Real Talk: Fall – Winter 2021 – 2022

Unfortunately, our society has been tolerating inappropriate physical contact for way too long and many people are still not taught that communication and permission are key to engaging in sexual activity. No one should ever touch or kiss you without your permission under any circumstances. This is a violation of your privacy and it is wrong. Saying “I’m not comfortable with this; please stop” is one way to clearly communicate to someone that their behavior is unwanted and needs to end. A common word for permission in a sexual context is “consent.” It is very important that mutual consent (permission between participants) is agreed upon before any kissing, touching, or other sexual activity occurs. If you or someone you know has been kissed or touched without their permission, you should encourage them to report this information to a parent, teacher, or doctor.

Morgan Whalon, MD

The hymen is a thin piece of fleshy tissue or skin that forms a rim or covers part of the opening of the vagina. Just like other parts of the body, everyone’s hymen might be a little different. Sometimes, a hymen only has one or several small holes that are big enough for menstrual blood and vaginal discharge to pass through but make using a tampon uncomfortable or even impossible. Although very rare, it is possible for a hymen to cover the entire vaginal opening. A minor surgical procedure can be performed by a gynecologist to remove excess tissue in those cases. Generally, as girls go through puberty, hormones make the hymen thinner and stretchier. You may wonder if the hymen is changed or “broken” after someone has heterosexual sex for the first time (male-female intercourse involving insertion of the penis into the vagina), but this isn’t always the case! Not only are hymens stretchy and therefore do not necessarily tear with penetration, they also can stretch or tear during tampon use or strenuous physical activities. It’s important to remember that all hymens are different and that they change throughout the lifetime. If you ever have any questions about your body, you should always feel free to ask your doctor!

Sara Lever, MD

Every woman’s body is different. As a young girl, you might miss periods because your body is maturing or you simply haven’t started menstruating yet. During menopause (average age 51), periods can be irregular and eventually stop completely because the ovaries no longer produce the hormones necessary to have monthly periods. There are also medical circumstances that affect monthly periods such as thyroid conditions, eating disorders, excessive exercise or extremely low body weight, obesity, chemotherapy, genetic problems, and abnormal ovarian, uterine, or vaginal structures. One of the most common reasons women don’t get their period is pregnancy, and this is the first thing a clinic will test for in the event of missed periods.

Eleanor Germano, MD

There are so many options! The pill, patch, shot, vaginal insert, intrauterine device (IUD) or the Nexplanon implant. You can try different types of birth control until you find the one that works best for you! The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day; otherwise it won’t work reliably. The patch is a hormonal contraceptive that you can stick anywhere on your body once per week. The Depo-Provera injection is a shot you can get at your doctor’s office every three months. The vaginal insert, or NuvaRing, is a small circular device that you insert and leave in the vagina for three weeks at a time. An intrauterine device, aka IUD, is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by your doctor. The most common IUD types are the Mirena, which is hormone-based and works for five years, and the Paragard, which is hormone-free and works for 10 years. The Mirena can make your periods lighter, or even stop! Lastly, the Nexplanon is a small device that is inserted into the upper part of your arm and works for three years. Keep in mind that none of these birth control options prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnancy and STDs can only be prevented by using them in combination with a condom. If you are interested in any type of birth control, please make an appointment with your doctor and ask for more information!

Arieha Price, MD

Vaginas come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. The fleshy part you probably think of as your vagina, called the vulva, can range in color anywhere from light pink to purplish or darkish brown and does not necessarily match the color of the rest of your body. When you start getting your menstrual cycle, you may also notice thin, watery discharge. This is completely normal. It is important to familiarize yourself with your vagina so you can detect abnormal colors, smells, and discharge. Pain or a burning sensation that will not go away are also reasons to consult your gynecologist.

Vibha Rao, MD