Anonymous Questions - The ANSWERS! by Grant Kauffman

The answers to your Anonymous Questions will appear here!

grant_kauffman — 2020-10-26 22:08:03 UTC

Is masturbation bad for you?

grant_kauffman — 2020-11-03 18:21:31 UTC

From a health perspective, masturbation is a normal and healthy behavior. HOWEVER...there are different viewpoints about masturbation depending on family, religion, and culture. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who shares similar values (parent/guardian, other family member, religious leader) if you would like to know if it is okay for you.

Is this required to participate in ?

grant_kauffman — 2020-11-03 18:22:33 UTC

Yes. Unless your parent/guardian emails me to opt you out of this unit, it is a requirement. If you get opted out, there will be an alternate assignment for you to do.

How Can STDs/STIs affect the body?

grant_kauffman — 2020-11-04 16:24:48 UTC

Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections can affect the body in many ways. The affect that an STD/STI has on the body really depends on which STD/STI it is. However, some possible signs/symptoms that most STDs/STIs can share include: flu-like feelings, fever, chills, aches, swelling in or around the sex organs, sores, bumps, or blisters near the mouth, sex organs, or anus, burning and pain wen urinating or having a bowel movement, and/or itching.

It is also very common very an STI to not have any symptoms at all. Even if there are no symptoms, the STI can still be passed on to another person. That is why it is important to regularly get checked for STDs/STIs if you are sexually active.

What causes a boner?

grant_kauffman — 2020-11-09 17:11:16 UTC

The correct term for a "boner" is "erection".

An erection is the hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal!
(TeensHealth, 2017)

Can someone be on antidepressants while pregnant?

grant_kauffman — 2020-11-09 17:22:22 UTC

This is something that depends on the severity of the depression and the dosage of medication.

There has been evidence of temporary side affects on a baby of taking antidepressants during pregnancy.These include jitters, irritability, feeding problems, and respiratory issues.
(Mayo Clinic, 2020)

However, there are also potential effects of being pregnant with an untreated mental illness. For example, a mother who is depressed is less likely to get good prenatal care and more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as drug abuse.
(Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to being on antidepressants and NOT being on antidepressants while pregnant. This is something to ask a physician about because it depends on many factors such as the severity of the depression and the dosage of medication.

Is it possible to die during sex?

grant_kauffman — 2021-01-20 17:54:08 UTC

While this seems to be very uncommon, there have been cases of people dying during sexual activity. In most of these cases, the cause of death was from a heart attack or another cardiovascular-related illness.

How does incest effect the development of a baby?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-04 23:40:43 UTC

Incest, or inbreeding, is "the mating (or sexual relationship) of organisms (or people) closely related." according to Alfie Shaw's BBC article (n.d.).

Studies SUGGEST that inbreeding leads to a higher likelihood that a baby will have a lower IQ and similar learning difficulties. However, there is not much definitive evidence that proves this.

However, if a family has a history of a specific disorder, let's use epilepsy for example, the chances of an inbred baby having epilepsy may be higher than a non-inbred baby.

(Alfie Shaw, n.d.)

What happens if you take birth control while pregnant

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 00:06:43 UTC

According to Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.'s Mayo Clinic article, taking birth control during early stages of pregnancy doesn't seem to increase the risk of birth defects. Dr. Tobah also suggests that simply as a precaution, if a person knows they are pregnant, stop taking the pill.

(Mayo Clinic, 2020)

Does learning about sex ed apply with learning about sexuality? like being bisexual or gay?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 00:13:26 UTC

For now in my class, we mainly discuss respecting people of all walks of life. This includes people of different genders and different sexualities. You may learn more about different sexualities in high school.

Why can't two men reproduce kids

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 00:15:41 UTC

Two biological males cannot reproduce kids because reproducing kids requires a sperm (the male reproductive cell) and an egg (the female reproductive cell) to join with each other to start the development of a fetus (baby).

What is an orgasm?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 21:47:35 UTC

According to Sweet Home Junior High's HealthSmart curriculum, an orgasm is a "Climactic, satisfying response to sexual stimulation (or sexual activity)"

In males, an orgasm is marked by ejaculation (when semen [containing sperm] is pushed out of the penis through the urethra). Females also experience orgasm.

I'm gay but I don't know how to tell anyone. I don't know if anyone in my family is homophobic, and there is a ton of negative stigma surrounding it. Do you know any way that may be helpful to telling anyone? Also how should I prepare for the worst? Some people I know have told me, and I've only told really close friends.

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 21:54:28 UTC

It is totally normal to be concerned about telling friends and family about your sexual orientation. For some, it could be a huge relief. For others, it might be very stressful.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to tell others they are gay: they want to be themselves and be true to themselves, they are tired of hearing people close to them use negative labels or stereotypes, etc.

There are also many reasons why a person might not tell others they are gay: they think their close friends and family might treat them differently, they are worried about bullying and discrimination, etc.

All of these are valid concerns.

As a young person, coming out as gay might be tricky because you probably depend on your family for your housing, food, etc. and you're concerned you may not be supported by your family after telling them. Due to this concern, some people wait until they are old enough to live on their own to tell their family.

There are some things that might be helpful though if you are thinking about telling your family:

1) You might want to think through how you'll do it and what you'll say. Some people decide to write a letter rather than doing it in person.

2) You may want to do some research so that you could answer potential questions.

3) You might casually bring up famous or well-known gay people around your parents and see how they react. This may be a good indicator of how they might react if you told them.

4) You may want to be prepared to allow your parents to think about and accept the new information. Give them time to try to understand what you're going through.
5) Trust your gut - Don't be pressured or forced. Different people are ready to tell others their sexuality at different times in their lives. Trust your feelings.
6) Weigh the pros and cons - Ask yourself "How might coming out make my life easier or difficult? Is it worth it?"
7) Have a support system in place - Talk to a counselor or other trusted adult. Maybe even utilize an anonymous helpline.
8) Don't have expectations about how you THINK people should react - Different people will react in different ways. Some may be accepting, some might not be accepting at first, or ever.
9) Keep your privacy in mind - You must understand that when you tell anyone personal information, there is a risk that people will leak the information to people you don't want to know.
10) People's reaction doesn't reflect your worth - Some people may react negatively, but please know that their reaction does not affect your worth in this world :)

If a friend of mine(who I don't get to see that often, but see as a family member) drank hard alcohol(and is underage) and told me not to tell anyone, should I tell? Let's also say that because she drank a little bit, another friend of mine(who I also see like family) drank hard alcohol too. If I tell an adult about them drinking then they both will be mad at me and not want to hang out with me anymore. I don't want them to not be in my life anymore, but I know it isn't okay for them to drink. So do I tell and if so, then who?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 22:55:25 UTC

This is a great question and something that I think a lot of teenagers struggle with. I wanted to make sure I gave you a good answer, so I asked some other staff members what they thought as well and here is the general thought we all had:

The best first step may be to talk to your friends yourself. Let them know that you are concerned about them drinking alcohol. Tell them you think it is wrong to drink at such a young age. Maybe even let them know that the younger a person drinks alcohol, the higher the changes are that they will become an alcoholic. You could even mention that alcohol use affects brain development and you would hate to see them be affected by that. It would be best to do this in a non-judgmental way. Approach this conversation with a genuine concern in your voice so they don't think you are judging them. You might even consider suggesting they contact an anonymous drug abuse helpline such as Oregon YouthLine.

If this doesn't work and they continue to drink alcohol, especially if they are drinking more and more often, THEN it would probably best to tell an adult (myself, a counselor, your parent/guardian, their parent/guardian, etc.)

Please try talking to them yourself first, and then submit another Anonymous Question to let me know how it went! If you don't feel it worked, then we can talk about your next steps.

What exactly causes a miscarriage and is there a way to 100% prevent them?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-05 23:08:12 UTC

According to the Mayo Clinic: "[A] Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage." (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

Miscarriages are fairly common, yet still a tough experience for a parent. They happen mostly because a fetus (baby) is not developing normally (most commonly because the fetus is developing with too many, or not enough chromosomes).

There are, however, several other different causes of miscarriages, including the mother's health condition (such as uncontrolled diabetes, uterus or cervix disorders, infections, and more).

Some other things that INCREASE the risk of a miscarriage, but won't definitely cause it are:

The mother's age - At age 35 and higher, a female is at a higher risk of miscarriage.
A mother's history of miscarriages - If a mother has had miscarriages in the past, they are at a greater risk of miscarriage.
Other health conditions - such as uncontrolled diabetes and uterine/cervical probalems.
Drug/alcohol use - Females who drink alcohol, smoke, and use drugs during pregnancy are at a higher risk of miscarrage.
The mother's weight - Being severely underweight AND overweight is associated with a higher likelihood of miscarriage.

There is no 100% effective way to avoid miscarriages, however, a person might lower their chances of miscarriage by Practicing healthy prenatal behaviors, such as:

Go to the doctor regularly if they know they are pregnant
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs.
Take vitamins!
Limit caffeine.

Most information taken from the Mayo Clinic article, "Miscarriage" (2015).

Is kissing considered sexual activity?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-06 20:18:10 UTC

There are different opinions on this question based on religion, family values, and cultural values, so I recommend asking a trusted adult who shares similar values this question. With that being said, kissing is generally not considered sexual activity. However, certain types of STIs can be spread by kissing, including herpes,

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and in rare cases, syphilis. For the most part, kissing is considered a low-risk activity in terms of the chances of contracting an STI. Kissing can be a way to show affection to your partner without being sexually active.

Kissing is still an activity that requires consent, meaning both people have to agree to kiss. So in that sense, it could be considered sexual activity because it requires consent.

If my grandma on my father's side and my grandma on my mother's side both had breast cancer, how likely is it for me to have breast cancer when I am older?

grant_kauffman — 2021-04-06 20:34:01 UTC

According to the CDC and the American Cancer Society, having a family history of breast cancer does increase the chances of someone getting breast cancer. This is a risk factor that unfortunately, you cannot change. Fortunately, you have a lot of time to lower your risk of breast cancer because MOST breast cancer cases are diagnosed in females ages 50 and older. This is good information to know because you can start doing things now to lower your chances of getting breast cancer. Here is how you can LOWER your risk of developing breast cancer:

Be physically active - Not being physically active increases a person's likelihood of developing breast cancer. You can combat your family history of breast cancer by being physically active for the remainder of your life.
Be at a healthy weight when you enter menopause - Menopause is when menstruation stops for a female. In other words, it is the time in a female's life when their period stops. A female who is overweight when beginning menopause is more likely to develop breast cancer than female who are at a healthy weight when menopause starts. So once again, be physically active throughout your life!
Don't drink alcohol - Alcohol consumption does increase the risk of breast cancer, along with other types of cancer as well. Make sure that if you are 21+ and you decide to drink alcohol, limit the amount of alcohol you are consuming.
Be careful about taking hormones - There is SOME studies that suggest hormones, including oral birth control (birth control taken by mouth) can increase breast cancer risk. Talk to a doctor about this for more information.
Planning future pregnancies - Evidence suggests that getting pregnant for the first time after age 30 increases the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Also, getting pregnant early in life and having many pregnancies throughout life increases breast cancer risk.
Breastfeeding children - Interestingly, some studies suggest that breastfeeding may lower a person's chance of developing breast cancer. Especially if the breastfeeding continues for one year or longer.

CDC, What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer? (2020)
ACS, Lifestyle-related Breast Cancer Risk Factors (2020)
ACS, Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Cannot Change (2019)

Where does sperm come from?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 18:50:41 UTC

As we discussed in class, sperm is produced in the testes. In addition to creating sperm, the testes are also responsible for producing the male sex hormone, testosterone.

When learning about Sex ED does this apply to Non-Binary or Genderqueer People?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 18:53:47 UTC

For now in my class, we mainly discuss respecting people of all walks of life. This absolutely include Non-Binary and Genderqueer people. You may learn more about different sexualities in high school.

How are babies made?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 18:55:46 UTC

Babies are created when a sperm (the male reproductive cell) and an egg (the female reproductive cell) to join with each other to start the development of a fetus (baby). This most commonly begins with vaginal sexual intercourse (when a penis is inserted into a vagina). There are other ways (that require a doctor) that a sperm can join with an egg.

When you get a random boner, what the heck is happening?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 18:59:17 UTC

I don't know if this counts as a personal question, if it does you don't have to answer, do you use people's preferred pronouns?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 19:02:17 UTC

Yes I do.

When having a miscarriage, does the baby come out dead like a stillborn, or does the body absorb the fetus?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 20:34:54 UTC

To answer this question, we have to know some definitions. There is actually difference between a miscarriage and a stillbirth.

Miscarriage - The loss of a baby BEFORE the 20th week of pregnancy.
Stillbirth - The loss of a baby at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
(CDC, 2020)

With these definitions in mind, when someone has a miscarriage, it is very early in the pregnancy and early in the development of the fetus. A lot of times, a mother may not have even known they were pregnant and therefore, not know they were having a miscarriage. In these situations, the mother might think the miscarriage is just a heavy period (KidsHealth, 2015), because TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, when a miscarriage happens, the fetus (which will be very small before 20 weeks of pregnancy) is passed through the vagina, similar to how menstrual flow leaves the body. Sometimes, females prefer to speed up the process, so they might take medicine to make the pregnancy tissue and placenta leave the body quicker. Sometimes, if there are complications, doctors can remove the pregnancy tissue and placenta in a surgical procedure (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

During a stillbirth, a mother will still give birth to the baby (NHS, 2021).

