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!

How safe is it to vape?

Posted May 21, 2020 under Ask Us.

Lots of people have questions about vaping and its effect on health. Here are some facts: Vaping or using e-cigarettes as a teenager or young adult increases your risk of … read more

I always drink a cup of coffee every day in the morning, even at 13 years old. About 10-20 minutes later, I always get cramps and have to go to the bathroom repeatedly. Is that normal?

Posted May 18, 2020 under Ask Us.

Great question! Coffee is a natural diuretic (makes you have to pee), and for many people it also has a laxative effect (makes you have to poop). This is partly … read more

I’m 14 years and I have just started measuring my penis because I have been worried about its size. The first time I measured, it was 3 inches (not erect), and then when I was aroused it was 5 inches. Is that OK?

Posted May 18, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Lots of people wonder about their penis size and whether it’s normal. For most people their penis will start growing (both in length and width) between … read more

My stomach sticks out but I’m not technically overweight. I’ve been doing 50 sit-ups in bed every night for about 5 months. It doesn’t seem to be helping. Should I tell my parents about my secret exercise, and how do I get rid of belly fat?

Posted May 13, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for asking this question! Every body is different and unique. There is not one body shape or size that is right for everyone, and many different factors, including genetics, … read more

I got my first boyfriend recently. We’ve had oral sex, but not anal sex. We were watching tv and saw an ad for PrEP medicines. Since we are gay, should we just get on PrEP now to prevent HIV or are these medicines only for older guys? If not now, when?

Posted May 8, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question and for thinking about your sexual health. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, which means to help prevent something from happening, such as a disease. PrEP is … read more

I noticed when I exercise my heart will beat really fast and strong (like it’s coming through my chest), but I can never feel my pulse. I did some research and I am curious, could I have an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or heart disease? Should I see a doctor or can I diagnosis it myself?

Posted May 7, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thank you for your question. Heart disease is fortunately rare in teenagers. Some children are born with a birth defect of abnormal heart valves, a hole between 2 parts of … read more

My question is about testicular size. My right testis is very small compared to my left one. There is a very large difference in them. I am feeling some small lumps in blood vessels around my right testis. Is there anything wrong?

Posted May 5, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. A lot of people have questions about their testicles. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, but for the most … read more

I live in rural Illinois and I’m worried about the coronavirus. What is being done to help get rid of it and could I die from it?

Posted May 1, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for sending the question. Lots of other teens have asked the same questions. Our world is going through challenging and uncertain times right now. It’s been over 100 years … read more

I’ve been staying up past midnight and not getting out of bed until the afternoon recently. How can I start going to sleep and waking up earlier?

Posted April 28, 2020 under Ask Us.

Thanks for your question. Getting good sleep is an important thing everyone can do to stay healthy. There are lots of things that can affect sleep, including our daily activities, whether or … read more

I’m 16 years old and when I go to the doctor, my mom insists on staying in the room. I have an upcoming doctor’s appointment and I want to ask some more personal questions. Do I have the right to talk to the doctor without my mom in the room?

Posted April 25, 2020 under Ask Us.

This is a great question! Kudos for wanting to begin understanding what it’s like to take charge of your own health, that’s great! It’s important for you to learn how … read more