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Maryjopodgurski

Nothing to fear about test for strep

Q.My brother has strep throat. So does my sister and my dad. My mom is taking me for a culture. What is that? What will they do? Do you get strep throat from kissing? My brother says that’s how you get it. I’ve never kissed anyone, so I don’t think I could have it. So why do I need this ...

Everyone is a person of worth

Q.What do I do when a good friend is biased? I really care about this friend, but I’ve heard her saying nasty, hurtful things about LGBT individuals. I’m an ally. I feel horrible when she talks about people with disrespect. I don’t think she can be my friend. ...

Chlamydia definitely resulted from sex

Q.My teenage daughter had pain in her belly. I took her to the MD. They told me she has something called PID, and she got it from chlamydia. I didn’t even think she was having sex. I was so upset I didn’t really listen when the nurse explained things. What do I need to know? Could she have ...

Watching porn: Big deal or not?

Q. This is a weird question, but it’s really starting to worry me. I have a boyfriend. I thought we had a great relationship. I just found out he watches porn just about every day. Is he addicted? I told him to stop, but he said it’s no big deal. I think it is.– 19-year-old<span ...

Falling for wrong guys

Q. Why do I keep picking losers? I’ve been with my boyfriend for over a year. He’s older than me. At first I thought being with him was perfect. He has a car, and I like getting away from the house. I fight with my mom all the time. But he doesn’t have a job or go to school, and he never ...

Whatever the act, risks are real

Q.I think my best friend is going to have oral. It’s all she talks about. I think it’s a huge mistake. She says it’s not like it’s real sex. I want to know what she thinks real sex is. Aren’t there risks? She’s the same age as me. And I’m upset because I think he may be forcing ...