So, my family makes a bunch of gay jokes, but my best friend is pan, and he is dating a male. I want to introduce him to my parents because he would like to join us in activities we do (hiking, hunting, etc.) and his parents won't take him. But I am worried that if I introduce him to my family, they will judge him for his sexuality. Should I introduce him to them? Or should I wait a couple years?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-10 21:05:20 UTC

This is tough question for me to be able to answer. It really depends on a bunch of different things. Here are some things to consider before inviting your friend to join your family in activities.

Have you considered talking to your family about how them making gay jokes makes you feel? You don't have to mention that you have a friend who is pan, but you could simply talk to your family openly and honestly and let them know that you don't appreciate when they make gay jokes and politely ask them to try to stop. Depending on how they react, this might give you a good sense of whether to bring your friend around them.
Have you considered letting your friend know that if they join your family in activities, they might not be as accepting as you are? If your friend feels uncomfortable knowing your family may not be accepting, then maybe it's not a good idea to introduce them to him.

Again, this is tough for me to answer because it really depends on the attitudes of your family and your friend. I hope this helps!

How do I know if I'm healthy?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-15 22:05:11 UTC

This is a good question that doesn't have a simple answer. Being healthy is having a good balance between physical health (eating healthy, exercising, not using drugs), mental/emotional health (feeling good about yourself, dealing with stress, responding well to tough situations), and social health (being able to talk to people, having friends, and getting along with others). The best way to know if you're healthy is to talk to a doctor!

(Trigger warning) Why do we practice things on animals (hunting, knives, shampoo, science) when there are plenty of terrible people they could test on like pedophiles, and animal abusers?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-15 22:08:43 UTC

This is a great ethical and philosophical question! Really what is comes down to is human rights. Whether you agree with this or not, humans simply have more rights than animals, regardless of what crime a person has done or what type of life they live.

My mother drank alcohol and smoked while pregnant with me, and while breast feeding. Does this damage anything about a baby? Is it the reason I have many mental disorders, poor mental health, a low self image, and am not phased by strong smells like sharpies, beer, alcohol, vodka, and cigarettes?

grant_kauffman — 2021-06-15 22:16:23 UTC

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020), substance abuse while pregnant and breastfeeding can contribute to health and developmental effects in a baby.

However, this is not your fate. Mental health disorders are super common, and it are not always attributed to substance use during pregnancy. A low self-image is incredibly common for people of your age, so you are not alone in that. Not being phased by strong smells is NOT likely a result of substance use during pregnancy.

The most important thing for you to know is that mental health disorders are common, even among people whose mothers did not use substances during pregnancy. Another important thing for you to know is that there is help for mental health disorders including counseling, therapy, and medication!

Will the school give us condoms?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-28 03:45:30 UTC

No the school cannot provide condoms. However, there are several places to get condoms to buy and for free, including local health departments and many stores.

How do I come out to my homophobic dad? He told me I'm too young, and that its all gross. Last time I told him, and I even was talking to him about trans people (because I am one but he doesn't know) but then he said ¨once you are a girl always a girl, you cant change DNA" and ever since then I've had a strong urge to self harm. How do I cope with that too in a safe way?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-28 04:00:31 UTC

SORRY FOR THE LONG RESPONSE, BUT I CARE ABOUT YOU AND WANTED TO WRITE A GOOD RESPONSE!

It is totally normal to be concerned about telling friends and family about your sexual orientation. For some, it could be a huge relief. For others, it might be very stressful.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to tell others they are gay or trans: they want to be themselves and be true to themselves, they are tired of hearing people close to them use negative labels or stereotypes, etc.

There are also many reasons why a person might not tell others they are gay: they think their close friends and family might treat them differently, they are worried about bullying and discrimination, etc.

All of these are valid concerns.

As a young person, coming out as gay might be tricky because you probably depend on your family for your housing, food, etc. and you're concerned you may not be supported by your family after telling them. Due to this concern, some people wait until they are old enough to live on their own to tell their family.

There are some things that might be helpful though if you are thinking about telling your family:

1) You might want to think through how you'll do it and what you'll say. Some people decide to write a letter rather than doing it in person.

2) You may want to do some research so that you could answer potential questions.

3) You might casually bring up famous or well-known gay people around your parents and see how they react. This may be a good indicator of how they might react if you told them.

(KidsHealth, 2015)

I hope this helps! As D'Arcy Lyness, PhD says in the TeensHealth Article, "
Coming out is a personal choice. Take time to think about what's right for you."

Some information in this answer taken from, KidsHealth "Telling People Your Sexual Orientation — Or Not"

Relating to the self-harm portion of the question:
I'm sorry you are feeling the urge to self-harm. You deserve to be happy. Some healthy ways to cope with thoughts of self-harm include:
-Talking to others about your feelings. This could include a friend, trusted adult, or a mental health professional such as a counselor (Our school counselor is Miss Tiffany).
-Exercise or workout whenever you feel an urge to self-harm. Exercising can be a great way to distract yourself, release negative emotions, and stay mentally well.
-Try breathing exercises, such as a Mindful Minute to relax and reduce negative feelings.
-Write down your feelings on paper. You don't have to show anyone, or you might consider tearing it up. That might feel good!
(NHS, 2020)

If blood builds up [in the uterus during menstruation] is that why cramps happen during a period

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-28 04:07:18 UTC

Sort of! The Mayo Clinic (2020) explain that menstrual cramps are common and they are typically caused by muscle contractions in the uterus that help get rid of the menstrual blood. Period cramps are super common, but if they are severely disrupting your life every month, I recommend telling a trusted adult.

How can i stop being hyper-sexual? I'm asexual and I don't like being hyper-sexual, it makes me very uncomfy and I only developed hyper-sexuality because of trauma reasons.

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:14:59 UTC

This is a good question and I'm not sure I have the best answer. According to the Mayo Clinic (2020), compulsive sexual behavior (hyper-sexuality) is an excessive thoughts of sexual fantasies and/or sexual urges that are difficult to control and can disrupt a person's life. It might help you to know that many people struggle with hyper-sexuality and it is very common in teenagers due to the hormone surge from puberty. Some ways to cope or manage hyper-sexuality include:
1) Setting goals for yourself regarding your urges and working toward them
2) Educating yourself more on the issue so that you have a better understanding of hyper-sexuality
3) Discover what triggers your sexual urges or compulsions. Then, see if you can avoid those triggers
4) Exercise or engage in other healthy activities when you feel urges or compulsions.
5) Practice relaxation and stress management techniques!
6) If it becomes a major interference with your life, see a mental health professional, such as Miss Tiffany at the school!

If someone is fingered/other does that mean they lose their virginity?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:22:50 UTC

This question doesn't really have a straight-forward answer because there are many different beliefs about what it means to be a virgin depending on someone's religious, cultural, family, or personal values. There is no medical definition of the word virginity. Some people believe a person loses their virginity the first time they have vaginal intercourse (when a penis goes into a vagina) or anal intercourse (when a penis goes into an anus). On the other hand, some people believe that any kind of sexual activity (including fingering) means someone lost their virginity. So the answer to this really depends on your personal definition of virginity. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who shares similar values as you (parent/guardian, aunt/uncle, grandparent, etc.) and asking them what they think!

Why does it hurt to be kicked in the balls?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:32:36 UTC

The medical term for "balls" is testes.

First, the testes are not protected by bones or muscles like other organs are (like the stomach, kidneys, etc.). Not being protected makes the testes vulnerable to getting hit.

Also, there are a lot of nerves on and surrounding the testes. More nerves = more pain receptors, making the testes hurt a lot when getting kicked!

Is it alright to watch pornography at this age? or do you think you should be older?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:37:55 UTC

You legally must be 18 years or older to view any pornographic material. From a healthy perspective, it's perfectly natural to have the urge to watch pornography and to have sexual thoughts/feelings. There are a lot of different opinions/values related to pornography due to people's personal, family, cultural, and religious values. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who you are comfortable talking to who shares similar values as you (parent/guardian, aunt/uncle, grandparent, etc.) and asking them what they think! It is also important to remember that pornography is rarely ever representative of real life and it certainly can be addicting for some people.

Is it normal that your penis expands?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:39:41 UTC

I'm not totally sure what you mean by "expands", but I'm guessing you are referring to an erection (commonly known as a "boner")

An erection is the hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood. It is completely normal and healthy to get erections.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal! It is especially common during puberty.
(TeensHealth, 2017)

How do I know if I'm healthy?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:40:43 UTC

Is it okay to be a sexuality other than heterosexual?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 01:57:41 UTC

Before I attempt to answer, let's define some terms.

Heterosexual = People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: males are attracted to females, and females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are often called "straight."
Homosexual: People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: females are attracted to other females; males are attracted to other males. Homosexuals (whether male or female) are often called "gay." Gay females are also called lesbian.
Bisexual: People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.

Many people believe are more sexual orientations, but we will stick with these three for now.

There are different opinions on whether it is "okay" to be something other than heterosexual depending on a person's religion, cultural values, and family values. Some people thinks it's totally fine, while others do not. From a health perspective, it is normal to have heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual feelings.

As your health teacher, it is not my place to tell you if it is "okay" to be something other than heterosexual. I recommend talking to an adult you trust and are comfortable talking about it with. This could be a friend's parent/guardian if you cannot talk to your own family about it. You could also talk to a religious leader or a mental health professional.

I hope this was helpful!

Why do guys produce sperm?

grant_kauffman — 2021-10-29 02:01:21 UTC

The Short Answer: To reproduce.

The Long Answer: As we discussed in class, sperm is the male reproductive cell. To reproduce another human being, sperm must join with an egg (the female reproductive cell). The sperm joins, or "fertilizes" an egg in a female's Fallopian tubes to start the process of creating a baby.

How long does it take to produce sperm/semen?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 15:06:24 UTC

According to Marieb & Hoehn (2016), from the very beginning of the process, it takes 65-72 days. However, the male is producing many sperm at a time. For example, a male makes 400 million sperm each day!

Semen is a mixture of sperm and the fluid from the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and the Cowper's gland. Before ejaculation, sperm gets mixed with this fluid on its way through the male reproductive system and out of the penis, so it doesn't take long to produce semen.

So, I'm a transgender student and I have only come out to a few people but they don't usually use my preferred names or pronouns, I was wondering if you had any advice on to how to tell them about my preferred names and pronouns. And maybe some tips so coming out to more people.

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 15:51:25 UTC

If your friends were supportive when you came out to them...then I would imagine if you just kindly and respectfully asked them to use your pronouns, they would!

If your friends were not supportive when you came out to them...Then I'm sorry for this. Your friends should be supportive of you no matter what. If this is the case, then I still think having an open and honest conversation with them would be a great idea. Let them know how it makes you feel when they don't use your names or pronouns. Use "I-Messages" when you talk to them so they don't feel attacked. For example, an I-Message would be: "It makes me feel disrespected and invalidated when I don't get called by my preferred name or pronouns". An example of NOT using an I-Message would be "You never call me by my pronouns or name" ---- Do you see the differences in these?

Another thing to consider is this: Are they forgetting to use your pronouns or preferred name? Or are they purposefully not using your name/pronouns to make you mad? An important thing to know when coming out as trans is that you must give your friends/family time and space to adjust. So just be patient, and gently remind them if they mess up.

Coming Out To Others:

Coming out, especially coming out as trans can cause some confusion with friends and family. There is really no "right" way to come out, because it depends on the person and their individual circumstances. Some people might delay coming out because they know their family/friends won't be supportive. This can be especially tricky as a young person who depends on their family for food, housing, transportation, etc. Either way, here are some things to consider if you are thinking about coming out to friends or family.

1) You might want to think through how you'll do it and what you'll say. Some people decide to write a letter rather than doing it in person.

2) You may want to do some research so that you could answer potential questions.

3) You might casually bring up famous or well-known gay people around your parents and see how they react. This may be a good indicator of how they might react if you told them.

Can a female get pregnant if she's on her period (or if she is menstruating) during sexual intercourse?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 16:01:28 UTC

The medical term for a "period" is menstruation.

Yes. It is possible for a female to get pregnant if she is on her period during sexual intercourse. Remember, having sexual intercourse, especially unprotected sexual intercourse is always going to carry some risk of pregnancy and STIs. The only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence. If a person is sexually active, it is important to use condoms and/or other contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

For more information on pregnancy during menstruation, here is an informative TeensHealth article:

TeensHealth - Can a Girl Get Pregnant if She Has Sex During Her Period?

What is sperm made out of?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 17:07:11 UTC

As we have discussed in class, sperm is the male reproductive cell. You will learn about cells in Science class in a few months, but sperm cells have most of the same parts as other cells in the body. As you can see in the picture, sperm cells have a nucleus, plasma membrane, mitochondrion, and chromosomes. Other cells in the body, including skin cells and others have some of the same organelles (like the nucleus or membrane) as sperm cells! Sperm is made up of these organelles! (Organelles are specialized structures that perform various jobs inside cells, according to National Geographic)

What is in Alcohol? (all things) What of the things in it does it make you drunk? Is it a mixture of things?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 17:44:34 UTC

This is a question that has a really complex answer, but I will do my best to help you understand:

Alcohol is created by fermentation of grains and fruits. (Fermentation = the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms). Beer is made from fermenting wheat, barely, and similar grans. Wine is made from fermentation of grapes, and other fruits.

