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This website is to provide information on free/low-cost public health resources
for youths transitioning out of the foster-care/probation system.
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In This Section:
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Talk to Your Partner About Sex
When you start dating, think about what you’re
looking for in a solid relationship — someone who supports, trusts, and appreciates you for who you are!
Talk with your boyfriend or girlfriend while your clothes are still on – at a time and in a place where you’re comfortable
and won’t be interrupted.
Remember:
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So much of what you see on TV and hear in songs is not real or healthy
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There are lots of ways to show affection other than sex
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You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable
If you’re seriously thinking about having sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you should be able to talk to
them about what kind of birth control you would use and how you would protect yourselves from sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). Having this talk is a way to protect your health and respect each other’s feelings.
Focus on feeling good about yourself and take good care of your body. See a doctor if you are having sex.
Talk to your doctor or another trusted adult if you have questions.
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Talk to Your Doctor About Your Sexual Health
It’s important to talk openly with your doctor
about your sexual health, just as you’d bring up any other important health topic. Your doctor is there to treat
you, not judge you — and will always respect your privacy. They will also advise you about how to protect yourself
from STDs and help you find the right birth control, understand possible side effects, and use it properly.
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Healthy Relationships and Sex Education
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LovelsRespect.org
The focus of this website is to encourage healthy dating attitudes and relationships to prevent dating abuse.
GirlsHealth.gov
This resource for teen girls will help you to understand your sexuality, and your body. You will also find information about reproductive health and other topics.
TeensHealth.org: Sexual Health
These articles for girls and for guys will help you understand your changing body.
Privacy of Information Definition
Learn about your right to patient confidentiality as a teen.
TeenSource.org
Planned Parenthood
This organization delivers information about reproductive health care and sex education to women, men, and young people so they can make an informed decision
about health, sex, and family planning.
Phone: (800) 230-7526
BeSmartBeWell.com – Health Video: Let’s Talk About Sexual Health
Medical experts and young adults discuss how to talk about sex before you become sexually active.
Go Ask Alice
This blog features a weekly health Q&A, and thousands of previously-posted Q&As. You can also submit a question.
Iwannaknow
Information based on medical facts and guidelines is available from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal government agency.
Sex, etc.
Teens, including LGBTQ youths, wrote some of the articles. The there are also videos and a glossary of sex terms.
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You Have a Right to Birth Control
You don't need anyone's permission to get birth control from your doctor
and your doctor can't tell anyone that you have it until you give your permission. No matter what age you are, you can get birth control without
the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Your doctor or health care provider may not inform your parent or legal guardian
that you asked for birth control without your permission.
Talk to your doctor about your birth control options or go to a Planned Parenthood (or other organizations) for more
information. You can get free condoms at one of the many pick-up locations in LA County, or get them mailed to you
for free. You can also buy condoms from a drugstore, pharmacy, grocery store, or even online.
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Birth Control is Available to You
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Information About Birth Control
The CDC is part of the federal government. This agency provides health and safety information to individuals, health care providers, scientists, and educators.
Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Information and Health Centers
Planned Parenthood delivers information about reproductive health care and sex education to women, men, and young people so they can make an informed decision about health, sex, and family planning.
Phone: (800) 230-7526
LA Condom
You can request free male or female condoms to be mailed to you. You can also learn the right way to put on a condom.
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Get Tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Young people under the age of 25 have the highest rates for most STDs—so
get tested and ask your boyfriend or girlfriend to also get tested before you decide to have sex.
In California, if you're 12 or older, you don't need permission from your parent or guardian to get tested for
STDs and HIV or receive treatment. LA County Public Health STD Clinics (and other organizations) offer free,
confidential STD testing and treatment. You can find walk-in clinics (without an appointment) or visit mobile
clinics that may be near you. You can even get a free testing kit mailed to your home.
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Protect Yourself with STD Information and Testing Resources
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Los Angeles County STD Hotline
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(800) 758-0880
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California Department of Public Health HIV Hotline
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(800) 367-AIDS
(800) 367-(2437)
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Los Angeles County Mobile Testing Locations and Hours
Phone: (213) 351-8177
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Come Out to Your Doctor and Talk About Sexual Health
Coming out to your doctor is an important step. There are important health issues that are unique to LGBTQ youth that you should discuss with your health care provider.
We’ve listed some resources for LGBTQ health concerns on the
Health Care & Clinics page and the Healthy Living page of
this website. There’s also more organizations and information below. Be sure to also review the advice on this page
about talking to your partner about sex, discussing your sex life with your doctor, and getting tested for STDs.
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LGBTQ Youth: Educate Yourself with Safe Sex Resources
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IMPACT Program: The LGBT Health and Development Program, Northwestern University
Learn about your unique sex education needs, topics that wouldn’t be discussed in an average sex education class.
AmbianteJoven.org
This website provides sex education for LGBTQ youth in Spanish
CDC Fact Sheet: What Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Need to Know
About Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The CDC is part of the federal government. This agency provides health and safety information to individuals, health care providers, scientists, and educators.
YouthResource.org
is a website created by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) young people.
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Links: More HealthyTransitionsLA.org Resources
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