https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/male-repro.html
Teen friendly site that explains anatomy for a person with a penis. Includes slide show with drawings and labels. Available in English and Spanish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xPZqe_0Z5Y
“Different is Normal” video created by Planned Parenthood. Your body is confusing, especially during puberty. You don’t need to worry about whether your breasts, penis, vagina, or any other parts of your body are normal. Each person’s body is different—and different is normal.
http://teentalksa.org/sex/anatomy/
In order to understand anything about sex, it is important that you are familiar with human anatomy. More specifically, the male and female reproductive system. By understanding your body, you are more in control of what happens to it.
STI LINKS:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex
Youth-friendly site with general information about STIs, with ability to click to get further information about specific STIs. Includes a short video. Available in English and Spanish.
http://teenhealthsource.com/stisetc/7053/
Teen-centered site that offers general information about STIs. This site also offers the ability to connect and talk to a trained teen volunteer.
https://beforeplay.org/stds/
Sex-positive site that normalizes sexual health and open, honest conversations with your partner(s). Although conversations about birth control, STIs, and pregnancy aren’t really at the top of every young person’s list to talk about, beforeplay.org believes they should be. Available in English and Spanish.
RELATIONSHIPS LINKS:
https://www.loveisrespect.org/healthy-relationships/
Loveisrespect.org is geared to teens. The site is an ultimate resource to empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse. Wondering if you are in a healthy relationship? Take their quiz. Available in Engish and Spanish.
http://www.athinline.org/
MTV’s A Thin Line campaign was developed to empower youth to identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse in their lives and among their peers. The campaign is built on the understanding that there’s a “thin line” between what may begin as a harmless joke and something that could end up having a serious impact on an individual. Available in English and Spanish.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/relationships/relationships-101
How do I know if a crush likes me back? How do I ask someone out? This site asks these questions and helps you get answers! Available in English and Spanish.
www.thehotline.org
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Available in English and Spanish.
PUBERTY LINKS:
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/puberty.html
Youth-friendly site that discusses puberty and all the changes that happen. Includes additional questions youth might have about puberty. Available in English and Spanish.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/my-body/puberty
Defines puberty, and discusses changes that happen, emotional experiences, and healthy ways to handle it all. Includes videos, a glossary of terms, and additional questions youth might have. Available in English and Spanish.
https://www.medicinenet.com/puberty/article.htm#puberty_facts
Information for adults to support their youth as they transition through puberty; includes terms and puberty facts.
CONSENT LINKS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU&feature=youtu.be
“Consent is as simple as tea.” A cartoon video that describes how understanding consent is as easy as understanding if a person wants tea or not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNN3nAevQKY&feature=youtu.be
Video discussing the importance of consent. The only way to know if someone wants to have sex with you is to ask. Consent is about asking, and listening to the answer.
https://amaze.org/?topic=healthy-relationships
Youth-friendly videos about healthy relationships, puberty, pregnancy, STIs, and so much more. Digital media to provide children, adolescents, parents, and educators with medically accurate, affirming, and honest sexual health information along with free, engaging resources that can be accessed anytime, anywhere—regardless of where they live or what school they attend. Currently available in five languages, with more to come.
PREGNANCY LINKS:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/preventing-pregnancy-stds/i-think-im-pregnant-now-what
How do I know if I’m pregnant? What do I do now? Answers to these questions and more. Offers the ability to talk directly to someone at Planned Parenthood and make an appointment from the website.
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?id=1613&np=289&p=335
Website for kids, with a section for pre-teens. Information about all health topics, including sexual reproduction. Includes drawings to help with understanding.
https://www.livescience.com/44899-stages-of-pregnancy.html
Geared for upper teens to adults. Extensive description of conception, development, and birth.
SEXUAL IDENTITY/GENDER IDENTITY/ SEXUAL ORIENTATION LINKS:
www.glsen.org
Mission is to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
www.hrc.org
Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/lgbtq
Definitions, questions, and answers for teens about LGBTQ+ topics. Available in English and Spanish.
BIRTH CONTROL LINKS:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Birth control is how you prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different birth control options out there. This site helps a person figure it all out by helping them decide what’s important in their birth control choice. Available in English and Spanish.
https://www.bedsider.org/methods
Pictures of all available birth control methods that can be catorgized by most effective, hormone free, STI prevention, etc. Hover over the picture of the method to learn more.
https://fc2femalecondom.com/
Learn about the female condom, how to use it, where to get it, and order it online. Available in the United States and globally.
http://stayteen.org/sex-ed/birth-control-explorer
Site is geared specifically for teens and sorts birth control methods by what is most effective or non-hormonal, and whether you need a doctor’s appointment.
