Yikes! What is that? | Source: ShutterStock

How can I tell the difference between a cold sore and a canker sore?

ChickRx expert Evelyn Resh, Certified Sexuality Counselor and Nurse Midwife, says:

This is a great and important question and I’m sure a lot of people wonder this. So, I’m really glad you asked.

Both a cold sore and a canker sore appear somewhere in or on the oral cavity, which means your mouth. The difference is that a cold sore is caused by the oral herpes virus and a canker sore is caused by other viral infections.

Some differences are that canker sores are generally on your tongue, while cold sores are most often on the lips, side of the mouth, or even immediately beneath the nostrils. Canker sores are very small and very tender and are present for only a few days. Cold sores can last ten days or longer. Canker sores are super sensitive to both cold and hot things and they’re even sensitive to salty sweet foods.

Also interestingly, many people contract oral herpes before the age of five. This typically happens because they have either been kissed on the face or mouth by an adult who has a cold sore and doesn’t realize how contagious it is or from kissing a classmate or sharing food with a friend who has a sore.

If you have oral herpes, it’s critical to remember that unless you are completely free of sores–and I mean completely free, not even a scab on your mouth–don’t kiss a sex partner’s mouth or genitals. You could spread the virus to them. Wait until the sore is completely gone, scab and all, before resuming intimate contact.

There is treatment for herpes that can reduce transmission and shorten the time of the outbreak. These are viral-suppressing drugs that are helpful, especially for people with frequent outbreaks.

I hope the above was helpful. But, if you’re still wondering about your mouth sore, I’d say go to a doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment.

Got more questions? Post them in the comments below or head on over to ChickRx.com.

Can you really be friends with an ex?

Follow Us On Twitter!

Philadelphia is battling a high STD rate with a free condom program. Do you think it’s a good idea? | Source: ShutterStock

Philadelphia is using common sense–the city’s fighting a growing STD epidemic among teens by installing free condom dispensers within its high schools.

The city has had huge problems with STD rates among teenagers, so the move to put in free condom dispensers at the nurse’s offices in 22 schools in Philadelphia is smart. (Obviously, abstinence is the only way to 100 percent prevent STDs, but that’s not that realistic–and it’s a lot more effective for sex education to teach not just abstinence, but also safe sex.)

Philadelphia students can also get free STD testing in their schools, which is so important when you consider that 5 percent of students who have been tested were positive for STDs including HIV. That may not sound like a lot, but think of it this way: That’s 1 in 20 people, so there’s probably one in your homeroom! That sounds like a ton more, right? So scary! In fact, the free STD testing is what led to the free condom program. The results were so dire and so dangerous that Philadelphia officials felt they needed to take action. 1 in 4 people infected with HIV in Philadelphia is between 13 and 24 years old, and the city has recently seen chlamydia and gonorrhea rates up by almost 50 percent!

“Less than 60 percent of kids who are sexually active report having used condoms the last time they had sex,” Philly’s health commissioner Dr. Donald F. Schwarz told the Daily News. “We want to get to that 40 percent who haven’t used a condom.”

The City of Brotherly Love isn’t the only one to promote safe sex with free condoms in high schools. 418 other schools nationwide, including in New York City, are encouraging sexually active students to always use a condom and are eliminating the potential embarrassment of a trip to CVS by giving them out for free. Students can even order free condoms online if they don’t want to go to the office. Springfield, Massachusetts even made headlines when they released free condoms not just in high school, but also middle school–giving contraception for free to people as young as 11 years old.

Dr. Schwarz even said that the STD rate is dropping. “For the first time in four years, we saw a decline in STIs among adolescents by 5 to 6 percent,” he said.

There is a catch to the Philadelphia free condom program, though. If a student’s parents opt out of it, nurses can’t hand over contraception to them. Still, even if parents think condom dispensers will encourage people to have sex, that’s not really the case. The Center for Disease Control reports that condom distribution programs like the ones in Philadelphia not only increase condom use and lower STD rates for young adults, but they also actually delay sexual activity–so it also in a way encourages you to be both safe and maybe wait on having sex.

Sounds like a win-win to us!

Do you think a free condom distribution program like the ones in Philadelphia and New York City are a good idea? Do you think free condom programs are a good way to promote safe sex and prevent STDs? Do you think a free condom program encourages young adults to have sex? Do you have any other ideas on how to lower the Philadelphia STD rate? Tell us in the comments!

