Acne is caused by clogged pores (also called hair follicles), which are small openings in the skin through which hair grows. Deep inside each follicle is a hair shaft attached … 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!
I’m suffering with bad acne scars and it’s really dropped my confidence. I’m at college and most days I can’t wait to get home. I want to sort it out because I feel that I won’t meet anyone and it will affect my work and social life.
You are not alone. Acne is common among teens and young adults. In fact, in the United States, 85% of young people between the ages of 12-24 will experience some type of acne. … read more
If my girlfriend swallows my semen is it possible that she will get pregnant? Also is it bad for a guy to swallow his own semen?
It is not possible for women to get pregnant from swallowing sperm since there is no connection between the stomach and the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. However, sexually transmitted … read more
I’ve never had sex or done anything sexual in my life. I woke up with a small blue and red sore on my penis near the shaft. I didn’t think much of it until I got a second one a few weeks later. It then went away for about a month and then I got a third bump. My doctor said it was an “ingrown hair”, and said it’s not contagious. I’m scared it can be an STD and it could be contagious.
Good job for making an appointment with your doctor. Anytime you have unexplained symptoms or questions, your doctor is there to help you. Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable but they … read more
Are there any sports for which guys should wear genital protection? I got hit in the thigh with a fast ball. It left a big purple bruise and just missed my right nut. Should I be wearing a jockstrap and cup? A few guys do, but more don’t.
This is a great question! As you probably have realized, there is a lot more information out there about the use of other protective equipment such as helmets and eyewear … read more
I’m 15 and I’ve recently switched from compression shorts to jockstraps. I’ve noticed a change in the amount of semen I am ejaculating. Is it because of the tightness of the jockstrap on my testicles?
It is difficult to know for sure if the type of underwear you are wearing is affecting the amount of semen you are ejaculating. What we know in general is … read more
Why is my stomach so noisy?
The noise from your stomach is actually caused from the movement of food, air and fluids (that help digest your food). Some people believe that the noise is caused from … read more
I’m a 15 year old guy weighing over 170 pounds. Am I considered obese and if so, how can I fix it?
The healthy weight range for you depends on your height and your age. Body mass index, or BMI, is a measurement that uses both your height and weight to come up … read more
Is it ok to eat right before bed?
Yes. If your stomach is grumbling and dinner was a few hours ago, there is nothing wrong with having a light snack before going to bed. What you eat more … read more
I’m 14 and I have enlarged breasts. Is it gynecomastia? Can it be cured without surgery?
If you have gynecomastia, you are not alone. Gynecomastia is a common condition where the tissue under a young man’s nipples starts to grow and can look like small breasts. … read more