GENERAL INFO LINKS:
https://responsiblesexedinstitute.org/
You like this book, you will like this site. It is about us, the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains educators. Information for parents, teens, and educators. Come have a look and see how we can support you.
https://texticyc.com/
Want to learn more about ICYC, where we are located, and how to contact us? Look no further—this is the place.
https://www.instagram.com/incaseyourecurious/?hl=en
Are you a little bit curious about the other questions teens ask that didn’t make it into the book? Take a look at our Instagram page. You can even comment and get a response to any question posted.
https://plannedparenthood.org/
Wonder what Planned Parenthood does? Learn about our health services, education, advocacy, and so much more. Visit our website to learn more or to make an appointment. Available in English and Spanish.
http://pprm.org
Information about the incredible Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about us and make an appointment.
GLOSSARY
(Glossary created by Planned Parenthood Federation of America 9.28.18)
A:
Abortion: Ending a pregnancy.
Abortion pill: Describes the process of medication abortion, which includes the use of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to safely end a pregnancy.
Abstinence: Not having sex with anyone.
Ace: Short for asexual, meaning the sexual orientation, or spectrum of identities, associated with experiencing no sexual attraction towards anyone.
Acquaintance rape: Sexual assault by someone the victim knows.
Adolescence: The period of physical and emotional change between the beginning of puberty and early adulthood.
Age of consent: The age at which state law considers a person old enough to decide to have sex with someone.
Agender: Not identifying with any gender.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome): The most advanced stage of HIV.
Ally: Someone who’s on the same side as you. Often used to describe someone who takes a stand against oppression or discrimination who is not a member of the oppressed group—for example, a white person who speaks out against racism or a straight person who speaks out against homophobia.
Anal sex: Sex in which the penis or a sex toy goes in the anus.
Androgynous: Appearing to have both, neither, or in between traditionally male and female physical characteristics.
Antibiotics: Medicines that are used to cure infections caused by bacteria.
Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms. Many STIs are asymptomatic in their early stages.
B:
Backup birth control: Any birth control method—like condoms or withdrawal—that’s used while waiting for hormonal birth control methods to become effective (or to become effective again after a mistake or problem). Some people also refer to emergency contraception as backup birth control.
Bacterial vaginosis (bv): Inflammation of the vulva/vagina (vaginitis) caused by a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria. It’s not an STI. Things like douching or having sex with a new partner can lead to BV.
Barrier methods of birth control: Birth control that blocks sperm from passing through the cervix (the barrier between the vagina and uterus). These include the condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, sper-micide, and sponge.
Bigender: Having two genders. Identifying as both a man and a woman, for example.
Birth canal: The passage from the uterus through the cervix and vagina through which a baby is born.
Birth control: Something that prevents pregnancy.
Bisexual: Being sexually attracted to both men and women. Sometimes used to describe people who are sexually attracted to people of all genders, including non-binary genders.
Bladder: The organ that collects and stores urine (pee). The bladder is emptied through the urethra.
Blue balls: Slang for an uncomfortable—but not dangerous—feeling in the penis/testicles that may occur when you don’t ejaculate after being very turned on.
Body image: Attitudes and feelings that a person has about their body and appearance.
Boner: Slang for an erect (hard) penis.
Breastfeeding: Feeding a baby with human milk from the breast. Can also be used as a birth control method for the first 6 months after birth, if done correctly.
Breasts: The two glands on the chest. Considered sex organs because they’re often sexually sensitive and may inspire sexual desire. Like mammary glands in other mammals, they produce milk during and after pregnancy.
C:
C-section: Giving birth when a doctor surgically removes the baby from the uterus. Short for caesarian section.
Casual sex: Sex between people who aren’t in a relationship with each other.
Celibacy: Not having sex.
Censorship: When something is forbidden because it’s thought to be offensive or dangerous.
Cervical mucus: The secretion that comes from the divider between the uterus and vagina. The amount of cervical mucus and what it looks like changes throughout the menstrual cycle, especially around the time of ovulation. It can naturally help sperm move, or help stop sperm from moving if you’re using hormonal birth control.
Cervix: The narrow, lower part of the uterus, with a small opening connecting the uterus to the vagina.