When the sugars in grains and fruits are fermented, it creates a type of alcohol called ethanol. Ethanol is the only safe type of alcohol to consume (You may have heard of other types of alcohol, like rubbing alcohol -- these types of alcohol are definitely not safe to drink).

It is the ethanol in alcoholic beverages that causes a person to be drunk.

Even though ethanol is "safe" to drink, alcohol is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 and no matter what, it can still be dangerous in other ways, such as:

Causing addiction
Causing motor vehicle accidents
Interfering with brain development in young people
Causing problems with learning and memory
Causing bodily damage (such as damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain)
etc.

Some of the information in this answer comes from Jamrozy & Coy, 2021)

Is it normal, or healthy to be curious on how something works?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 17:53:42 UTC

Of course it is! Curiosity is the essence of being human. Curiosity helps us learn and develop knowledge, and having knowledge is the coolest thing about being a human being!

Curiosity also helps us have an open mind. Having an open mind will help you create relationships with others, accept others even though they might be different from you, and it will help you be willing to look at things from new perspectives.

In short, curious is perhaps the best thing we can do as humans! Keep being curious, my friend!

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” - Albert Einstein

If you have a miscarriage will it hurt the women? (Not just emotionally)

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 18:57:46 UTC

Before answering this question, lets define the word:

Miscarriage - The loss of a baby BEFORE the 20th week of pregnancy.

With this definition in mind, when someone has a miscarriage, it is very early in the pregnancy and early in the development of the fetus. A lot of times, a mother may not have even known they were pregnant and therefore, not know they were having a miscarriage. In these situations, the mother might think the miscarriage is just a heavy period, so it probably won't hurt any more than heavy period cramps. (KidsHealth, 2015).

Why do people become bartenders or just drink in general if they know it's bad for them? Same thing for a cigar, Juul, etc.

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 19:10:12 UTC

Unfortunately, some people don't value themselves or their health, so they do things that negatively affect their health :(

I encourage you all to treat your mind and body with care and only participate in healthy behaviors! I care about you all so much and I would hate to see anyone go through negative consequences of drug/alcohol use!

How do you boost your self confidence?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 19:49:15 UTC

There are several ways to improve your self-confidence. This is something that might take some trial-and-error, meaning you may have to try a few difference things before you find what works for you.

Here are some tips for you:

Try not to compare yourself with others: It's totally normal to compare yourself to other people. This can actually be helpful if you are doing it the right way. For example, if you comparing yourself to an adult to help yourself develop the characteristics and qualities of a good person, that is a good thing! However, a lot of people compare themselves with others and end up feeling bad about yourself. If you notice you compare yourself to your friends, social media influences, actors/actresses, try to get out of that habit! Focus on being the BEST YOU that you can be, because you're great just the way you are :)
Work on creating a confident inner voice: If you notice you have a negative mindset about yourself, for example, you often talk negatively to or about yourself, or you say "I can't" often, then work on training your brain to NOT say things like that. Instead, make an effort to only say kind things to yourself. ("I can do this" | "I can try my best"). The brain is a muscle, so you have to train it to do certain things, such as being kind to yourself!
Start taking safe risks: Volunteer at a local shelter, raise your hand and answer questions in class, try out for a sports team. Taking safe risks, and then being successful will do WONDERS for your self-confidence.
Be yourself, no matter what: I've always lived by this motto: "As long as I'm not harming myself or others, who cares what people think of me?" - People are going to have opinions about you no matter what, so why not let their opinions be about THE REAL YOU rather than someone you are trying to be?

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck! You've got this

If you are mad at someone should you tell them that you are mad at them?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 20:27:26 UTC

One of the major characteristics of a healthy relationship, whether it is a romantic relationship or a friendship, is open and honest communication.

So I recommend having a respectful, open, and honest conversation with this person. However, there are good and bad ways to have this conversation. For example, I recommend using something called "I-Messages" which is basically a way to talk to someone that focuses on yourself, rather than the other person. Let me give you an example of an I-Message.

"I feel disrespected and hurt when I get called names"

This is an I-Messages because it focuses on the persons feelings, rather than attacking the person who called them names.

Here is a BAD example of this conversation:

"You are a rude person because you called me names"

This puts blame on the other person, and they are likely to become defensive if you approach them like that.

So to recap, I recommend having a honest conversation with the person, where you focus on your feelings rather than attacking them for something they did.

If someone likes to watch YouTube, but other people say that you shouldn't, even if the first person who likes to watch YouTube doesn't watch much YouTube should they stop watching YouTube at all?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 22:26:02 UTC

YouTube, along with other social media apps, can be a great source of entertainment and relaxation. However, like all social media apps, there are a ton of negatives. For example:

It is very easy to get addicted to YouTube. Spending too much time on social media and YouTube can lead to obesity, poor sleep patterns, less social skills, and violence. If you notice that you are watching A LOT of YouTube, and it is interfering with other parts of your life (such as school, homework, chores, etc.), then you might consider decreasing your YouTube use. If you spend multiple hours each day on social media or YouTube, that is probably too much.
It has the ability to decrease your self-esteem and self-confidence. Often, people watch YouTubers and other social media influencers and begin to compare themselves to the influencer. This can create low self-esteem and low-self confidence. I encourage you to try to watch YouTube without comparing yourself to the influencer. Their lives are not reflective of real life.
It can lead to health problems. Excessive screen time can lead to obesity, poor sleep patterns, less social skills, mood issues, violence, poor mental health, etc.
You can be exposed to things you don't want to be exposed to. Social media and YouTube can increase your risk of being exposed to: drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violent and other risky behaviors, negative stereotypes, cyberbullying, misinformation, etc.

How can you feel less stressed?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 22:30:58 UTC

There are several ways to be less stressed. Keep in mind that it might take some trial-and-error to find what works for you.

Here is a list of a ton of different stress-management techniques!

Stress Management Techniques

Can a girl get pregnant even if she hasn't even kissed a boy before?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-04 23:01:37 UTC

No. A girl cannot get pregnant if she hasn't been sexually active. Pregnancy occurs when a biological male and biological female engage in sexual intercourse (also known as "having sex"). During sexual intercourse, a male ejaculates semen into a female, which causes sperm (the male reproductive cell) to travel up the female reproductive system and fertilize the female's egg (the female reproductive cell). This is what starts the process of a baby growing inside a female.

There are other ways to create a baby, but they require doctors to be involved.

So...if you are not sexually active, you don't have to worry about pregnancy.

What happens during puberty?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-05 01:32:57 UTC

There are so many things that happen during puberty!

Puberty can start anywhere from age 8 to age 16. When someone hits puberty, their body starts producing tons of hormones (hormones are basically chemicals in your body). These hormones signal the body to start the changes that happen during puberty. There are several changes that occur during puberty for all people.

Some physical changes that happen to JUST males are:

Sperm production
Testosterone Production in large amounts
Ejaculation

Some physical changes that happen to JUST females are:

Menstruation (having a period)
Ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovaries)
Estrogen & progesterone production in large amounts

Some physical changes that happen to both males AND females are:

Growth of sex organs
Body odor
Needing to bathe and shower more often
Muscle development
Voice changes (more obvious in males)
Breast development (more obvious in females)
Growth of facial hair (more obvious in males)
And much more!

Some emotional or social changes that happen to both males AND females are:

Joy or stress about body changes
Having crushes on others
Wanting to express yourself
Feeling peer pressure
Having sexual feelings
Mood swings
And much more!

How does the female produce milk from their breasts?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-05 02:20:27 UTC

This question has a very complex answer, but I will try to simplify it as much as possible.

According to Marieb & Hoehn (2016), toward the end of a females pregnancy, the body will start to increase levels of estrogen, progesterone and something called placental lactogen. These are just hormones, or chemicals in the female's body. Basically, these rising levels of hormones make the breasts produce milk for the baby after the baby is born! A female will continue to produce milk as long as they are breastfeeding. When breastfeeding stops, milk production stops. Isn't the human body amazing!?

Can you have sexual intercourse while on your period?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-05 02:42:34 UTC

Yes a female can have sexual intercourse while menstruating (or on their period). It is important to know that sexual intercourse during menstruation does not protect against pregnancy or STIs. It's still important to wear latex condoms and/or other contraceptive methods if you decide to have sexual intercourse, regardless of if its during menstruation or not.

Why do guys have morning wood sometimes?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-05 23:52:39 UTC

"Morning wood" refers to when a male wakes up in the morning with an erection (commonly known as a "boner").

According Dr. Ryan Berglund via The Cleveland Clinic (2020), there is a nerve in our body called the sacral nerve. The sacral nerve is part of our parasympathetic nervous system.

The parasympathetic nervous system works mainly when the body is resting and repairing. It is also responsible for things like digestion and sexual arousal.

Because parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for sexual arousal AND it is highly active during sleep, this is the reason why erections are likely to occur during sleep. It doesn't necessarily mean you are sexually aroused while you are sleeping. The penis can become erect and flaccid (soft) many times during sleep.

Either way, morning erections, or "morning wood" is totally normal!

What is something bad for you that no one really knows about? Why is it bad for you?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-06 00:39:08 UTC

There are so many things that can be bad for you that a lot of people don't know about. I will just list a few. Many of the things on this list are things we cover in health class, which is the reason we cover these things in health class!

Social Media - While social media is enjoyable and entertaining, there are several negatives to social media use. Excessive social media use can lead to social media addiction, obesity, poor sleep patterns, less social skills, mood issues, decreased self-esteem and self-confidence, violence, poor mental health, body dysmorphia, etc.

Poor Sleep Patterns - This can mean not getting enough sleep, or getting too much sleep. It is recommended for people of your age to get 9-11 hours of sleep. Some of you probably laughed when you read that sentence because you don't get near that amount of sleep. Well I would HIGHLY recommend adjusting your sleep patterns and make a real effort to get 9-11 hours each night. Sleep deprivation (not getting enough sleep) can lead to poor school performance, mood issues, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, weak immune system, hormone dysfunction (hormones are largely in charge of your physical and emotional development). Also, not getting enough sleep is STRONGLY linked to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. If you have poor mental health, your sleep pattern may be the reason why.

Not socializing with others - It's very common these days for people of your age to not socialize with others. This is an easy behavior to fall into, because it may be nice to just be on your phone, watch TV, or play video games instead of socializing with others, right? Well unfortunately, there are some harmful effects of not socializing. Social isolation can create poor communication skills. No matter what, communication skills are necessary in life, so socialization is important to improve your communication skills. Social isolation is also linked to depression, poor sleep quality, decreased brain function, poor heart health, and weak immune system. In order to avoid these things, please make an effort to socialize more! Start small by simply saying "Hi!" to people you might not usually talk to.

The cool thing about all of the things I listed is that they are AVOIDABLE! I encourage you all to TAKE CONTROL of your physical and mental health by doing healthy things! If you want more information or need extra help, please come talk to me!

How can you stop feeling bad for other people so much?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-06 00:57:04 UTC

If you find yourself feeling bad for other people often, that means you have a lot of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This means you are a compassionate person, which is a admirable quality to have as a person! However, this could mean you prioritize other people's feelings and health before your own. This is something that should be addressed and worked on, because you need to start prioritizing yourself!

One thing you can do is imply try to be more aware of your feelings, and WHY you're feeling them. If you start feeling bad for others, you can ask yourself "Why I am feeling this way? Am I feeling this feeling FOR someone else?" Simply being aware of why you are feeling bad can be a good first step in fixing it.

You can also try some grounding techniques. By grounding yourself into reality, you can begin to move away from feeling bad for others. You can do a 5-4-3-2-1. (Sit still and list 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear. 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste). You can also take deep belly breathes (A Mindful Minute). Stopping and taking a break might help you address feeling bad for others. You can also silently repeat to yourself "Focus on my feelings"

At the end of the day. you have enough to deal with, and spending your energy feeling bad for others is likely to have negative effects on you. Prioritize your own feelings. Constantly worrying about others is not sustainable if it's affecting you too much. If you need to, you can talk to a mental health professional for more strategies, such as Miss Tiffany at the school!

Two of my best friends are in a relationship together, recently one of them came to me and talked to me about possibly being in a toxic relationship, I love them both (platonically) but it's very obvious the other one is toxic, what should I do?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-06 04:04:42 UTC

First, you are a good friend for wanting to help. The world needs people like you :)

Helping others in unhealthy or toxic relationships is tricky and complicated. Ultimately, it is your friend's decision to address the other person or to end the relationship. Even if you think they need to end the relationship. they may not be ready to. Even if you don't agree with the decisions your friend makes about the relationship, you must remain supportive.

Remember also that every relationship is unique and can be complicated, so the tips I'm going to give you may not all work for you/your friend. Here are some potential things you can do and say to the friend who is NOT the toxic one:

Simply let them know you are there for them and that you support them. You might think "They already know I'm there for them". While this may be true, verbally reminding them can go a long way!
Remind your friend that they deserve respect, dignity, communication, and real love.
Let them know that abuse of any kind is never okay, whether physical, verbal, emotional, etc. -- Let them know it is NOT their fault.
If you think this will help, you can encourage your friend to have an open, honest, sensitive and respectful conversation with the toxic person. They should use "I-Messages" during this conversation. I-Messages are a style of communication that focuses on the feelings or beliefs of the speaker rather than thoughts and characteristics of the listener. For example, the friend could say "I feel disrespected and hurt when _____ happens to me". It is important not to "attack" the toxic friend, but rather be honest and respectful. Who knows? Maybe they don't realize they are being toxic, and a conversation with them will help them change their behavior. You can also consider being present during the conversation, if necessary.
Connect your friend with professional help if needed. They can talk to Miss Tiffany at the school for free!

