Dear Dish-It, What's Going On With My Body?

Advice for teens about sexually transmitted diseases and other health concerns.

Advice for Teens About STDs

Dear Dish-It,

I was wondering if you can help me because recently I have been sexually active and all of the sudden when I pee, it started to hurt and I bled. This was one month ago but it stopped now - it just hurts sometimes when I pee. Do I have an STD or infectious disease? My partner and I have been sexually active for two months already and we are using protection, except for one time, so I'm worried. We are sexually active about three times every week. Please help me.
Gods PRECIous GiFt

Dear Gods PRECIous GiFt,

For many girls, their first sexual experience is not as pleasant as they may have imagined. Bleeding after having sex for the first time is common due to the breaking of the hymen (a thin membrane that covers the vaginal opening). If the hymen is broken during sex, then bleeding, and often pain, will occur. There is a way to prevent all the discomfort though, and that's by not having sex at such a young age. As a girl matures, the hymen often stretches with the growth of your body, which means sex can be a lot less painful once your body has had a chance to fully mature - which isn't until you are at least 18.

Now, if the pain persists when you pee, then there is probably something wrong. You should most definitely make an appointment to see a doctor or talk to your school nurse. Chances are you just have a bladder or yeast infection but you won't know for sure until you get in to see a professional. Although you may feel uncomfortable talking to your doctor about these things, now that you are sexually active, it's not just something that's recommended, it's totally necessary to ensure you stay healthy. Don't forget that there are a ton of free clinics out there where your visit will be completely annonymous (no one has to know that you were even there)! Just make sure you get in to see a doc ASAP and keep on top of your sexual health issues, ok?

For general info on sexual health issues, you should bookmark some of these sites so you'll feel a little more informed the next time around.

www.teenwire.com is a site sponsored by Planned Parenthood and has a bunch of interesting features and sections for you to check out about relationships, sexually transmitted diseases and other helpful info.
Check out Planned Parenthood's Official Site for help in finding a free clinic in your area.

So, ya gotta burnin' question? Need some love directions? Thinkin' 'bout stuff like depression, sex,how ya feel 'bout YOURSELF (that's called "self-esteem"), boyfriends, girlfriends, losin' old friends, bullyin' or peer pressure, but too scared to ask the parents? Don't be scared to .