Chest binding: Wrapping breast tissue in order to flatten it and create a more masculine-appearing chest.
Child pornography: Images of children designed to be sexually arousing. Making, distributing, and consuming child pornography are serious crimes.
Chlamydia: A very common STI that’s caused by a bacteria and can be cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility and arthritis.
Circumcision: A surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis or part of the clitoris.
Cis man: Short for cisgender man. A man who identifies as the gender he was assigned at birth—in this case, male. A man who isn’t transgender.
Cis woman: Short for cisgender woman. A woman who identifies as the gender she was assigned at birth—in this case, female. A woman who isn’t transgender.
Cisgender: Those who identify as the gender they were assigned at birth. For example, a baby born with a vulva is categorized a girl. If she also identifies as a girl or woman throughout her life, she’s considered cisgender. In other words, cisgender describes someone who is not transgender.
Climax: An orgasm or to have an orgasm.
Clinician: A qualified health care professional, such as a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Also called “health care provider.”
Clit: Short for clitoris.
Clitoral hood: A small flap of skin formed by the inner labia that covers and protects the clitoris.
Clitoris: Sex organ whose only known purpose is sexual pleasure. The clitoris swells with blood during sexual excitement. The outer part of the clitoris is located at the top/front of the vulva, right next to the urethra (hole you pee out of). The inner part of the clitoris, which is much larger, includes a shaft and two crura (roots or legs) of tissue that extend up to five inches into the body on both sides of the vagina to attach to the pubic bone.
Closet: “Being in the closet,” or “being closeted,” means not sharing or not being able to share your LGBTQ+ identity with yourself or others.
Coercion: Forcing someone to do something they don’t want to do, often with threats or emotional manipulation.
Combination pill: A birth control pill that contains two hormones: estrogen and progestin.
Combined hormone contraceptives: Birth control methods—the pill, the patch, the ring—that contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin.
Combined oral contraceptives: Birth control pills that contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin.
Coming out: The process of accepting and being open about one’s identity, such as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. Short for “coming out of the closet.”
Conception: The beginning of pregnancy. The moment when the pre-embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins.
Condom: Thin, stretchy pouch worn on the penis during sex. Mostly made from latex or plastics (like polyurethane and polyisoprene). Sometimes made from lambskin. Condoms are an over-the-counter barrier method of birth control that also provide protection from STIs, with one exception—lambskin condoms don’t protect against STIs.
Contraception/contraceptive: Any behavior, device, medication, or procedure used to prevent pregnancy. Also known as birth control.
Contraction: The on-again, off-again tightening of the uterus during childbirth, which causes intense cramping.
Cowper’s glands: Produce pre-ejaculate (AKA precum), a clear fluid that prepares the urethra for ejaculation. Pre-ejaculate also reduces friction in the urethra, making it easier for semen to pass through.
Cum: Slang for
“ejaculate,” the sperm-containing fluid that comes out of the penis usually during an orgasm. Also another way of saying “to have an orgasm.”
Cybersex: Sexual encounters that take place online, using video cams, e-mail, or instant messaging.
Cyberstalking: To track and follow someone’s online presence and communications in a threatening way.
D:
Date rape: Forced sexual contact from someone the victim knows or is dating. Also sometimes called “acquaintance rape.”
Dental dam: A thin, square piece of latex that helps prevent the spread of STIs when placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex.
Depo-provera: The brand name of the birth control shot. The shot is a hormone that’s injected into the butt or arm every three months to prevent pregnancy.
Desire phase: The first stage of the sexual response cycle.
Domestic partnership: A committed, long-term relationship of two unmarried people who live together.
Double standard: Unequal expectations, moral standards, or rules that allow one group to have more privileges than another group within a society. A sexual double standard, for example, usually places more restrictions on women than on men.
Douche: A spray of water, medication, or cleanser, which goes into the vagina.
Drag: Exaggerated cross-dressing for entertainment.
E:
Ectopic pregnancy: A life-threatening pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.
Egg: The reproductive cell stored in the ovaries and released during ovulation. Pregnancy happens when sperm enters an egg, grows into a ball of cells, and implants into the uterus.
Ejaculation: The moment when semen spurts out of the opening of the urethra in the glans of the penis.
Embryo: The organism that develops from a pre-embryo during the second month of pregnancy. This stage of the pregnancy lasts about five weeks. Embryos then develop into fetuses.
Emergency contraception: A safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills made from hormones and copper IUDs are the two methods of emergency contraception.
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