Things you can do for the toxic friend:

If you have a good enough friendship, you might try having an open, honest, sensitive and respectful conversation with them about how their behavior is affecting the other friend. You can have this conversation with both friends possibly. Like I said earlier, it is important not to "attack" the toxic friend, but rather have an open, honest, and respectful conversation. During the conversation, consider reminding them that changing their behavior in a positive way will create a happier and healthier relationship with your other friend. Ideally, the "toxic" friend would want that!
Help them learn the warning signs of toxic or abusive behavior in a relationship. Who knows? Maybe they don't realize they are being toxic.
It's common for toxic people do blame others for their toxicity. Try not to support these feelings and gently remind them that every individual is responsible for their own behavior.
Since you said you love the toxic friend as well, be there to support them. Verbally tell them "I love you and I will help you change". It might be hard for the person to face the fact that they've been behaving poorly.

What is a boner?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-09 00:19:34 UTC

The correct term for a "boner" is "erection".

An erection is the lengthening and hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal!

(TeensHealth, 2017)

Why do so many people get addicted to sex and thing's around it?

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-10 15:38:32 UTC

There are so many factors around addiction. Whether it is sex addiction, drug addiction, or an addiction to something else, there is often many things that cause it.

Some research has shown that people with conditions that affect the brain, and changes in the brain pathways put people at risk for addictive behaviors.

Other factors can include ease of access to sexual content, alcohol/drug use problems, family conflicts or family members with addictions, etc.

In summary, there could be several things that could contribute to sex addiction, or any other addiction. It really depends on the person and their life circumstances.

(Mayo Clinic, 2020)

This is about social health: How do you get good friends without feeling awkward? (Is that possible?)

grant_kauffman — 2021-11-10 16:35:51 UTC

Yes it is possible! Just like sports, art, musical instruments, etc...Social health is something that requires PRACTICE!

Here are some tips to overcome shyness and make friends (TeensHealth, 2020):

Practice confident social behaviors with your existing friends: Practicing things like making eye contact, having confident body language, asking questions, and carrying on conversations with friends and family will help you be confident when being social with people you aren't already close with,

Have some conversations starters in mind: Starting a conversation can be difficult sometimes! That is why it can be a good idea to have some ways to start a conversation in your mind. Try to develop some conversation starters right now. Examples might be: "Hey I'm David, I like the shirt you are wearing" , or "Hey do you know when the project is due?", or "Hey what shows are you watching right now?". Being ready to start a conversation can make it easier to approach someone.

Rehearse what you'll say: If it is tough for you to try to make friends because you're not sure what to say, it can help to literally practice what you might say. You can even practice in front of the mirror so you can practice your body language. Practice how you'll respond to common questions, how you might start a conversation, how you might end a conversation. Just like how getting good at guitar requires a lot of practice, being good a socializing requires practice also!

Give yourself a chance: Take a healthy risk and try out an activity with other people who may share similar interests. You can join a club (Right now, the school doesn't have any clubs, but you can do this in the future!) Taking healthy risks is a great way to improve self-esteem, and therefore, improve your socializing skills! If you find that you are too critical of yourself, and that is why you are shy, consider asking yourself "Would I be this critical of a close friend?"...If you wouldn't be critical of a friend, DON'T BE CRITICAL OF YOURSELF!

Develop assertiveness: Often, shy people are very concerned with what other people think. This necessarily a bad thing, but it can make them less likely to stand up for what they want or what they believe in. This is why it is important to develop assertiveness. This means speaking up for yourself, being confident in asking for what you need/want, or telling other people when they are doing something you don't like. Assertiveness standing up for what you want, need, or believe in, while being respectful towards others.

Making friends isn't always easy, but with some TRUE practice, I know you can do it. Good luck!!

What happens when you get an erection?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 01:52:48 UTC

An erection is the hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal!
(TeensHealth, 2017)

Can you get cancer in the eye?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 01:56:13 UTC

Yes. In fact, there are several different types of cancer that can occur in the eye, including:
-Melanoma
-Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
-Retinoblastoma
-Medulloepithelioma
-And more.

Is it normal to have sex at a young age?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 02:01:39 UTC

Statistically, more teenagers aged 15-19 DO NOT have sex than teenagers 15-19 that DO have sex. According to the CDC (2017), among teen females aged 15-19, 42% had ever had sex, and among teen males, the percent was 44%. Also, in 2011-2015, nearly 3 in 10 teens (30% of female teens and 29% of male teens) had sexual intercourse at least once in the past three months. So the majority of teenagers do not have sex. The thought that "everyone is doing it" is simply false.

From a health perspective, having sexual thoughts and feelings is normal. However, it is important to know that sex can be carry a high risk of sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy, especially at a young age. There are also emotional risks involved with sexual activity.

How do women get pregnant?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 02:11:51 UTC

Pregnancy primarily occurs when a biological male and biological female engage in sexual intercourse (also known as "having sex"). During sexual intercourse, a male ejaculates semen into a female, which causes sperm (the male reproductive cell) to travel up the female reproductive system and fertilize the female's egg (the female reproductive cell). This is what starts the process of a baby growing inside a female.

There are other ways to create a baby, but they require doctors to be involved.

Why do you masturbate?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 02:36:05 UTC

From a health perspective, masturbation is a normal and healthy behavior. HOWEVER...there are different viewpoints about whether masturbation is okay depending on family, religion, and culture. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who shares similar values (parent/guardian, other family member, religious leader) if you would like to know if it is okay for you.

With that being said, people may masturbate for several reasons. These could include: Because they have sexual feelings and want to release sexual tension, because it feels good to them, to relax, because they want to understand their body.

Is it normal for your period blood to be bright red or dark red?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 02:52:09 UTC

Simply put, yes. Menstrual flow (period blood) can look very different, even over the course of the same period! It may start out as a bright red or it may turn a darker red or even a brown color. Typically speaking, differences in menstrual flow (period blood) is nothing to be concerned about.

What are the changes of a woman when they have puberty?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 02:56:00 UTC

The primary changes that occur for ONLY FEMALES during puberty include: starting to menstruate (have a monthly period), and starting to ovulate (when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tubes every month).

Most of the changes of puberty happen to both males AND females. These include:

-Body odor
-Growing
-Appearance of pubic hair (hair around the genitals, like the penis and vagina)
-Acne
-And much more!

How do abortions work?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-27 23:54:47 UTC

According to MedlinePlus (2022) An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy.

There are essentially two ways that this procedure is done, and it depends on how far along in the pregnancy that will determine the procedure.

A medication/medical/pill abortion uses medicines to end a pregnancy in the early stages of pregnancy.
Procedural/surgical abortion is a procedure that removes a fetus (baby) from the uterus, typically in the later stages of abortion.

If you think you are a girl and you are born as a boy does that have something to do with you where being made.

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-28 00:02:38 UTC

If I'm totally honest, I'm not sure what you are asking here. Maybe rewrite your anonymous question.

Can you over masturbate? And if you can what happens?

grant_kauffman — 2022-10-28 00:12:23 UTC

First of all, from a health perspective, masturbation is a normal and healthy behavior. HOWEVER...there are different viewpoints about masturbation depending on family, religion, and culture. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who shares similar values (parent/guardian, other family member, religious leader) if you would like to know if it is okay for you.

In terms of physical harm, there is little to no evidence that masturbation causes physical harm to the body. However, there may be some psychological effects to masturbation, especially if someone is watching pornography during masturbation. Pornography and masturbation can certainly become addicting for some people, which can have a negative effect on someone's life. In addition, there is some research that suggests that regularly masturbating while watching pornography can cause difficulty becoming sexually aroused without pornography. (Utah State University, n.d.)

Average male penis size?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-18 20:45:23 UTC

This is a difficult question to answer become penises come in all different shapes and sizes. However, according to the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA, n.d.), a study of over 15,000 ADULT men found that the average erect (hard) penis size was 5.1 inches. When flaccid (or not hard), the average penis length was 3.6 inches.

As I said, penises come in all sizes, so I would recommend trying to not comparing yourself to others! Also, penises grow the most during puberty, so if you're concerned just maybe give it some time (KidsHealth, 2018).

If you would like a little more information, you can read this short article from KidsHealth.

Can two males have a pregnancy?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-18 20:48:07 UTC

Biologically, no. Two males cannot start a pregnancy together. The male AND female reproductive systems work together to start a pregnancy. More specifically, a pregnancy happens when a sperm (the male reproductive cell) fertilizes or implants itself into an egg/ovum (the female reproductive cell).

How do erections happen?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-18 20:48:48 UTC

An erection is the lengthening and hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal!

(TeensHealth, 2017)

Why do I get hard throughout the day without getting aroused?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-18 20:50:33 UTC

his is totally normal, especially at your age.

An erection is the hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood. It is completely normal and healthy to get erections.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal! It is especially common during puberty.
(TeensHealth, 2017)

How do girls know there period is coming?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-18 21:51:30 UTC

There are many symptoms that a female is about to menstruate (have a period). Some of these symptoms include:

Cramps
Bloating
Acne breakouts
Sore/tender breasts
Fatigue or feeling tired
Mood swings
etc.

Feeling some or all of these symptoms can be a sign that a period is coming. Not all females will experience these symptoms and one female may not experience these symptoms every time they menstruate.

(Planned Parenthood, n.d.)

If blood builds up [in the uterus during menstruation] is that why cramps happen during a period

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-30 15:48:49 UTC

If you think you are a girl and you are born as a boy does that have something to do with you where being made.

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-30 15:51:17 UTC

If I'm totally honest, I'm not sure what you are asking here. Maybe rewrite your anonymous question.

Why is it important to know this information?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-31 15:19:08 UTC

The information covered in the health sexuality unit(s) is important to know for several reasons! Primarily though, much research has shown that sexuality education contributes to young people waiting longer to have sex (choosing abstinence), having fewer sexual partners, and taking less sexual risks. All of these reduce pregnancy and STI rates.

In addition, we learn about things like respect for all people, consent, and healthy relationships. These things help ensure that we have safe and respectful interactions with people around us, especially romantic partners.

(ODE, n.d.)

I know that this is not about the sex ed unit but it is about health and it is a serious question. How do I tell My parents I think I need a therapist?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-31 15:21:41 UTC

One key to a healthy relationship is open and honest communication. If you feel you can be honest with your parents, you might consider sitting them down and honestly tell them how you feel and what you need. If you don't feel comfortable telling them in person, you might consider writing a letter. I hope you get what you need!

Is it normal if whenever I urinate I get hard?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-31 15:30:08 UTC

First, the medical term for "getting hard" is an erection.

According to Dr. Sergio Diez Alvarez of the University of Newcastle (2020), the sensation of a full bladder can stimulate nerves in the spinal cord that are associated with erections. This might explain why a person might become erect when needing to urinate.

Is it normal if my (scrotum) is chafed raw on the sides?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-31 15:40:19 UTC

Chafing is a pretty normal and irritating fact of life sometimes. It is common for chafing to occur in areas on a body that often rub together, such as the thighs, armpits, and the groin area (where the scrotum is). Chafing is especially an issue for athletes or those who exercise.

Some ways to prevent chafing are to:

1) Wear proper clothing - If possible, avoid wearing cotton because cotton absorbs moisture and can contribute to chafing. Instead, try to wear athletic materials like Nike Dri-Fit products. Also, try to make sure the clothes you wear fit properly.

2) Use lotion or creams - Applying creams, lotions,or anti-chafing products to the area(s) most affected by chafing can help with chafing because it can reduce friction by making your skin less irritable.

3) Try to stay cool and dry - Staying as cool and dry as possible, especially when exercising, can help prevent chafing as well. You can use antiperspirants or powders to help wit chafing.

(Nike, 2021)

What is the difference between vaginal, oral , and anal sex?

grant_kauffman — 2023-10-31 21:31:29 UTC

Vaginal Sex: When a penis goes into a vagina

Anal Sex: When a penis goes into an anus

Oral Sex: When a mouth goes onto the genitals. Either the vulva (vagina), a penis, or an anus.

The reason it is important to know this is because it is important to know that all of these forms of sexual intercourse could cause transmit STIs (all forms) and/or start a pregnancy (vaginal).

Remember, the ONLY 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs is ABSTINENCE!

Is it weird if you get an erection off your girlfriend at this age?

grant_kauffman — 2023-11-03 21:26:17 UTC

From a health perspective, getting an erection from your girlfriend is normal. Remember, during puberty, the surge of hormones in a person's body causes many changes, including sexual feelings that could result in an erection.

Are we gonna learn about STDs?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-11 16:18:48 UTC

Yes we are!

Is it possible to get pregnant as a teen?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-11 16:21:47 UTC

Absolutely. As soon as males hit puberty and start producing sperm, they can start a pregnancy. As soon as females hit puberty and start menstruating (getting their period), they can become pregnant. These things typically happen around age 12.

