YCteen publishes true stories by teens, giving readers insight into the issues that matter most in young people's lives.
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Sex & Pregnancy (58 found)
Note: These stories are from YCteen and its sister publication, Represent, which is written by and for youth in foster care.
Elisabet thinks an ad campaign to combat teen pregnancy perpetuates negative stereotypes. (full text)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, but few teens know its risks—including its link to certain cancers. (full text)
YCteen takes on oft-told myths about what happens the first time you have sex. (full text)
How much do you know about emergency contraception? We have answers to some common questions. (full text)
Christine analyzes several TV shows and finds portrayals of teen sex to be exaggerated and shallow. (full text)
New sex ed curriculum includes an interesting (optional) homework assignment: Students are supposed to go to a drugstore to shop for condoms. Julieta does her homework. (full text)
YCteen reporters interview health clinic workers and learn that the only kind of safe sex is "self-serve." (full text)
Breanna reviews bedsider.org, a website that provides comprehensive explanations of various forms of birth control, frank discussion of sex and communication, and videos featuring real people talking about their experiences with contraceptives. (full text)
Kelly breaks down a study showing that, when girls outnumber guys in HS, girls compete for guys and are more willing to have sex rather than hold out for a relationship. Her advice to girls: don't play into the trend. (full text)
That skin-baring photo you sent to your sweetie won't stay private for long. (full text)
Kiara is surprised by the amount—and the type—of attention she gets after posting a photo of herself in a bikini. (full text)
Although the national teen pregnancy rate is lower than it has been in decades, it's still a big problem at Mitzi's school. She explores why so many teen girls have unprotected sex—and wonders why they're shocked when they get pregnant. (full text)
Discovering that her peers are misinformed about birth control pills, Sherilyn gets the facts from Evelyn Intondi, associate vice president of clinical services at Planned Parenthood. (full text)
In this Sex Ed column, Ravyn considers a study showing that many New York City teens have had same-sex partners. (full text)
Two YCteen writers give their take on the sexting phenomenon, the practice of sending naked photos of yourself to your boyfriend or girlfriend via the internet. (full text)
Facing an unplanned pregnancy at 16, the writer realizes she’s not ready to be a mother and opts for an abortion. (full text)
The knowledge of sex that Nadishia gathered in her early teens has helped her make the right choices for herself. (full text)
The writer has unprotected sex with his girlfriend. She becomes pregnant, has the baby, and cuts off all contact with the writer, who is devastated by guilt and anger. (full text)
Results of a survey in which teens responded to questions about their thoughts and beliefs on love, sex, and relationships.
Virginia Vitzthum answers teens' questions in the second installment of Sex Ed's Q&A
Although teens have plenty of information about STDs and safe sex, they still take risks. Orubba interviews an expert to find out why.
The writer interviews other teens about how they talk to their parents about sex—and discovers that most aren’t talking about it at all.
When Tasha is 12, she discovers a book on female sexuality and, her curiosity piqued, begins masturbating. Since she enjoys it and sees it as a healthy part of sexuality, Tasha wonders why so many taboos surround masturbation, and interviews her peers to find out why.
Adam takes a look at why so many young people are still getting infected with HIV.
The writer's best friend contracts chlamydia, which causes the writer to postpone having sex for fear of the consequences.
Detailed information on the pros and cons of various contraceptives.
Ashley examines the effectiveness of condoms in preventing STDs and pregnancy, and describes how to use them correctly.
Caught up in the heat of the moment, the writer has unprotected sex. The next day she’s terrified that she might be pregnant.
Jezaida tells the stories of three girlfriends who became pregnant as teens.
The writer gets pregnant in her sophomore year of high school and decides to have an abortion.
Lenny falls for a girl and continues to pursue her until they have sex. He doesn't use a condom, however, and when the girl is hospitalized for pelvic inflammatory disease and Lenny tests positive for gonorrhea and chlamydia, unprotected sex quickly loses its appeal.
Jasmin interviews guys and girls on what they want their first sexual experience to be like, and, in the case of the non-virgins she talks to, whether the reality lived up to their expectations.
After contracting chlamydia for the second time, the writer resolves to start protecting herself.
Mimi interviews males and females, ages 14-22, to find out their excuses for not using condoms (and counters them with the cold, hard facts).
Lenny interviews a health counselor on various myths and facts about sex.
Fetima interviews a therapist about the causes of promiscuity, its consequences, and how teens can achieve healthy sexual relationships.
She's a little nervous at first, but a tour of Planned Parenthood eases her anxieties, and Madeleine is glad she has her first GYN exam. She learns a lot about her body and how to keep it healthy.
The writer decides to get an HIV test after learning that the virus can be transmitted through oral sex and that you may not know you have it.
There are many ways teens can express themselves sexually without intercourse.
Fearing that no one will believe her, the author keeps her rape a secret and is scorned by schoolmates and family.
Frank gives tips on how to respond to common lines teens use to pressure their partners into having unprotected sex.
Cassaundra describes her embarrassment while buying condoms in a supermarket.
"Still a baby" herself, DeAnna can't decide what to do about her unplanned pregnancy. After days of indecision, DeAnna's mother steps in and makes the choice for her.
Quaneyah interviews a nurse practitioner to get the facts about abortion and pregnancy prevention (full text)
Facts about teenagers and sexually transmitted diseases, plus information on the male and female condoms. (full text)
Imani interviews the director of the New York Civil Liberties Union's Teen Health Initiative about the reproductive rights of teens. They discuss abortion, confidentiality, and the rights of pregnant and parenting teens.
Linda Lausell Bryant, executive director of Inwood House, a youth development agency, talked to Represent about what good sex education looks like for everyone, including kids who’ve suffered sexual abuse.
After getting a girl pregnant at 15, the writer agonizes about becoming an unprepared father. Now he understands why it's important to take precautions before having sex.
Madeleine gives a clear, comprehensive, and reassuring explanation of what happens during a GYN exam.
Tara deflates the hype around sex by pointing out the physical and emotional problems that can result. She urges fellow virgins to stay true to their values.
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