Guess who always says to use a condom?

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

These new smartphone apps promote safe sex, STD testing, and sharing your STD status–but are they the ultimate solution? | Source: ShutterStock

If you’re sexually active, chances are your phone has something to do with it–whether it’s scheduling dates or hitting “ignore” when you get a booty call–but now your smartphone can also be used to promote safe sex and STD testing. Pretty awesome, right?

A new app called MedXCom lets you “bump” phones and exchange STD status and contact info with people you meet, so you can be sure to have safe sex–and if someone else has the app, you already know they’re at least somewhat responsible. The MedXCom app has a feature called MedXSafe. You can have your doc enter in your STD status into the app after you get tested. You can then exchange that info with anyone else who has the app to determine whether or not they’re worth the risk of sleeping with–and to easily let them know that the best sex for you is safe sex.

MedXCom isn’t the only safe sex app, either. Qpid.me has a similar feel to it (its slogan is cute, too: “Spread the love and nothing else”), and so does U Should Know, which allows you to check on a partner’s STD status.

Another good thing about safe sex apps? Even though they’re not immune to hackers–nothing is!–they’ll never expose someone with an STD. If you test positive for an STD, the app will encourage you to get treated, then retested. You’ll be reported as STD free only when your new test results come back negative.

Of course, even safe sex apps have risks. Docs warn that HIV results can take months to come back on a test, so you may get a false feeling of safety from the app when in actuality you’re still waiting on those STD test results. And you’re smart enough to know that safe sex apps aren’t a replacement for condoms–and even if you both test clean, you still need to use protection to actually have safe sex, because without it, you’re at risk of getting pregnant.

Still, having safe sex–and conversations about it–at your fingertips is a really good step in the right direction to eliminating the awkwardness of talking it over with a partner. We’re all for this!

Would you use a safe sex app? Do you think safe sex apps are a good idea or that they promote unprotected sex? Do you think a safe sex app would encourage more people to be sexually responsible and get tested for STDs? Would be comfortable sharing your STD status with a safe sex app? Tell us in the comments!

You won’t believe who might be encouraging unsafe sex!

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Can unprotected sex ever be safe? | Source: ShutterStock

I just started seeing this guy and we both got tested for STDs and came back clean. (PHEW!) I’m on the pill and thinking of having sex without a condom. Is it safe? Are there some STDs that might not show up or be too new in him to show up on the test?

ChickRx expert Dr. Mandi Beman, Ob/Gyn says:

PHEW is right! That is good news that your std tests came back negative. You should always get tested for STDs before sexual contact and have your partner do the same. So, good work.

The bad news is that there are several STDs, such as HIV and herpes, that can take several weeks before they will show up positive on a test. So, a clean STD test doesn’t necessarily mean a green light for disease free unprotected sex. For example, if he contracted herpes from unprotected sex on Monday and got tested on Tuesday, he would likely test negative for herpes when in reality he has the virus and can transmit it to you. And diseases like HIV and herpes aren’t diseases you want to take risks with.

My advice is to wear a condom any and every time you have sex. Also, the pill is very effective for birth control when taking properly, but using a condom as well definitely can’t hurt for pregnancy prevention.

And remember, while condoms do significantly decrease your risk of contracting an STD and are the smartest choice you can make for birth control and STD prevention, they do not erase your risk entirely. Condoms are not 100% effective in preventing STDs. The only true way to protect yourself is abstinence. And you should take an STD test even when you’re having sex with a condom.

More from ChickRx:
Where exactly can I get HPV?

Got more questions? Post them in the comments below or head on over to ChickRx.com.

Flirting tips from a very, very lazy girl!

Follow Us On Twitter!

Talk to him about safe sex. | Source: ShutterStock

If I’m on birth control and use the pull out method. I can’t get pregnant, right? Which STDs could I still get?

ChickRx expert Dr. Mandi Beman, Ob/Gyn says:

First, you are correct. If you are on the birth control pill and using the pull out method, your chance of pregnancy is very low, as long as you are taking your birth control pills correctly.

To be clear, I’m not saying that the pull out method, which is removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, is adequate birth control. This method involves a lot of control on the guy’s part and frankly, many teen boys don’t know their bodies well enough to know when to withdraw without ejaculating. Out of 100 women who use the pull out method, 27 get pregnant within a year, per Planned Parenthood. That’s a mighty big percentage!