How are babies made?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-11 16:30:25 UTC

I know this question isn't part of the sex ed unit, but If your boyfriend or girlfriend moves 3 hours away and you are feeling depressed every day and you have to cry yourself to sleep what do you think would be a good coping strategy?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-11 16:43:23 UTC

First of all, I am sorry that you have to go through this. Whatever feelings you are having are valid.

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on several things, such as: are you two planning to stay boyfriend and girlfriend? Or did you decide to end the relationship? I will just give you some general tips that might help in either situations:

1) Make an effort to do things you enjoy - When coping with anything, it's never a bad idea to do things you enjoy. while you might not be in the mood or feel like you want to do anything, making yourself do things you enjoy might help you feel better.

2) Be around other people - Spending time with friends and family can help you smile and be a good distraction.

3) Invest yourself in a distraction - Investing yourself fully in your schoolwork, doing your hobby, or picking up a new hobby can also be a healthy distraction.

4) Spend time with pets - Our fluffy friends can be a great way to get some affection, or maybe something to talk to about your feelings.

5) Talk to someone - Talking to friends/family, trusted adults, or a professional (like Ms. tiffany or Mrs. Sanders) can be a great way to externalize your feelings and get the support you deserve.

What is the average size of a penis?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-12 23:27:41 UTC

This is a difficult question to answer because penises come in all different shapes and sizes. However, according to the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA, n.d.), a study of over 15,000 ADULT men found that the average erect (hard) penis size was 5.1 inches. When flaccid (or not hard), the average penis length was 3.6 inches.

As I said, penises come in all sizes, so I would recommend trying to not comparing yourself to others! Also, penises grow the most during puberty, so if you're concerned just maybe give it some time (KidsHealth, 2018).

If you would like a little more information, you can read this short article from KidsHealth.

Is it normal to "jerk off"?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-12 23:29:57 UTC

First, instead of saying "jerk off", the correct terminology is masturbate.

Is it ok to be hyper sexual? Why am I hyper sexual?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-12 23:31:40 UTC

1) Setting goals for yourself regarding your urges and working toward them

2) Educating yourself more on the issue so that you have a better understanding of hyper-sexuality

3) Discover what triggers your sexual urges or compulsions. Then, see if you can avoid those triggers

4) Exercise or engage in other healthy activities when you feel urges or compulsions.

5) Practice relaxation and stress management techniques!

6) If it becomes a major interference with your life, see a mental health professional, such as Miss Tiffany at the school!

What time do boys hit puberty?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-12 23:33:37 UTC

Puberty typically begins anywhere between ages 8 and 16. Generally females hit puberty before males.

Is it normal for someone to smoke a pack of tobacco each day?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-19 16:30:15 UTC

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on each person's definition of "normal", while rates of tobacco use have been going down in the U.S. for several years, it is still relatively common, especially in areas like Sweet Home.

Regardless of tobacco use being "normal" or not, it is dangerous and is strongly associated with numerous diseases and other health conditions.

What happens if a male breaks a testicle?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-19 16:35:51 UTC

According to KidsHealth (2021), when a testicle breaks, known as testicular rupture, it is a serious injury. This can happen by receiving a forceful direct blow to the testicle or it can occur when the testes get crushed against the pubic bone. When this happens, it can cause extreme pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting. If this occurs, a person needs to see a doctor and will likely need surgery to fix it.

KidsHealth, 2021

What is jerking off?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-19 16:38:11 UTC

First, the correct term for "jerking off" is masturbation.

According to the Cleveland Clinic (2022) "Masturbation is the self-stimulation of your genitals or other sensitive areas of your body for sexual arousal or pleasure."

To say that a different way...masturbation is when a person sexually pleases themselves.

What is a clit?

grant_kauffman — 2024-01-19 23:28:32 UTC

The medical term for the "clit" is the clitoris. The clitoris is a female reproductive organ located at the top of the vulva, just above the urethral opening. According to the Cleveland Clinic (2022), the function of the clitoris is allow female to experience sexual pleasure. The diagram attached shows where the clitoris is located.

Is it normal for girls to have a yellowish liquid come out of their vaginas like every day?

grant_kauffman — 2024-03-11 18:35:08 UTC

Experiencing vaginal discharge is normal. Vaginal discharge is simply when a fluid or mucus come out of the vagina. This liquid is meant to keep the vagina clean, moist, and free of infection. (NHS, 2024).

However, normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or whiteish in color, and does not smell. If vaginal discharge is a dark yellow or you've noticed the color change, it could be a sign of infection (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Additionally, if there is a smell or you noticed itching/burning, this could also be a sign of infection. If your discharge is yellow, you might considering talking to a parent/guardian about this and maybe go to a doctor to check it out.

What causes mental illness to be genetic?

grant_kauffman — 2024-03-11 20:53:26 UTC

This is an excellent question. The truth is, there is still a TON that we don't know about the relationship between genes and mental illnesses. Research has shown us that family history of mental illness is strong predictor that someone will develop a mental illness, indicating that genes play a major role in mental illness. However, the exact reason and the exact genes that cause mental illness is still something that needs to be researched.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/looking-at-my-genes

What is semen?

grant_kauffman — 2024-03-11 20:54:55 UTC

Semen is the fluid that is pushed out of the males body through the penis/urethra during ejaculation. Semen contains sperm, which is the male reproductive cell.

My mom told me that if I sleep with a male (no intercourse) that I'll get pregnant, Is this true?

grant_kauffman — 2024-03-11 21:01:12 UTC

Medically speaking, no this is not true. Most often, a pregnancy begins through vaginal sexual intercourse (when a penis is inserted into a vagina). This starts a pregnancy because sperm (the male reproductive cell) is released out of the males body into the female vagina. Then, the sperm travel through the female reproductive system, finds an egg (the female reproductive cell), and then joins it to start the pregnancy.

By simply sleeping in the same bed as someone with no intercourse, this will not cause a pregnancy.

Why does it hurt when you get kicked in the nuts?

grant_kauffman — 2024-03-13 15:44:47 UTC

The medical term for "nuts" is testes.

First, the testes are not protected by bones or muscles like other organs are (like the stomach, kidneys, etc.). Not being protected makes the testes vulnerable to getting hit.

Also, there are a lot of nerves on and surrounding the testes. More nerves = more pain receptors, making the testes hurt a lot when getting kicked!

How can someone be infertile?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-20 15:54:29 UTC

This is a great question. First, lets define the word. Infertility is defined as "when a person cannot get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most couples" (MayoClinic, 2023). While there are some causes of infertility, sometimes there is no known cause for a person.

Some common causes are:

-Smoking and alcohol use.

-Obesity

-Cancer and treatments related to cancer

-Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

-Many other disorders that affect hormone levels and/or the reproductive organs in both males and females.

Mayo Clinic, 2023

World Health Organization, 2023

How long does it take for the sperm cell to get to the egg?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-24 16:47:56 UTC

I have had a tough time finding an answer from a reliable source. However, many semi-reliable sources say anywhere from 45 minutes to 48 hours.

What happens when you have "Morning wood" for 3 hours

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-24 16:54:27 UTC

This could be a sign of a condition called priapism, which is a prolonged a erection and typically not caused by sexual arousal. If this is happening to you frequently, and especially if it is painful, you might talk to a doctor about it.

(Mayo Clinic, 2021)

What's the point of a ballsack?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-29 17:49:24 UTC

First, the medical term for a "ballsack" is the scrotum. The scrotum hangs under the penis and contains the testes and the epididymis.

The scrotum also serves the function of helping regulate the temperature of the testes so that sperm can survive.

What is porn?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-30 14:44:04 UTC

Pornography is printed or visual material containing explicit descriptions or display of sexual organs or sexual activity.

You legally must be 18 years or older to view any pornographic material. From a health perspective, it's natural to have the urge to watch pornography and to have sexual thoughts/feelings. However, there are a lot of different opinions/values related to pornography due to people's personal, family, cultural, and religious values. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who you are comfortable talking to who shares similar values as you (parent/guardian, aunt/uncle, grandparent, etc.) and asking them what they think! It is also important to remember that pornography is rarely ever representative of real life and it certainly can be addicting for some people.

What is morning wood?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-30 14:44:57 UTC

"Morning wood" refers to a male waking up with an erection.

Is it bad for the epididymis if someone doesn't ejaculate often?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-30 14:46:33 UTC

No, it does not cause any harm to the body.

What happens if you pop one of your balls?

grant_kauffman — 2024-05-31 15:09:24 UTC

First, the medical term for "balls" is the testes. The medical term for "popping" a testicle is called "testicular rupture". While these are very rare injuries, they can be pretty serious.

Testicular rupture can occur when someone experiences a forceful and direct hit to the testicle(s).

If someone has a ruptured testicle, it typically requires surgery to fix.

One of the best ways to avoid a testicular rupture is to wear a cup if you are in sports.

KidsHealth, 2021

Cleveland Clinic, 2022

What are ways to safely bind your chest as a female if a chest binder is unavailable or you have not come out yet?

grant_kauffman — 2024-10-16 22:12:51 UTC

Chest binding is using any method to flatten breasts to reduce the appearance breast tissue, or to make them look smaller.

While actual chest binders are sold in stores, sometimes it's not possible to buy them, but there are other options for those who may need them.

According to Dr. Ng of Cleveland Clinic (2021), some SAFE options could include:

Wearing multiple sports bras.
Wearing multiple layers of clothing.
Wearing kinesiology tape (if possible)

Some commonly used, but UNSAFE strategies include using duct tape, plastic wrap, or elastic bandages. Using these methods can contribute to acne, bacterial infections, fungal infections, scarring, swelling, itching, and tenderness.

If you're period is late for like 3 months does that mean your pregnant? Even if you haven't had sex??

grant_kauffman — 2024-10-16 22:20:28 UTC

If you haven't had sex or had sexual contact, you are not pregnant.

It is common to miss periods during youth. However, if you have had periods before, but haven't had one in three months, it might be a good idea to talk to a parent/guardian and schedule a doctor's appointment. Some common reasons, according to TeensHealth that this happens to young females could include:

Hormone imbalances
Stress
Over-exercising
Extreme weight gain or loss in a short time-frame.

A doctor will be able to give you a better idea of why this might be happening to you!

If a male reproductive system is not matured can it still help create a baby?

grant_kauffman — 2024-10-30 22:23:37 UTC

If a male has not reached puberty in their life yet, they have not started producing sperm. Therefore, they cannot help create a baby.

If a male has hit puberty, they WILL start producing sperm. However, when sperm are produced, they aren't quite mature enough to start a pregnancy. Therefore, immature sperm CANNOT help create a baby.

What is oral sex?

grant_kauffman — 2024-11-05 15:43:00 UTC

Oral sex is defined as "when a mouth of one person goes onto the genitals (penis, vagina, anus) of another person"

Remember, oral sex can increase a person's risk of contracting or spreading an STI. The only 100% effective way to prevent STIs and pregnancy is abstinence.

Why do some girls have a whiteish clearish liquid come out of their vagina abut they have never had their period yet?

grant_kauffman — 2024-11-05 16:41:15 UTC

This is a totally normal thing to happen! This is called "discharge" and it is meant to keep the vagina healthy.

Vaginal discharge can have different textures. It can also vary in color as well from being clear to an off-white color.

It is normal for a slight odor to come from this discharge, but if there is a strong bad smell, or if you experience itching or burning, it is time to see a doctor. Also, if you notice a significant change in color (such as it changes to a brown, gray or green color), that would also be a sign to see a doctor.

-KidsHealth, n.d.

Why do I feel like every one of my friends doesn't actually like me and just are faking even though they haven't made any signs of being fake. It keeps messing my brain up and I have cried over it idk if its just anxiety or what.

grant_kauffman — 2024-11-05 20:57:43 UTC

This is a great question and something that a lot of people go through.

Now I obviously don't know the details of the situation, but you said that none of your friends have "made any signs of being fake". This might indicate that you may be having some anxiety about this, which is normal!

Here are some signs of healthy friendships. You might ask yourself: Does this sound like my friendship(s)? If they do, then that's great! If not, then maybe you need to have a talk with your friends about how you are feeling.

You show kindness toward one another
You feel that you are respected by the person and you respect them
You trust them and they trust you
You communicate with each other in an open, honest, and respectful way.
You can forgive one another
You support each other
You're comfortable with yourself around them

You might also consider practicing positive self-talk to help you start feeling more confident in yourself. In your head you could say things like "I am good enough", "I am a good person", "I am deserving of good friends", etc.

I hope this helps!

Can you have sex while pregnant?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-07 22:23:40 UTC

Yes a person can safely have sex during pregnancy.

It is important to note that during pregnancy, a person can still contact and transmit an STI to a sexual partner, so it is still important to practice safe sex during pregnancy.

There are rare circumstances where a doctor might recommend a pregnant person to avoid sex during pregnancy, such as if they experience vaginal bleeding, or other rare medical circumstances.

(Mayo Clinic, 2024)

Why do women have periods?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-14 21:58:33 UTC

Menstruation, or a period is a small part of a female's 28-day cycle known as the menstrual cycle.

Several days BEFORE a period, a female's uterus develops an extra layer of blood. This blood eventually helps a baby grow IF the female becomes pregnant. If a females DOES NOT become pregnant, the body doesn't need that extra layer of blood and will get rid of it out of the vagina. When this happens, this is a period.

I hope this helps!

