Young Men's Health
I’m going to start going to therapy soon. I know there’s nothing wrong with going to therapy and there’s nothing wrong with me because of it. But it feels wrong with the stigma and all. How do I deal with the stigma and stay cool and all that?Thanks for your question. Starting therapy to better understand yourself and how you respond to life is outstanding. Congratulations on moving forward with this. It takes strength to look at … read more
Ask Us questions
Each week we choose one new Ask Us question and post the answer. Feel free to search or browse our past questions and answers to see if yours is already there.
To ask a new question, use our form. Ask your own question!
Is it normal to have PPP as an adolescent?
Thanks for your question. Pearly penile papules (PPP) are small, painless, benign (non-cancerous) bumps in a single or double row on or around the head of the penis. They are not contagious. … read more
My family is always coming into my room without asking or even knocking and when I just lock the door they make it all about how they don’t want me to do that. I just want some privacy and to avoid a fight or argument. What can I do?
Thanks for your question. First, wanting privacy and your own space is completely normal. In fact, it is part of growing up, and tends to be a tricky balance for teens, … read more
I’m 17 and I weight nearly 200 pounds. How can I lose weight besides starving myself?
Sometimes when we incorporate positive health behaviors such as exercise and healthy eating, weight loss will happen as a result. But it’s possible that your current weight is where your … read more
Hello, I have two issues. I have phimosis, which I am not confused about. My other issue is that the interior of my foreskin in some areas is fused to my glans on the side of head. How do I go about separating the skin?
Thanks for your question. Phimosis is when the foreskin does not retract completely. In other words, the foreskin cannot be gently pulled back to the base of the penis. Over … read more
I am in recovery for a restrictive eating disorder. At treatment a year and a half ago, they made me gain 30 pounds in 2 months. Now I am considered borderline obese based on my BMI. I want to lose weight, but don’t want to trigger myself. Help?
The “BMI” which stands for Body Mass Index is a public health tool that is used to assess population health, but isn’t a great tool for assessing an individual’s health. … read more
I had a guy pool party last night. A couple guys talked about jerking off under water and did. Tonight is a coed party. Can girls get pregnant if there are sperm in the water? Afraid to tell parents what we did.
Thanks for your question. A lot of people wonder about sperm in pools. Sperm can live outside of the body for a short amount of time, except in very specific … read more
For the past few month I’ve been doing a diet, but now I can’t stop losing weight, even when I feel like I’ve eaten too much. How can I maintain my weight?
This might be happening for different reasons. It’s possible that previously eating less has caused you to feel full more quickly or that your body is no longer absorbing nutrients … read more
I just read your guide on HIV Testing and it mentions, “A reactive result is considered a preliminary positive, and means that HIV antibodies were found.” So what does it mean if the second test is negative?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV isn’t treated it can progress into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, with early testing and … read more
I can’t sleep because I started having this itching and burning feeling on my testicles and sometimes my penis. It makes it pretty hard for me to sleep. Help!
Thanks for your question. When there’s an itching and burning sensation by the testicles and penis it’s a good time to see your health care provider. These symptoms may suggest … read more