What I’m saying is that using the birth control pill effectively along with the withdrawal method, like you mentioned in your question, should keep you safe pregnancy-wise.

Ok, on to the second part of your question–STD protection. Neither birth control pills nor the withdrawal method protect you against STDs at all. So you are still at risk for contacting any and all STDs, which include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HPV, genital warts, HIV and syphilis. This list goes on and on and isn’t pretty. STDs are no joke and you want to avoid them. So please, be safe and wear a condom.

Got more questions? Post them in the comments below or head on over to ChickRx.com.

SUPER gross hook up confession. You have to read it!

Follow Us On Twitter!

These come off, dental dam goes on! | Source: Shutterstock

Since dental dams aren’t nearly as popular or well known as condoms, you probably have tons of questions right now. What is a dental dam? How do you use one? Why do they matter? Let’s get to the facts:

* A dental dam is a small, thin rubber sheet, usually made of latex or silicone, that can help prevent the spread of STDs during cunnilingus (oral-vaginal sex) and analingus (oral-anal sex).

* It’s a barrier method, so like a condom, it keeps bodily fluids that could be carrying disease from spreading from one partner to the other.

* To use a dental dam, it should be placed over the labia or anus before sexy times begin.

* You can buy dental dams at the store or online, or you can simply make your own out of ordinary cling wrap.

* Make sure your dental dam doesn’t have any holes in it! If it does, it may not be effective.

* Never reuse a dental dam. Ew!

Had you ever heard of dental dams before? Have you used a dental dam? Tell us about it in the comments!

Yes, You Really Can Get STDs From Oral Sex!

Subscribe To Us On YouTube!

Levi Johnston will be a dad again. Doesn't he have another hobby--or access to condoms? | Source: Shutterstock

Following his tumultuous relationship with Bristol (the former couple can’t seem to agree on anything, from whether Tripp was planned to whether or not they were drunk on wine coolers when they first had sex), you’d think Levi was too busy posing for Playgirl and penning tell-all books to handle another kid. Despite his busy PR schedule though, the 21-year-old Levi Johnston will be a dad again, this time with girlfriend Sunny Oglesby.

We don’t know for sure, of course, but it could be that this pregnancy happened because this Alaskan Romeo was too preoccupied to use protection: Levi has admitted that his new baby wasn’t planned, but that he’s “so excited” to be a dad again. He told TMZ, “Things happen and we are both happy with what came of it.” Interesting that these “things”–aka an “accidental pregnancy“–happened, and were announced when Sarah Palin is co-hosting the Today Show this week. Just sayin’!

Here’s the thing, though: pregnancies don’t just happen. They happen if you and your partner don’t take the proper steps to prevent them. Levi’s getting a lot of flack for this, but Sunny Oglesby is equally responsible for her body. (We think the world just figured that Levi would know better from experience by now.)

Seeing as you can’t get yourself pregnant (at least not without lengthy paperwork and a plan), pregnancy prevention and contraception isn’t just up to you–or your guy. It’s a shared responsibility. Even if you’re on the Pill, a guy should still use a condom–it’s the only way besides abstinence to prevent STDs, and it provides extra protection against pregnancy. Plus, sex is better when you’re safe, because you can relax and enjoy it instead of freaking out.

No glove? No love! | Source: Shutterstock

Fair enough, but how can you talk to your guy about safe sex? Check out this video for tips on how to explain to your partner that condoms are non-negotiable if he wants to sleep with you–and that they can actually be pretty fun!

Have you ever been with a guy who didn’t want to use protection? Have you ever had a pregnancy scare? Do you think birth control is the responsibility of both partners? Do you think it’s good that Levi Johnston will be a dad again? Sound off in the comments!
 
 

Remember Teen Mom Jamie Lynn Spears? Find Out What Happened To Her!

What should you do when your partner doesn’t want to use a condom, but you do? Lena guides you through this touchy situation with reminders on why condoms are non-negotiable and how to keep safety your number one priority. Safe sex is the sexiest kind of sex. Take Lena’s tips on how to have safe sex, and you’ll both be happy you did!