So I know from experience that pushing on the bladder as hard as I can tends to help me hold my bladder...Why is that and is it healthy?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-14 22:21:53 UTC

While I wouldn't recommend pressing AS HARD AS YOU CAN, putting a little pressure on the bladder is probably not going to cause any major issues. However, if it is painful, I would encourage you to not do that. This could be happening because when you press on your bladder, your muscles around your bladder might be tightening, leading to temporary feeling of relief.

I also recommend that if possible, when you feel the need to empty your bladder, do it! Prolonged periods of holding your bladder can some some issues.

Can you still get pregnant if you where a condom?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-14 22:28:48 UTC

Yes. While condoms claim to be 98% effective, in reality there are only about 85% effective. In order to be as effective as possible, condoms need to be used correctly EVERY time. Condoms also can break or slip off during sexual intercourse, so yes it is possible for someone to get pregnant even when a condom is worn.

Remember, the only 100% effective way to prevent STIs and pregnancy is abstinence.

How does an orgasm work?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-14 22:36:49 UTC

According to Sweet Home Junior High's HealthSmart curriculum, an orgasm is a "Climactic, satisfying response to sexual stimulation (or sexual activity)"

In males, an orgasm is marked by ejaculation (when semen [containing sperm] is pushed out of the penis through the urethra). Females also experience orgasm.

What would happen if you use a condom and it breaks inside the female?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-16 22:37:48 UTC

When using a condom during sexual intercourse, it is possible for the condom to break or slip off. If this happens, there is an increased chance of pregnancy or STIs. If this happens, it is important to get tested for STIs and pregnancy as soon as possible.

While this can happen regardless of the situation, there are some things that can be done to prevent this. It is important to check the expiration date on a condom before using it. Also, don't keep condoms in your wallet for long periods of time. Don't open them with something sharp like teeth or scissors. Keep them away from excessive heat. Finally, Avoid using an OIL-BASED lubricant with them because oil-based lubes can weaken the material a condom is made out of.

Can you still get pregnant even without having sex?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-16 22:41:23 UTC

No. A female cannot get pregnant if she hasn't been sexually active. In other words, if someone is ABSTINENT, they will not get pregnant. Pregnancy most commonly occurs when a biological male and biological female engage in sexual intercourse (also known as "having sex"). During sexual intercourse, a male ejaculates semen into a female, which causes sperm (the male reproductive cell) to travel up the female reproductive system and fertilize the female's egg (the female reproductive cell). This is what starts the process of a baby growing inside a female.

There are other ways to create a baby, but they require doctors to be involved.

So...if you are not sexually active, you don't have to worry about pregnancy.

So I know someone who masturbates every day and he will sometimes do it for 6 hours he said is that good ?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-23 16:09:22 UTC

In terms of physical harm, there is little to no evidence that masturbation causes physical harm to the body. However, there may be some psychological effects to masturbation, especially if someone is watching pornography during masturbation. Pornography and masturbation can certainly become addicting for some people, which can have a negative effect on someone's life. In addition, there is some research that suggests that regularly masturbating while watching pornography can cause difficulty becoming sexually aroused without pornography. (Utah State University, n.d.)

Why do women get wet around the vaginal opening with clear/white liquid?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-23 16:11:31 UTC

This is a totally normal thing to happen! This is called "discharge" and it is meant to keep the vagina healthy. Vaginal discharge keeps the vagina clean and moist, and helps prevent and fight infections.

Vaginal discharge can have different textures. It can also vary in color as well from being clear to an off-white color.

-KidsHealth, n.d.

Why is my penis so small?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-23 16:12:31 UTC

Penises come in all sizes, so I would recommend trying to not comparing yourself to others! Also, penises grow the most during puberty, so if you're concerned just maybe give it some time (KidsHealth, 2018).

If you would like a little more information, you can read this short article from KidsHealth.

Is it normal for male and females to masturbate at 13?

grant_kauffman — 2025-01-23 16:13:30 UTC

From a health perspective, masturbation is a normal and healthy behavior, even at 13. HOWEVER...there are different viewpoints about masturbation depending on family, religion, and culture. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who shares similar values (parent/guardian, other family member, religious leader) if you would like to know if it is okay for you from a family, religious, or cultural perspective.

Why does my penis get hard?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-13 22:02:02 UTC

The medical term for "getting hard" is an erection. This is the lengthening and hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood.

While many erections may be caused by sexual arousal (such as having sexual thoughts), many erections also may happen for no particular reason. So if you have ever had an erection during a random or odd situation, don't worry, that's totally normal!

(TeensHealth, 2017)

Is 4 and a half inches normal size or too small?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-13 23:00:50 UTC

If you would like a little more information, you can read this short article from KidsHealth.

Can you get addicted to porn?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-13 23:08:23 UTC

Yes. First, you legally must be 18 years or older to view any pornographic material. It is also important to remember that pornography is rarely ever representative of real life and it certainly can be addicting for some people.

Can you masturbate multiple times in a day and is it bad for you to do it multiple times a day for males?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-13 23:09:44 UTC

Where could I get condoms at this age?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-13 23:12:02 UTC

Condoms are often available for purchase at most stores. However, there are several places to get condoms for free, including the Sweet Home branch of Linn County Health Services or other local health departments.

Not a sex Ed question, but if you have family members that have attempted suicide and you had to experience that could that lead to you having depression?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-13 23:15:35 UTC

Yes. Experiencing loss or trauma can be a factor in depression. I recommend utilizing the sources of support in your life (self-help, family & friends, trusted adults, or professional services) if you think you might be depressed.

Can you get desensitized to porn? Because I think I am

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-14 22:26:25 UTC

Yes. First, you legally must be 18 years or older to view any pornographic material. There is a decent body of research that suggest a person can become desensitized to pornography. Similar to other addictions, pornography releases a chemical called dopamine (the "feel good" chemical) in the brain. Over time and with repeated use of pornography, the brain can start releasing less dopamine when viewing pornography. In other words, you can develop a "tolerance" to pornography (Fight The New Drug, n.d.).

The good news is that there are ways to overcome pornography addiction. One simple way is to change your routines. Take a break and avoid pornography for a while. Another way is to find different, healthy activities to do when you're bored. If you're using pornography as a way to cope with problems, you might consider developing healthier ways to deal with problems (University of Texas at Dallas, n.d.)

How does one exactly have sex?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-18 20:47:23 UTC

There are basically four forms of sexual intercourse

Vaginal Sex: When a penis goes into a vagina

Anal Sex: When a penis goes into an anus

Oral Sex: When a mouth goes onto the genitals. Either the vulva (vagina), a penis, or an anus.

Manual sex: When the hands or fingers stimulate the genitals

externally or internally.

The reason it is important to know this is because it is important to know that all of these forms of sexual intercourse could cause transmit STIs (all forms) and/or start a pregnancy (vaginal).

Remember, the ONLY 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs is ABSTINENCE!

Why am I always horny and have an erection for no reason?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-18 20:49:27 UTC

This is totally normal, especially at your age. Increased sexual feelings is a very common thing that happens during puberty.

An erection is the hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood. It is completely normal and healthy to get erections.

(TeensHealth, 2017)

Why does my penis hurt when I'm hard

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-18 21:45:18 UTC

This is a difficult question to answer because there could be a number of reasons for this. If this is something that isn't VERY painful, it could be simply because there is a lot of blood rushing to the penis while erect. However, if this is something that is happening often and if it really painful, I would talk to a doctor about this.

What is precum?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-18 21:49:55 UTC

The proper term for this is "pre-ejaculatory fluid". This is a fluid that can come out of the penis before a male actually ejaculates. This fluid can contain sperm and can cause a pregnancy.

How does puberty work for a male and female?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-18 21:54:36 UTC

Puberty is defined as the time in life when a male or female becomes sexually mature.

Puberty can start anywhere from age 8 to age 16. When someone hits puberty, their body starts producing tons of hormones (hormones are basically chemicals in your body). These hormones signal the body to start the changes that happen during puberty. There are several changes that occur during puberty for all people.

Some physical changes that happen to JUST males are:

Sperm production
Testosterone Production in large amounts
Ejaculation

Some physical changes that happen to JUST females are:

Menstruation (having a period)
Ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovaries)
Estrogen & progesterone production in large amounts

Some physical changes that happen to both males AND females are:

Growth of sex organs
Body odor
Needing to bathe and shower more often
Muscle development
Voice changes (more obvious in males)
Breast development (more obvious in females)
Growth of facial hair (more obvious in males)
And much more!

Some emotional or social changes that happen to both males AND females are:

Joy or stress about body changes
Having crushes on others
Wanting to express yourself
Feeling peer pressure
Having sexual feelings
Mood swings
And much more!

Why does my penis start throbbing after I ejaculate?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:09:00 UTC

A throbbing sensation during ejaculation is likely due to a combination of increased blood flow and muscle contractions that lead up to ejaculation. After ejaculation, the body goes through what is called a resolution period, which is a period of muscle relaxation (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016). It’s completely normal. If you ever experience pain that doesn’t go away or feels unusual, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor.

Why do i always look at girls butts? I try to stop but its difficult.

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:20:54 UTC

During puberty, the body's increase in hormone production (primarily testosterone for males and estrogen & progesterone for females), often causes an increase in sexual feelings. This can make you more aware of and attracted to certain physical features. It's completely normal to notice people you find attractive.

With that being said, it is important to remember that the way we act is within our control. Respecting others is incredibly important. If you find yourself staring, try to shift your focus and remind yourself that people are more than just their looks. Developing discipline and self-control is a normal part of growing up, and with practice it will get easier!

Why do my friends make fun of me for having a small penis?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:31:52 UTC

I'm really sorry that your friends are making fun of you — no one should be teased about their body. Have you told your friends that it hurts your feelings? Maybe they don't realize it hurts your feelings. In healthy relationships (even friendships) you should be able to communicate and set boundaries. In healthy relationships, people don't put you down, especially when they know its hurtful.

Another thing to remember is that penis size does not/should not determine your worth or your self-confidence. People are much more than just their bodies!

If you would like a little more information, you can read this short article from KidsHealth.

Why do I randomly want a girlfriend super bad?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:41:13 UTC

Puberty can cause a wide range of physical and emotional/social changes for a person. One of these changes include having crushes! It is a normal feeling to have. Wanting to be in a relationship is normal, but remember that you don't HAVE to be in a rush. There is nothing wrong with taking time to learn about yourself and figuring out what exactly you value in a relationship. This can increase your chances of being in healthy relationships!

Why is it so difficult to urinate when I'm having an erection?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:47:57 UTC

There are many reasons for this, but one of the more apparent reasons for this is during an erection, a muscle around the bladder constricts to prevent urine from going into the urethra (Marieb & Hoehn, 2016).

If I'm randomly hard during class how do i stop it/hide it?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:55:39 UTC

The medical term for being "hard" is an erection.

Sometimes erections happen when you're not expecting them, like in class. It can be awkward or embarrassing, but this is a normal part of male puberty and something that many people have experienced! When this happens, you can try to think about something else. You can try to shift positions to or adjust your clothes to cover an erection (TeensHealth, 2024.

You might also talk to a trusted adult about other options as well!

Why do I sometimes dream about having sex and when I wake up I ejaculated in my sleep?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 00:58:37 UTC

This is called a nocturnal emission, or commonly known as a "wet dream". This happens in males, when they ejaculate during sleep. In females, fluid, or discharge can come out of the vagina during sleep.

Nocturnal emissions can happen as a result of a sexual dream, but they can also just happen randomly as well. It is normal to experience them, but also normal if someone has never experienced them.

Is there ways to stop having an erection for no reason?

grant_kauffman — 2025-03-30 01:00:53 UTC

There is not much you can do to avoid erections because you can't really control them.

You might also talk to a trusted adult about other options as well!

Why can't I stay hard when I have pleasure?

grant_kauffman — 2025-04-01 15:27:23 UTC

The medical term for being "hard" is having an erection. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is called "erectile dysfunction: or ED.

Difficulty maintaining an erection is a fairly common thing. While it is more common among adult men, it can happen to younger males as well.

Some reasons for this could include:

-Psychological factors: Stress, fatigue, and other mental health issues can make it more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.

-Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and drug and alcohol use can have an impact. Also, certain prescribed medication can impact erectile function.

-Frequent masturbation and/or frequent viewing of pornography: Masturbating frequently and/or viewing pornography often had the potential to have an impact on the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. If this sounds like you, you can try to take a break from pornography and masturbation and see if that helps.

-Health conditions: While it may be rare, certain health conditions can lead to ED. If the other things I mentioned above don't apply to you, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor about this.

How do I get [mental health] help? my parents don't "believe" in therapy and I've had a history of self-harm. They said I've done it for attention and when I do try to get help my parents tell them I'm dramatic or making things up. So I have no actual way to get help.

grant_kauffman — 2025-04-01 15:55:09 UTC

First off, I'm sorry you're going through difficult times. I can imagine that this is a tough situation to be in. I also want to thank you for asking this because a lot of people your age struggle with similar issues.

If you are 14 years old or older, you can legally access mental health counseling without permission. The potential issue with that is you'd have to pay for it yourself if your parents are not willing to help. Luckily we have free Mental health counselors in our schools in Sweet Home. If you are not 14, you can go to the school counselor and get some help. Just remember, the counselors are mandatory reporters, which means they legally have to make a report if you are being abused, or if you are going to harm yourself or others.

