Ask Us questions

Full Index of Past 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!

Remote learning is making me incredibly stressed, sad, miserable, furious, bipolar, and depressed. Sometimes even suicidal. How should I cope?

Posted September 28, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thank you so much for your question. Remote learning can be a challenge, and there is a lot going on right now that can make it feel hard to cope … read more

I’m gay and use a condom every time I have anal sex. However, I love giving and receiving oral sex (and swallowing). Can I catch HIV from oral sex? Wearing a condom in oral sex makes no sense. Is there some way to protect myself and partner from STIs?

Posted September 24, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Congrats on wanting to make sure you have safer sex. As you know there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with any type of … read more

I have been fat since childhood. I think I might have an eating disorder. I feel guilty after eating my meal, and then weigh myself like 100 times in an hour. I want to lose about 10 kg. What is your advice?

Posted September 17, 2020 under Ask Us.

It sounds like you could benefit from meeting with a qualified mental health provider to discuss the feelings of guilt you have around eating as well as working to improve … read more

I’ve been exercising a lot recently doing strength training. Recently my shoulder has been feeling sore and tight but I don’t have any sharp pain. I didn’t tear anything, right?

Posted September 15, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Strength training has a lot of health benefits. It is important to make sure you are using proper technique, gradually increasing the intensity, and taking rest … read more

I’m 14 and all my friends’ penises have grown, even those 1-2 years younger than me (as teenagers the conversation often drifts there). My testicles haven’t grown yet, and my penis is still skinny. Is there hope or do I need to accept my size? Help.

Posted September 10, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Many people wonder about whether their penis and testicles are growing normally. During puberty those who are sex-assigned at birth males will notice their testicles (or … read more

I was told I needed to get clearance from a pediatric cardiologist, before I start cross country, due to my fast heart rate. My appointment is next week and I am a little nervous. What should I expect? Will anything hurt?

Posted September 2, 2020 under Ask Us.

This is a great question! It’s smart that you are having your fast heart rate checked out by a pediatric cardiologist (a doctor who specializes on hearts in children and … read more

I just turned 17 a month ago, I have shown all signs of puberty except penis growth and facial hair, should I see an endocrinologist. I am very worried that I will be stuck like this. It is very depressing.

Posted September 1, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. During puberty those who are sex-assigned at birth males will notice their testicles (or testes) becoming bigger, pubic hair development, and penile growth (length and width). … read more

My parents say I have ADHD but when I went to a therapist, he said I appeared to have inattentive type ADD. What’s the difference, and why can’t my parents and the therapist agree?

Posted August 24, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. A lot of people wonder about ADHD and ADD. Briefly, ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some people can find it hard to focus or concentrate … read more

Since about 5, my uncle has slept naked with me in my bed. He visits 6-8 times a year. We’ve both touched each other. He’s my only uncle-dad’s brother (no aunts). Scared it will ruin him coming if I tell my parents. He’s in bad health. Do I speak up?

Posted August 18, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for sending your question. As you indicate this is a very difficult situation and is not going to have a simple solution. First, you should know that you are … read more

Are masks effective in preventing coronavirus transmission? Why?

Posted August 12, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Face masks serve two main purposes in preventing coronavirus transmission: They help protect you from getting infected with coronavirus. They help you protect others from getting … read more