Um, Kate? What's that on your mouth? Source: So Kiss Me

Whether you call them cold sores, fever blisters, or just “Oh God, what is that on my face?!,” one thing’s for sure: oral herpes can erase your smile (and make you want to hide your mouth) quicker than anything.

There are a lot of myths out there about oral herpes–some people think the blisters are a sign that somebody’s “easy.” So not true! In fact, most people actually get the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores by the time they’re in high school–and no, it’s not just girls who make out a lot!

So how do you get oral herpes? What can you do about it? Here are all the facts:

• Not all kinds of herpes are the same. Just because someone has oral herpes, it absolutely does not mean they have genital herpes, too!

• The cold sores associated with oral herpes contain infected virus particles–which is why if you kiss someone with an active blister or share their lip balm or lip stick, the herpes can spread to your mouth, too.

The dreaded cold sore! Source: ChildrensMD

• Once you get oral herpes, the virus stays in you forever, but the symptoms (cold sores!) will likely go away completely or only come back once in a great while.

• There is no cure for oral herpes, but some over the counter creams like Abreva can help make the sores go away faster.
• It’s incredibly rare, but you can get genital herpes from oral sex, if an active cold sore makes contact with your vaginal skin. Use condoms to be safe!

It’s pretty darn hard to avoid getting oral herpes in your life–but if you want to try, don’t kiss anybody with an active sore on their mouth, and definitely don’t share their lipsticks or lip balms either! And if you do get a little blister once in a while? It’s not that big of a deal. Just slap a little cover up on it, and you’re all good!

Have you ever had a fever blister? What did you do about it? Tell us in the comments!

Wanna learn something new about Pikachu? Check this out!
how do you get oral herpes

Who cares who he was with in the past? He's with you now!

It’s totally normal to wonder how many people your sweetie was with before you – actually, it’s totally normal to wonder how many people anyone has slept with. We’re human, and we think about these things. But does that mean it’s really any of your business? Is it a necessary thing to know about the person you’re sleeping with (or going to sleep with)?

Since it’s such a tricky question to ask, and since a lot of people lie about their number anyway, we’re always thinking about this issue over at Gurl. When we spotted it in the message boards, we knew we had to ask you guys what your opinion is. Read what these girls had to say, and then let us know what you think: is it okay to ask a dude how many people they had sex with before you?

pmaphlet asked:
So how do you guys think you could ask a guy how many girls he’s been with/ what his number is? Is this reasonable to ask a guy? I mean if you’re going to be in a serious relationship with someone, isn’t it a LITTLE necessary to know their number, just in case you’re worried about STDs and stuff? Do all you know your boyfriends “number”?

greenbeans23 replied and said:
I think it’s perfectly reasonable to want to know how many sexual partners he’s had and to ask him. Just straight up ask him, “how many people have you had sex with?” If you two are going to be having sex you should be comfortable enough for your partner to know these things. At least that’s how I feel.

Does it really matter?

iamsodrunk replied and said:
I don’t think it’s necessary to know at all. The number of people someone has been with and their STD status is not related. Someone can have sex with one person (or nobody!) and have an STD. Alternatively, someone could have sex with 30 people and have no STD. If you’re worried about STDs, ask them specifically about STDs and consider going to get tested with them. But if you’re just curious about their number, I think it’s important to realize that someone’s sexual history isn’t necessarily your business. So I usually ask by, “you don’t have to answer this if you don’t feel comfortable, but… how many people have you had sex with?” Simple, straight forward, and respectful of their privacy.But if you’ve asked him already and he hasn’t told you a number, I’d take that as a clue that he considers that his private business.

We definitely have to agree with iamsodrunk … it’s not necessary to know what your BF’s number is, and what she said about STDs is totally correct. The number of people someone has slept with is a personal thing, and it’s entirely up to your BF if he wants to tell you. So while you can ask if it’s really bugging you, he doesn’t have to fill you in.

Also, think about it this way: what is knowing his number really going to do for you? If you find out he’s been with way more people than you, it might end up making you feel weird, jealous or like you can’t measure up (which you shouldn’t!). The thing is, how many people someone was with before you really doesn’t matter in your current relationship – all that matters it that they’re only sleeping with you now.

Do you ask your boyfriends what their numbers are? Would you tell other people what your number is? Who do you agree with? Tell us in the comments.

Do you think you’re born with your sexuality?