Why do I feel like I should stop when I'm in the middle of menstruating?

grant_kauffman — 2025-04-01 17:19:56 UTC

I'm sorry but I'm not quite sure what you are trying to ask here. Feel free to ask another anonymous question and rephrase your question!

I'm 14 and I've been thinking about taking DMAA and DMHA and other supplements for the gym, is there any health risk with it?

grant_kauffman — 2025-04-03 22:08:33 UTC

First off, I'm happy to hear you go to the gym an exercise. That's so important for an overall healthy lifestyle.

However, I would not recommend using DMAA and DMHA as supplements for the gym. From what I have found in research, DMAA seems pretty unsafe. Not only is DMAA illegal, but it also can pose serious health risks for users. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2023) does not consider DMAA to be safe and in fact, advises consumers to not purchase any DMAA-containing products. The reason for this is because DMAA is known to narrow blood vessels and arteries, which can cause many health issues including heart attacks and seizures. Here is an article you can check out.

While there is less info on DMHA, it seems to be similar to DMAA. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA, 2019), has DMHA as one of their prohibited substances in sports. There is little info on the health effects of DMHA because there haven't been enough research on its effect on humans. In animal studies, DMHA seems to have a similar effect to DMAA, indicating that it may not be safe as a supplement either. Here is an article you can check out.

While I don't recommend supplements for people of your age, there are other, safer options out there that you could explore. I would talk to a parent/guardian about safer options.

Is it normal to have a lot of questions that feel embarrassing to ask about sexual activity?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-28 15:45:35 UTC

Yes. Being curious about sex, especially at your age is totally normal! Feel free to keep asking questions on Anonymous Questions!

Do you ever get annoyed with how many questions get asked?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-28 15:46:43 UTC

No I do not get annoyed! It does create work for me, but I see it as simply part of my job! I want to do a good job for all my students, so no I don't find it annoying :)

Do we also see the 7th graders questions?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-28 15:49:29 UTC

Yes, both 7th and 8th grade Anonymous Questions are posted here.

What happens if you pop one of your balls?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-28 15:50:38 UTC

First, the medical term for "balls" is the testes. The medical term for "popping" a testicle is called "testicular rupture". While these are very rare injuries, they can be pretty serious.

Testicular rupture can occur when someone experiences a forceful and direct hit to the testicle(s).

If someone has a ruptured testicle, it typically requires surgery to fix.

One of the best ways to avoid a testicular rupture is to wear a cup if you are in sports.

KidsHealth, 2021

Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Did you take down last quarters questions on purpose?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-28 15:56:17 UTC

Yes, I like to start fresh each quarter!

How often do you look at these questions?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-28 15:57:11 UTC

I look at them quite often! Sometimes it takes a while to answer the questions...but I'm trying my best!

Is it normal to have sexual desires for your best friend?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 01:40:12 UTC

Yes, this is normal! During puberty and the teen years, it’s very common to start feeling sexual attraction or romantic feelings—even for someone close to you, like a best friend. Hormones are changing, your body and brain are developing, and it’s a time when people start figuring out who they’re attracted to and what those feelings mean.

It's important to recognize that your best friend may or may not have the same feelings as you. If you tell your friend your feelings, it could have an effect on your current friendship.

Is it normal to not like masturbating?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 01:44:06 UTC

Yes, it is totally normal to not like masturbating — and it's also normal to like it. Everybody is different in what they enjoy or are comfortable with.

Here are some things to remember. There are many different beliefs on masturbation depending on someone's religion, culture, etc., it is a personal choice, feelings can change, and you should never feel pressured to masturbate.

What if someone I know and I gave each other oral sex at this age?? And what if I regret it but I don't tell anyone because I don't want to get into trouble, and it felt pressured because the other person wanted to do more than make out, even though I only wanted to make out.

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 01:57:11 UTC

Thank you for asking this question. It takes courage to speak up about this, even if it was in an anonymous way. Here are some things that might help:

1) You are not alone in feeling this way. It's not unusual for people to feel unsure, pressured, or uncomfortable about a sexual experience, especially at a young age. It's okay to feel how you're feeling.

2) A word about consent and pressure. Consent is a positive, enthusiastic, and FREELY given "yes", even when "no" was an option. No one has been pressured, coerced, and manipulated into saying yes. If you only wanted to make out, and this person made you feel pressured to do more, this may not have been fully consensual. It wasn't okay for this person to pressure you.

3) If you regret it: That is okay and normal, especially at your age. Don't feel like you have to keep this to yourself. You can talk to a trusted adult, a counselor, or your parent/guardian. If you still feel like you have a good relationship with this person, you can have an open, respectful conversation and let them know that you felt pressured when that happened. Maybe they didn't realize they made you feel pressured.

4) What now? I would recommend taking some time to think about what you feel comfortable with and what you don't feel comfortable with. This might help prevent you from getting into a "pressured" situation again. Remember that if you ever feel uncomfortable, you have the right to speak up and tell the person you're uncomfortable. Lastly, if you need to, reach out to sources of support, like rainn.org or loveisrespect.org.

What is making out? And what is a "French kiss"?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:06:21 UTC

"Making out" typically refers kissing someone for an extended period of time.

"French kiss" typically refers to kissing with tongue.

Making out and French kissing are essentially the same thing.

Remember that any sort of sexual contact, including French kissing/making out requires consent from all people involved.

What is being "horny"?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:09:15 UTC

Being "horny" typically means feeling sexually excited or having sexual feelings/urges.

During puberty, it is normal to have increased sexual feelings. This is a result of the increase in hormone production by your body.

Why do I hate myself?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:17:08 UTC

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. Even though I don't know who asked this, I want you to know that I care about you and I think you're pretty great.

That being said, it's actually pretty common to feel unsure about yourself or feel negatively about yourself at your age. Because of the hormone changes caused by puberty can have a major effect on self-esteem and body image. Hopefully these feelings will get better with time.

I encourage you to write down some things that you are proud of about yourself or that you like about yourself. While you may initially feel like there's nothing to write, if you dig deep, I know there are great things about you!

I also encourage you to talk to someone about these feelings. A friend, family member, trusted adult, or a professional (counselor, therapist, 988, thetrevorproject.org , crisistextline.org ) can be a valuable resource. You can also feel free to talk to me if you'd like. I will listen to you without judgement.

How do i know if I'm touch-starved?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:28:11 UTC

Wow what a thoughtful question!

Being "touch-starved" just means having a strong need or longing for physical affection, like hugs, holding hands, cuddling, etc. It's not about sex, it's about human connection.

You could potentially be touch-starved if:

You crave hugs, cuddles, or closeness but rarely/never get it.
You notice casual touch, like a hand on your shoulder, feels nice, emotional, or even overwhelming.
You sometimes imagine being hugged or cuddled to feel comforted.

This is a normal feeling because safe touch is a often referred to as a basic human need!

Here's what might help. I'd like to start by ensuring you don't pressure or force anyone to touch you. That being said, you could:

Ask someone for safe, appropriate touch -- like a hug from a friend or family member.
Hug a pillow or stuffed animal.
Cuddle a pet! Many pets are great at cuddles! The positive effect of animal touch is actually based in research.
Do some grounding, self-touch techniques.

Do zodiac signs have any actual ground to someone's personality?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:35:51 UTC

In short, no there is no scientific evidence to suggest that zodiac signs are connected to a person's personality.

Is curiosity a normal trait? Can you be "addicted" to being curious?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:41:41 UTC

Absolutely curiosity is 100% a normal trait to have. If humans weren't naturally curious, imagine how many amazing discoveries that would have never happened! Curiosity actually can help your brain grow and learn!

As far as being addicted to being curious, this is not necessarily an addiction. It doesn't cause physical dependence or withdrawal like drugs and it's not harmful unless it interferes with your daily life. Curiosity might become unhealthy if it distracts you from important things in life, feels obsessive or overwhelming, makes you anxious, or pushes what is safe or appropriate.

Why do women get cramps during a menstrual cycle/ period?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:47:50 UTC

Menstrual cramps happens when the uterus (the organ that carries a baby for the 9 months of pregnancy) squeezes. The muscles of the uterus contract to help push period blood out through the vagina.

You can learn a little more about periods at this website. There is a nice video to explain it!

TeensHealth - Period Cramps

Where does the umbilical cord come from?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 02:55:43 UTC

The umbilical cord is a long, flexible "tube" that is connected from the baby's belly to the placenta. The umbilical cord acts as the baby's lungs, heart, and digestive system!! After birth, the umbilical cord is cut and after a while, the "stump" of it falls off and becomes the baby's belly button.

Cleveland Clinic, 2024

If the baby inhales the amniotic fluid how does it not drown?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 03:01:01 UTC

Great question! The baby doesn't actually use their lungs to breathe when they are in the womb! They get their oxygen through the umbilical cord via the mother's blood.

The baby's lungs are also filled with amniotic fluid during during pregnancy, this makes it to where they are not in danger of drowning!

Can a male run out of sperm or does it just come back on its own?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 03:04:35 UTC

No, a male does not run out of sperm. When a male hits puberty, they start producing sperm and they'll continue throughout their life.

The body produces millions of sperm per day. Even if a male ejaculates (releases semen out of the penis), the body continues to make more, similar to how humans constantly make skin cells.

What happens if the cord that goes to your balls gets ripped off?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 03:21:53 UTC

First, the proper term for "balls" is testes. The cord that connects to the testes is called the spermatic cord.

When the spermatic cord is ripped, this is called testicular detachment. If this happens, there will be extreme pain, inflammation, and possible infection. Treatment includes surgical reattaching of the detached testicle, if that is possible.

Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Why do I have freckles on my lips?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 03:25:40 UTC

Freckles are normally found on sun-exposed areas of the body, including lips. Freckles are normal and are usually harmless! I would recommend that you keep watching your freckles and see a dermatologist if you notice change sin color, size, or shape of the freckle.

Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Is it still considered sexual assault if my friend constantly touches my chest and butt after I've told them to stop many times?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 03:32:21 UTC

Yes, this is considered sexual assault. Sexual assault refers to sexual contact without consent from the victim. This certainly includes fondling or unwanted sexual touching.

RAINN, n.d.

I'm very sorry this is happening to you. You don't deserve it and remember, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

I recommend that you talk to an adult about this. It can be a parent/guardian, trusted adult (like a family friend, aunt/uncle, teacher, principal, coach, counselor, therapist, or police). You can also contact resources like cardv.org , or rainn.org

Is it normal to want to read/write smut at this age?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 15:35:22 UTC

"Smut" is essentially another name for pornography.

First, you legally must be 18 years or older to view any pornographic material. From a health perspective, it's perfectly natural to have the urge to consume pornography/smut and to have sexual thoughts/feelings. There are a lot of different opinions/values related to pornography/smut due to people's personal, family, cultural, and religious values. I recommend talking to a trusted adult who you are comfortable talking to who shares similar values as you (parent/guardian, aunt/uncle, grandparent, etc.) and asking them what they think! It is also important to remember that pornography/smut is rarely ever representative of real life and it certainly can be addicting for some people.

What can I do to get a binder if my parents took away my binders?(I have a lot of dysphoria about my body)

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 15:40:15 UTC

While I'm not sure it is my place as your health teacher to answer this because I don't want to get in between you and your parents. This is not to say that I don't support you. However, I do think this situation may require open, honest, and respectful conversations with your parents. You might try to sit your parents down and respectfully explain to them why a binder is important to you. It may take some time, but I encourage you to be patient as you navigate this situation.

Is it scientifically proven that being trans is a brain thing and not a choice?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 15:45:32 UTC

Since the science behind people being transgender is very new and still evolving, there is no single explanation for why people are transgender. Many experts believe that it may be a combination of biological factors, hormonal factors, and social factors, among others.

APA, 2024

Why do my friends have me tell my other friends that they don't want to have a relationship with the other person? And why do I do it?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 15:50:57 UTC

This is an interesting question. Many people find themselves in a similar situation where they have to be the "middle-person" between two friends who are in a relationship.

Your friends are likely asking you to talk to the other person because they feel too uncomfortable to talk to the other person themselves. While this is normal at your age, healthy relationships include open communication directly to each other.

You might be agreeing to be the "middle-person" because you don't want to disappoint your friends, which is totally understandable. However, if you don't want to do this anymore, you might want to set a boundary. Let your friend know that "I don't feel comfortable doing this anymore. This doesn't mean I don't care about you, but I don't just want to me the 'middle-person' anymore".

Is it normal to have red poop?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 17:11:15 UTC

Red poop is not normal. There are some potential causes based on the foods someone eats. For example. red food coloring, beets, cranberries, tomato juice, red Jell-o, or red drink mixes could potentially cause red poop. If you've eaten a lot of these foods recently, that could be the explanation.

Otherwise, red poop indicates the presence of blood. If so, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. This could indicate bleeding in the lower part of your digestive system. This could also be caused by hemorrhoids.

Mayo Clinic, 2024

Is it bad if your friend watches porn all the time and you try to get them to stop but you can't?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 17:15:43 UTC

First, you legally must be 18 years or older to view any pornographic material. There is a decent body of research that suggest a person can become desensitized to pornography. Similar to other addictions, pornography releases a chemical called dopamine (the "feel good" chemical) in the brain. Over time and with repeated use of pornography, the brain can start releasing less dopamine when viewing pornography. In other words, you can develop a "tolerance" to pornography (Fight The New Drug, n.d.).

