The F.A.Q.S. from The Door
Adolescent Health Center Text Line
Text “thedoor” to 66746 and get your answers when you need them.
The Facts. Simple and Confidential
———————————————-
P.S. This line is 4 personalized answers 2 ur questions, not 4 emergencies. If ur having an emergency call 911 or go 2 the ER!
———————————————
Watch Text Help Line video for even more frequently asked questions!
U got questions. We have answers.
See our Frequently Asked Questions about:
PREGNANCY
Q: The condom popped and I don’t want my girl to get pregnant. Is there anything I can do?
- A: Yes! If it’s been less than 5 days since the condom broke, ur girl can take the morning after pill (a.k.a. PlanB or EC). If she’s a Door member, she can call 4 an appointment – 212-453-0222, or she can come in ASAP 2 become a member. Women + men over 17 can also buy EC over the counter @ a pharmacy, but it costs about $50. Either way, don’t wait! It works best the sooner it’s taken.
Q: Can I get pregnant if my boyfriend pulls out?
- A: Yes, it’s possible. Pulling out is not the best way 2 prevent pregnancy because it’s still possible 4 sperm 2 get inside. Even guys who can tell when they’re going 2 cum can’t always pull out fast enough. Better ways 2 make sure u don’t get pregnant r using a condom EVERY time and using birth control. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator more about ur question.
Q: Can I get EC for my girlfriend?
- A: The policy @ The Door is that only females can come in + get EC for free (for their own use!). But, anyone (male or female) over 17 can buy it over the counter @ a drugstore for about $50. Ur girlfriend can call us 4 an appointment 4 EC @ 212-453-0222. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator for more info.
Q: What should I do if the condom broke during sex?
- A: We understand why ur concerned! If u or ur partner r worried about getting pregnant, call 4 an appointment for planB asap @ 212-453-0222. A female has 120 hours after unprotected sex 2 take planB + the sooner she takes it, the more likely it is 2 be effective. So, don’t wait! U can also come in 4 an STD check. Feel free 2 just come in + talk 2 a health educator 4 more info.
Q: I had unprotected sex almost 7 days ago. Now, I think I might be pregnant and idk what to do.
- A: Take a deep breath, this is what we’re here for – 1 step @ a time. It’s 2 late 4 planB, but 2 early 4 a pregnancy test. If ur period is late, come in 4 a walk-in pregnancy test. No matter what the test says, we’ll help u figure out ur next steps – NO JUDGEMENTS! Or, feel free 2 just come in + talk 2 a health educator.
STDs
Q: It burns when I pee. Does that mean I have something?
- A: Not necessarily. If u feel something that is not normal 4 U, come in + get checked. It might not be serious, but it’s important 2 make sure. 4 an appointment, call 212-453-0222. Or, feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator.
Q: I’ve got these weird looking bumps down there. Does that mean I have something?
- A: Not necessarily. Bumps can sometimes appear when skin is just irritated. But, if u notice something that is not normal 4 U, come in + get checked. It might not be serious, but it’s important 2 make sure. 4 an appointment, call 212-453-0222 or feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator.
Q: What color is discharge normally?
- A: Different things r normal 4 different people. But, if ur experiencing discharge that is not normal 4 U, come in asap 2 get checked. Call 212-453-0222 for an appointment or feel free 2 just come in + talk 2 a health educator.
Q: Are crabs considered an STD?
- A: Yes – Crabs r considered an STD or STI even tho they are technically a parasite + not a disease. Luckily, crabs r very treatable. If ur concerned about a possible infection, call 4 an appointment 2 get checked @ 212-453-0222.
Q: Can you get an STD from HPV?
- A: HPV actually is an STD and can be transmitted during sex. If ur concerned about having an STD, come in 4 a check! 4 appointments call 212-453-0222 or feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator about ur question.
Q: Can I get an STD if someone ejaculates in my mouth and I swallow?
- A: Yes – if the person has an STD + they ejaculate in ur mouth u can get an STD. In fact, semen AND pre-cum can transmit STDs. Plus, some STDs r transmitted from skin 2 skin contact. So, even if u don’t have semen in ur mouth, u could still be exposed. If ur concerned, feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator about ur question or come in 4 an STD check. Call 4 an appointment @ 212-453-0222.
Q: How do I cure a yeast infection?
- A: Yeast infections + some other similar bacterial vaginal infections can be easily taken care of right here @ The Door. If u r concerned that u have an infection, call 4 an appointment ASAP @ 212-453-0222.
PENISES & VAGINAS
Q: Is foreskin unsanitary or dirty?
- A: Nope – foreskin is just a fold of skin. It’s not unsanitary or dirty and gets washed regularly just like behind ur ears. There r a lot of myths about foreskin, tho. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator 4 more info.
Q: If it hurts during intercourse, does that mean there’s something wrong with ur insides?
- A: Sex should not be painful. If something hurts, STOP! It might not be that something’s wrong/ Sometimes sex doesn’t work out on a particular day + that’s ok. Sex in real life is usually not like it is in movies + TV. It’s important 2 be able 2 talk with ur partner about what feels good + what doesn’t. But if ur concerned, come get a check. Call 212-453-0222 for an appointment or feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator about ur question.
SAFE SEX: PUT ME ON
Q: How do I know if I’m satisfying my partner?
- A: Ask them! Pleasure + satisfaction r different 4 different people, so the only way 2 know is 2 ask. 4 many couples, talking about sex makes them both feel MORE comfortable + have better sex. Sex should be fun + enjoyable 4 both people + NOT stressful. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator about ur question.
Q: I wasn’t circumcised and I’m afraid my partner won’t understand. What should I do?
- A: Good question. Lots of people have concerns about their bodies and what their partner will think. Both circumcision + foreskin r totally healthy and normal. Ur not alone. It’s very common 4 guys 2 be uncircumcised. U’ll probably feel relieved if u talk 2 ur partner about ur fears. If ur relationship is a good one, ur partner will find u attractive as u r. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator about ur question.
Q: Is it healthy to masturbate?
- A: Yes! Masturbation is safe + healthy 4 men AND women. Most people masturbate. It’s a good way 2 figure out what feels good 2 u + what u like. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator 4 more info.
Q: Is it normal for girls to masturbate?
- A: Yes, it’s very normal 4 girls. Masturbation is the safest form of sex and sometimes the most fun. It’s a good way 2 figure out what feels good 2 u + what u like. The clitoris is the main sexual pleasure spot 4 most girls. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator 4 more info.
Q: What is abstinence?
- A: Abstinence means not having sex, but people have different ideas of what sex is. So, people might have different ideas of what abstinence means. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator 4 answers 2 more questions.
OTHER STUFF
Q:I kissed my best friend. Does that mean I’m gay?
- A: Not necessarily. Sometimes kissing is just experimenting. Lots of people have questions about their sexual orientation and lots of people experiment to see what they like + don’t like. People figure out their sexual orientation by who they r emotionally AND physically attracted 2. Regardless, u r however u label urself! Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator @ The Door about ur question.
Q: My boyfriend gets mad when I talk to my guy friends. Is that O.K.?
- A: Not if u r not ok with it. Good relationships involve trust. If u notice ur boyfriend gets mad @ things u think r fine, talk 2 him about it. It’s not fair 4 him 2 keep u from ur friends. Always remember, things should be equal in relationships. Feel free 2 come in + talk 2 a health educator more about ur question.
