Real Talk: Summer 2021

Many people assume that gender and sex are the same thing. They actually have very different meanings! Sex is assigned at birth based on the private parts that you’re born with. Gender is a more personal identity that someone feels inside and can come in more varieties than just “boy” and “girl.” Sometimes, the gender that someone identifies with does not match their sex assigned at birth. Mayo Clinic defines gender dysphoria as “the feeling of discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics.” If you feel this way, you are not alone! There are counselors and other people out there like you if you need help and support. If you or a friend are struggling with gender dysphoria, you can call 1-877-565-8860, a 24/7 crisis hotline created specifically for transgender and questioning people run by trans volunteers, to speak with someone anonymously.

Whitney Williams, MD

The only sure way to know that someone has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is if they get tested by their doctor or at a local health clinic. Results of the STD tests can be immediate or take up to a week to come back. In case of a positive test result, the doctor or health clinic will prescribe the appropriate treatment and anyone who has had intercourse with this person should also get tested and not engage in sexual activity until they test negative. It is important to remember that some people don’t have any symptoms although they have an STD. They may not have bumps, sores, itching, odor or abnormal discharge, which typically prompts people to get tested. They may be completely asymptomatic. For this reason, someone who is sexually active, particularly those who are with multiple partners, should get tested at least once a year. The only way to prevent transmitting an STD from one person to another is using condoms during sex every single time.

Vibha Rao, MD

This can definitely be confusing, but it is important to understand how women get pregnant—especially if you decide to become sexually active. First, let’s start with the science. A woman’s menstrual cycle includes several different phases, and to become pregnant, the ovary must release an egg. For many girls and women this happens about 14 days after the start of their period; however, this is not always the case. So, though you will likely not get pregnant while you’re on your period, this is not a guarantee. Once the egg is released, it can meet a sperm (from a man) and together they create an embryo. The embryo then attaches to the wall of the woman’s uterus and a pregnancy begins. The most conventional way for a woman to become pregnant is through penetrative sexual intercourse, though for women who struggle with achieving pregnancy or for same-sex couples this can happen through many other ways. Therefore, to prevent unwanted pregnancy you MUST use some form of contraception EVERY time you engage in sexual activity.

Antonia Traina, MD

One key component is a good razor. Believe it or not, razors designed for men’s shaving are some of the best ones! Change your razor after 5-7 times for your legs, and after 1-2 times for the bikini area. Keep your razor in a clean, dry area, and be sure to throw it away if you see rust starting to develop. Soaking your skin in the bath or shower before you shave helps soften the skin, which makes it easier to remove hair and prevent cuts. Using shaving cream while shaving and moisturizing the skin afterwards helps prevent razor burns. Shaving in the direction your hair grows helps prevent razor bumps and irritation. After you shave, it is helpful to exfoliate the area to remove dead skin cells to help prevent irritation or even infection, followed by moisturizing with a fragrance-free lotion or oil to keep the skin smooth and healthy! Lastly, only shave if you want to. Don’t let anyone tell you it is required!

Deanna Dawson, MD

The Nexplanon is a birth control implant that is placed in the upper arm by a doctor and is a very safe form of birth control. It’s approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy for three years, and it’s the most effective form of birth control—over 99.9% effective! The implant is a thin, flexible device. Before inserting it, your doctor will inject a small amount of numbing medication in the placement site on your arm, so the placement should not be painful. The most common side effect that women who receive a birth control implant have is irregular bleeding. About one third of users will have lighter periods, one third will have heavier periods, and one third will have the same amount of bleeding as before. Spotting between periods can also occur. Less commonly, some women experience headaches, mood swings, weight gain, and acne. If you decide you do not like the Nexplanon, the device can be removed at any time by a doctor. Again, your doctor will inject numbing medication at one end of the contraceptive device, make a small cut in your arm, and remove the device. Having this device will not affect your future ability to become pregnant. You should start another form of birth control immediately after removal to prevent pregnancy.

Allison Lazenby, MD