While you cannot control what your friend does, you can continue to remind them that you are concerned for them!

Why do people say I'm attractive/hot when I'm not. And why do they say I'm nice when I hide my personality because I'm actually mean?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-29 17:30:03 UTC

This is an interesting question. There may be a couple reasons why people might say you're attractive when you don't perceive yourself to be.

People see you differently than you see yourself. Oftentimes, people are their own worst critic. Meaning you might be much more critical of your own looks than other people are. While you might focus on the "negative" aspects of your appearance, other people might be focusing on the positives! I encourage you to try to see yourself more positively!
Attractiveness is not just about looks. People might be attracted to more than just the way you look. They may be attracted to your sense of humor, your style, your personality, your smile, the way you treat others, or anything else!
Attractiveness is subjective. Everyone's definition of "attractiveness" is different. So, people who say you're attractive might genuinely mean it!

As far as being called nice when you feel you are actually mean, it might be because you are making yourself seem nicer by "hiding your personality", as you mentioned. Acting nice in public is relatively normal I think. It's a courteous thing to treat others with kindness, even if you're not in a "nice" mood.

I am insecure about the size of my penis.

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-30 15:27:26 UTC

If you would like a little more information, you can read this short article from KidsHealth.

How do I make my voice sound deeper (ftm)? Most people misgender me because of how I sound.

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-30 15:37:11 UTC

I'm sorry you're being misgendered!

Here are some techniques to adjust the tone of your voice, from Voice123 (n.d.). All of these techniques are explained further in the article linked.

Activate your lower lungs by doing deep diaphragm breathing.
Hold your head high to increase airflow to the lungs.
Exercise your vocal cords by humming, vocal fry, sirening, lip trills, yawn-sighs, and tongue exercises.
Mimic voice styles by imitating deep voices of characters from your favorite movies, TV shows, etc.
Project your voice
Slowing down how fast you talk
Practice whispering
Be vocally creative
And more!

Is there a way to effectively hide self harm? If so what is it?

grant_kauffman — 2025-05-30 15:48:10 UTC

I think before answering that question, we should talk about the self-harm itself. If you are harming yourself, this is a sign you're dealing with some sort of pain that deserves attention, not shame. You are not alone. I'd like to encourage you to talk to someone right away about your self-harming habits. You can talk to a friend/family member or a trusted adult. But it sounds like you may benefit from professional help such as a counselor, therapist, or other resources like 988, the Trevor Project, or the Crisis Text Line.

If your self-harm is in the past, and you want to hide scars, many people wear long sleeves, jewelry, or wraps/bandages/bands of some sort, or makeup. There are other, more long-term scar treatments/products available as well.

How old do you have to be to legally take a testosterone supplement? And can you get it without your parents knowing?

grant_kauffman — 2025-06-02 15:15:17 UTC

According to the Oregon Department of Justice, House Bill 2002 (n.d.), "Oregon law allows minors 15 and older to consent to their own medical care, including gender-affirming treatment, without parental permission."

Why do feel numb all of the time?(mental health)

grant_kauffman — 2025-06-02 15:25:18 UTC

First, I'm sorry you're feeling this way. It can't be easy to feel this way consistently. Fortunately, there are evidence-based treatments that can hopefully be effective for you.

Feeling "numb" could be a sign of depression. If you think you are depressed, talk to a doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. Medication in combination with therapy is often the most effective treatment for depression.

(CDC,2023)

Is there a way to self-harm without killing your self?

grant_kauffman — 2025-06-02 15:26:11 UTC

I think instead of answering that question, we should talk about the self-harm itself. If you are harming yourself, this is a sign you're dealing with some sort of pain that deserves attention, not shame. You are not alone. I'd like to encourage you to talk to someone right away about your self-harming habits. You can talk to a friend/family member or a trusted adult. But it sounds like you may benefit from professional help such as a counselor, therapist, or other resources like 988, the Trevor Project, or the Crisis Text Line.

Do you have any tips on how to get comfortable with being physical (like hugs and other platonic things) after being S.Aed?

grant_kauffman — 2025-06-02 15:33:09 UTC

First of all, I'm sorry this happened to you. This is not okay and it is not your fault! Please talk to someone about this.

With that being said, it's important to remember that recovering from SA is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It can take weeks, months, or years, so don't feel like you need to rush your own recovery.

According to RAINN (n.d.), some effective ways to recover from SA include therapy, safety planning, telling loved ones about your experience, practicing self-care, etc.

Do you have any tips on how to get comfortable with being physical (like hugs and other platonic things) after being S.Aed?

grant_kauffman — 2025-10-13 14:25:31 UTC

First of all, I'm sorry this happened to you. This is not okay and it is not your fault! Please talk to someone about this.

According to RAINN (n.d.), some effective ways to recover from SA include therapy, safety planning, telling loved ones about your experience, practicing self-care, etc.

Would I have to drop out of school if i get pregnant?

grant_kauffman — 2026-01-12 22:11:23 UTC

Good question! No you wouldn't HAVE to drop out of school if you got pregnant. There is no law or rule related to that.

However, statistically speaking, females who become pregnant as teenagers typically have lower levels of education compared to females who become pregnant after age 20.

Also, about 50% of females who become pregnant as teenagers graduate high school, compared to about 90% of females who DON'T become pregnant as teenagers graduate high school (Malowsky et al., 2021)

So, in summary, while there is no rule about dropping out while pregnant, there is a MUCH high dropout rate for pregnancy teenagers. Remember, abstinence is a healthy choice and is the ONLY 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

So do condoms stop the sperm from coming?

grant_kauffman — 2026-01-14 18:36:23 UTC

According to the Cleveland Clinic (2025), "Condoms are thin, stretchy pouches or sheaths that help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevent pregnancy. They create a barrier between bodies that limits skin-to-skin contact and contact between body fluids. "

To answer your question, yes, condoms HELP stop sperm from transmitting to another person. However, condoms are only about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy. Remember, the ONLY 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy/STIs is ABSTINENCE!

If I have low confidence how do I get higher confidence?

2026-01-16 19:54:28 UTC

This is a great question and something that a lot of people your age struggle with. I will say that generally speaking, people's confidence naturally improves as they age, but here are some things you can do to help build your self-confidence right now.

Challenge "non-confident" thoughts - When your inner voice says "I can't" or "I suck", start acknowledging those thoughts and make an effort to correct them and say "I can learn to do this" or "I'm not good at it YET"

Take safe risks - Try things that improve people's confidence. Raise your hand to answer a question in class, sign up for a sport or club, volunteer at SHEM, etc.

Know your talents/good qualities - Whoever you are, I know you have good qualities and/or talents. Take some time to really think about your talents/good qualities and WRITE THEM DOWN. You will probably be able to think of a lot more than you'd initially think! This helps you realize things about yourself that maybe you don't think about much.

Dare to be the real you - Your peers and social media can make it feel like you have to be a certain way. Like you have to talk a certain way, dress in certain clothes, or have certain interests in order to "fit in" You might benefit from ignoring all that and JUST BE YOU! Simply being you, mistakes, insecurities and all - can make it easier to just be okay with yourself and embrace yourself as a unique individual!

All these things take time and a legitimate effort to do, but I think if you practice these things, you will find more confidence in yourself.

KidsHealth, n.d.

Most people that are kidnapped and sold are always drugged why do most people not get in trouble for that?

2026-01-21 20:00:05 UTC

This is a tough question to answer. It's just like any other crime...criminals are, unfortunately, often good at "getting away" with their crimes. This does not mean that law enforcement aren't working tirelessly to help victims of these crimes. Law enforcement does the best they can at addressing these crimes.

The easiest way to stop allergies?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-01 20:49:37 UTC

Good question! According to the Cleveland Clinic (2025), you can't PREVENT allergies from developing. However, there are ways to manage your allergies.

If you have seasonal allergies, you can:

Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling, or other gardening chores that might cause an allergic reaction.
After being outside for a long time, consider showering to remove pollen from skin or hair.
Consider wearing a facemask when doing outdoor chores to decrease allergens. (Mayo Clinic, 2024)

If you have other, non-seasonal allergies, you can:

Avoid touching or getting licked my animals you're allergic too, and change clothes after being around them.
Vacuum regularly to remove dust and other allergens.
Consider using air filters, if possible.
Keep your windows closed during pollen season.

In cases that these methods don't work, over-the-counter medication. I would recommend talking to a doctor or a parent/guardian before taking any medication.

How many types of drugs are there?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-01 21:00:38 UTC

Its hard to say exactly how many drugs there are, but most drugs fall into 7 different categories.

Stimulants: Speed up functions of the brain and body
1. Ex) Meth, Cocaine
Depressants: Slow down functions of the brain and body
1. Ex) Xanax, Alcohol
Hallucinogens: Mixes up functions of the brain and body. See, hear, and feel things that are not there.
1. Ex) LSD, Mushrooms
Narcotics (Opiates): Kills pain in the body and brain.
1. Ex) Fentanyl, Heroin
Inhalants: Kills activity in the brain and body. Solvents or vapors that are inhaled.
1. Ex) Household cleaning products, markers, paint.
Anesthetics: Blocks pain in the brain and body
1. Ex) Phencyclidine (PCP), forms used in surgeries
Cannabis: Plant used to produce THC containing drugs. Slows down activity and can reduce pain in the brain and body.
1. Ex) Marijuana, hashish

Does the penis have a bone or cartilage? If so, can it break?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-02 21:05:34 UTC

No, penises have neither bone or cartilage. Penises have three "chambers", which run along the length of the penis. These chambers contain sponge-like tissue that will fill with blood during an erection, causing the penis to harden.

While penises don't have bone or cartilage, they can "break". This is known as a penile fracture. If an erect penis is severely bent or hit, it can damage some of the tissue in the penis causing a penile fracture, or "break".

(Cleveland Clinic, 2024)

Can hitting puberty young cause future problems or urges?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-02 21:31:29 UTC

Puberty itself, regardless of timing, can cause an increase in sexual feelings/urges. Hitting puberty young may potentially cause an increase in sexual feelings/urges earlier in age than average. Aside from maybe some feelings of comfortability, this is not a problem.

Other "problems" from hitting puberty young could include not growing as tall as one normally would, and potential emotional issues (depending on how the person reacts to their early puberty). These are also not necessarily "problems", but they could just cause some distress.

(Mayo Clinic, 2025)

If someone is happy in an abusive or unhealthy relationship, should I still offer them resources to help?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-02 21:38:34 UTC

The short answer is yes. Oftentimes, when someone is in an unhealthy or abusive relationships, they don't even realize it. So sharing resources and educating the person about the health of their relationships could help them start recognizing the "red flags" in their relationship, and address it as neccessary.

If all of the sperm die does that just mean that they wont get pregnant and also what is the most sperm that can go into an egg?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-03 21:46:38 UTC

In the circumstance that all the sperm do die before they get to the egg, yes they would not get pregnant because the egg was not fertilized by a sperm.

From what I can see, the record for most identical babies born in a single, natural pregnancy is 9 BABIES!! This means that 9 sperm entered the egg.

(Guinness Book of World Records, n.d.)

What if someone has sex but the boys sperm isn't mature yet or he they both haven't hit puberty?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-07 21:42:59 UTC

While this is theoretically possible, its important to understand that abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy/STIs. If someone is having sex before puberty, this might be an indication of sexual violence.

With that being said, if a male has sex before they hit puberty and have not started producing sperm, they are not biologically capable of starting a pregnancy. This does not mean they cannot contract an STI, however.

Is it normal to give into the desires of my body when I'm aroused at my age?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-07 21:53:04 UTC

Good question! This is something that a lot of people your age question. During puberty, the body starts producing more hormones (testosterone for makes, estrogen & progesterone for females) than it was producing before puberty started.

This increase in hormones often causes increased sexual feelings for a person. So to answer your question, yes it is NORMAL to have sexual feelings. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "giving into the desires of my body", but I assume you are referring to masturbation.

1) Why do people erections at random times 2) Why does sex feel good to when people do it?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-07 22:20:41 UTC

1) Random erections are totally normal, especially at your age.

An erection is the hardening of the penis that occurs when sponge-like tissue inside the penis fills with blood. It is completely normal and healthy to get erections.

(TeensHealth, 2017)

2) Sex likely feels for people good as a result of physical stimulation, emotional connection, and a release of "feel good" chemicals in the brain. Remember though, that sex is not without consequences. Being sexually active could potentially lead to unintended pregnancy and STIs.

Is it bad if someone's period lasts multiple weeks off and on?

grant_kauffman — 2026-04-13 21:57:09 UTC

Even though the menstrual cycle is typically 28 days, it is super common for periods to not follow a regular cycle, especially during the teen years. It is even common to miss a period all together. This is called irregular periods and it truly is very common. Things like stress, weight gain/loss, or illnesses can affect the menstrual cycle in the teen years. You might only need talk to a doctor if:

You were having regular periods that then become irregular.
You stop getting your period.
You have extra hair growth on the face, chin, chest, or abdomen.
You start having periods that last longer than 7 days, are heavy, or are coming more often than every 21 days.
Your period comes less often than every 45 days.
You have severe cramping or abdominal pain.
You have bleeding in between your periods.
Your periods are irregular for 3 years or more.

Otherwise, having a week between periods is probably just a normal part of the changes during puberty.

(KidsHealth, December 2018)