Posts Tagged ‘relationships’

O-M-Glee!

Friday, September 25, 2009

pregnant girlSpoiler alert! What is the head cheerleader and president of the Celibacy Club to do when she finds herself pregnant by her boyfriend’s best friend? Well, if you’re Quinn on FOX’s new show Glee, you tell your boyfriend Finn that the baby is his. When he looks at you confused and points out that you’ve never had intercourse, you tell him that it happened the night that you two made out in a hot tub, fully clothed in swimsuits, and he ejaculated. “A hot tub is the perfect temperature for sperm. It helps them swim faster.”

Oh. Em. Glee. You cannot get pregnant simply by swimming in a pool or sitting in a hot tub. Glee offers up what seems to be a generally over-the-top story line spiked with misinformation about pregnancy. It’s easy enough to get caught up in the song-and-dance numbers and to chuckle when soon-to-be-out Kurt tells his father that unitards are “jock chic.” But is there some truth somewhere underneath the ridiculousness?

While being dishonest about a pregnancy is never a fair thing to do, many viewers can probably acknowledge that it can be a challenge to make decisions when you’re scared, overwhelmed and even alone. Will Quinn tell Finn the whole truth about her pregnancy? How might their relationship and individual lives change? In between songs, dance numbers and jazz hands, you can be sure that Glee will keep asking questions about what it means to explore your sexuality as a teen and make choices along the way. In the mean time, you may not want to make Glee your go-to source for sexuality education. Try checking out the articles, FAQs, Forums, and blog posts on Sex, Etc., instead!

Birth Control Options for Guys?

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Birth Control Options for Guys?

The Pill. NuvaRing. Diaphragm. Depo-Provera. The Patch. What do all of these birth control methods have in common? Well, they are all methods that young women—who are partnered with guys—can choose to use to prevent pregnancy. But what about the guys? What options do guys have to prevent pregnancy?

Condoms or…vasectomy? For those guys who want to keep the option to have children in the future, a vasectomy is likely not a good option. That leaves condoms as the only reversible birth control method that guys can use for themselves to prevent pregnancy. Condoms have the bonus of also being highly effective at preventing most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but some researchers are interested in finding additional contraceptive choices for guys to use, just as young women have multiple contraceptive options.

Guys, if a “male pill” were developed, do you think that you would use it? How do those of you in relationships discuss and choose methods of contraception? And what about protection from STDs? How might male-female relationships change if guys had more options for taking an active role in pregnancy prevention? Join us in the Forums to discuss these questions, along with other issues that affect teens’ sexual health.

Chris Brown Hits Rihanna: Should She Stay or Go?

Friday, February 13, 2009

Chris Brown & RihannaBy now you may have heard that 19-year-old R&B singer Chris Brown was arrested for allegedly hitting his girlfriend, fellow R&B star Rihanna. Details about what led up to the attack are still uncertain. But what we do know is that dating violence, no matter the circumstances, is never cool.

Various media reports note that Chris Brown grew up in an abusive household, and that his alleged attack is linked to his family history of violence. But that doesn’t excuse using violence to solve problems in a relationship.

What do you think Rihanna should do? Should Rihanna leave Chris Brown? Or do you think the couple should work things out? Go to the Forums, take the poll and tell us what you think Rihanna should do if Chris Brown hit her.

Look What I Got You for Valentine’s Day!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Getting your boo flowers, chocolate and a card might be nice. But why not try something unique? Have a conversation about safer sex!

Having convos about condoms and STD testing on V-Day might sound like the ultimate mood killer. But safer sex and romance go hand in hand! It’s fear of STDs and pregnancy that can get in the way of enjoying the time you spend with your partner, not condoms. Show your partner that you really care about him or her: Talk about getting tested and using condoms or other latex barriers before things get hot and heavy.

Can you imagine getting an STD for Valentine’s Day? That’s no way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Check out this great video from Trojan’s Evolve campaign reminding you to have safer sex and use condoms:

Busting Myths about the Single Life

Friday, September 26, 2008

http://flickr.com/photos/egarc2/340958157/Are you a single teen who sees couples at school and wonders if being a couple is better than being single? It’s National Unmarried and Single Americans Week, and we want to set the record straight on being single!

Myth: You’re the only person not in a relationship.

That’s just not true. People live a huge part of their lives as singles. So why worry about it? You have the rest of your life to think about finding a partner.

Myth: You’re single because there’s something wrong with you.

Finding someone you’re compatible with takes time and, for some people, lots of dates. Just because you’re not in a relationship doesn’t mean you’re messed up. It just means you haven’t clicked with someone yet.

Myth: You’re unhappy, miserable and lonely without a partner.

There are millions of happy, single Americans living life to the fullest every day. If you’re feeling especially sad and lonely, a relationship won’t make those feelings go away. Talk to a mental health professional if these feelings persist.

Myth: You’re incomplete, and a partner makes you whole.

If you believe this, then you’re definitely not ready for a relationship. How can you start a healthy relationship if you think you’re somehow broken? Get into a relationship because you like the other person, not because you can’t be alone.

Myth: You’ll be home alone on Friday nights. You have no life if you’re single.

Woe is me! A quiet night at home isn’t a bad thing. Why sit by the phone waiting for it to ring, when you can pursue a hobby or make plans with your friends.

Don’t forget: Whether you’re single or in a relationship, not having oral, anal or vaginal sex is the only way to totally protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and STDs.