy and STIs when and if they do choose to have sex.

School sometimes focus on STIs or pregnancy prevention, which are important topics. But there are other aspects of sex and sexuality that should be included, like healthy relationships, consent, LGBTQ+ issues, intimacy—physical and emotional—and more.

Taking part in Let’s Talk Month is more important than ever because school sex ed is not automatic. Even when it’s offered, it’s not always thorough or even medically accurate. Open communication at home ensures kids can ask questions to help them make educated decisions when it comes to sex and relationships.

“It’s worth noting that ‘The Talk’ should not be a one-time event,” says my mom. “It should be an open series of age-appropriate conversations throughout childhood and adolescence.”

While Let’s Talk Month is a great time to start having these conversations, talking about and having your questions answered about sex is ideally ongoing. I can speak from experience that it has been super helpful to have this open communication.

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Did You Know About Intersex Awareness Day?

Intersex Awareness Day started over 25 years ago on October 26, 1996 in Boston. That day several intersex people and their supporters publicly protested the countless, nonconsensual surgeries performed on intersex babies to make them “normal.” Being intersex doesn’t mean you’re not normal. It means a person was born with different traits, like hair or eye color. We don’t perform surgeries on babies so that they all have “normal” eye color. Why would we do the same if a baby doesn’t have typical genitalia?

What Is Intersex?

Not everyone is born with sex chromosomes or traits that adhere to the binary of either male or female. Some people are born with a visible variation in genitalia at birth, while others may lack certain internal sexual organs and not know it until they’re older (sometimes during puberty). And some people may have a variation in sex hormones or chromosomes. The umbrella term for cases like these is intersex.

There are a lot of misconceptions about people who are intersex. A lot of people think it’s a super rare condition, when actually around 1.7 percent of the world’s population is intersex. This is very close to the percentage of people in the world with red hair (2 percent), according to interACT, an organization dedicated to advocacy for children who are intersex.

Why It’s Important

Even if you’re not intersex, it’s important to know about Intersex Awareness Day. You might have a friend who’s intersex. Maybe someone close to you is afraid to tell you they’re intersex. The goal of Intersex Awareness Day is to make intersex people feel safe and accepted while educating others on what it means to be intersex and what they can do to help. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to be open, aware and supportive. Let your friends know about this day and educate them if they don’t know what intersex is. If you’re intersex, remember that nothing is wrong with you or your body.

Want to learn more? Check out interACT and their project #4intersex to learn more about the community and what you can do to help and spread the word.

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Masturbation Matters

Hey, hey, May is National Masturbation Month! This is a great opportunity to talk openly about masturbation. There is so much shame placed on exploring your body, but masturbation is neither “disgusting” nor “sinful.” It’s completely normal and even healthy!

In honor of National Masturbation Month, here are some more reasons to feel good about masturbating.

Sexual Self-Care

Many people masturbate, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, age or cultural background. Not only is it a great way to get to know your body and de-stress, it’s also a safe way to have sex without risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Self-pleasure is a way to give yourself some love. Think of it as sexual self-care.

It Isn’t New

Over the years, people have spread misinformation about masturbation. You might have heard that “masturbation will make you go blind,” or “lead to erectile dysfunction,” but these claims are not based on facts.

These misconceptions lead people to believe that masturbation is wrong and against our nature when in reality, masturbation is nothing new! Not only was it depicted in prehistoric cave paintings but also as a ritual of honor in Egyptian mythology.

The long history of self-pleasure is just one of the many pieces of evidence that show masturbation comes naturally to us. It’s a biological urge that can make us feel good.

Physical and Psychological Benefits

Masturbation can lead to a release of endorphins (hormones that promote positive emotions), which may be helpful if you’re stressed or just want to clear your mind. It can also help reduce menstrual cramps and promote better quality sleep.

Masturbation can also be a helpful tool in learning to love yourself and increasing confidence in your body. When you masturbate, you’re putting aside time to understand your body better and what you do and don’t like.

Being comfortable in your own skin can then allow you to feel more comfortable when with a partner. Getting to know what you enjoy can help you communicate that clearly to someone else as well as set boundaries about what you don’t want. In other words, building a healthy connection between you and your body can lead to more fulfilling relationships with others!

 

So, this month and any month, know that masturbation is completely normal. If you choose to try it, that’s great. If you choose not to, that’s fine, too. It’s up to you. But know that there’s no shame in getting to know your body better.

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