Emergency contraception – or EC for short – is a form of birth control that is taken by a person with a uterus after they have unprotected sex. This means if you forgot to use a condom, had the condom slip or break, did not use a birth control method effectively or at all, or for whatever reason think you may not be protected against pregnancy, then EC is for you! EC is also sometimes called the “morning after pill” or Plan B. However, Plan B is only one brand of EC. Here are some of the basics to know about emergency contraception. But before we begin, remember – EC only prot ..read more

Here’s how: Know Your Rights: Did you know California teens have a right to comprehensive sex education? Make sure your high school sex ed covers topics such as sexual assault and coercion, gender identity and healthy relationships. To find out all the topics that must be covered in class, check out TeenSource. Not getting that information? Let us know! Teens also have a right to access FREE and CONFIDENTIAL health care services during school hours, like birth control, STD testing, and more! Plus, teen have a right to stay in school if they are pregnant or parenting. Take a m ..read more

April is STD Awareness Month and it’s got us thinking about STD testing and treatment. Did you know that if you test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, you may be able to get extra medicine for your partner(s)? Through a practice called patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT for short) or expedited partner therapy (EPT for short), your health care provider can give you extra packages of medicine or an extra prescription that you can give to your partner(s) if they are unlikely to go see a health provider themselves. Helping your partner(s) get treated through a clinic visit ..read more

Happy 2019! After ending 2018 strong by giving back over winter break, make it your resolution to keep the momentum going by taking action this year. Here are 3 ways to make 2019 your most active year yet: Participate in a local Women’s March! Marches will take place all around the country on January 19, 2019. From the first demonstration in 2017, the mission of the Women’s March is to “harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.”  What better way to stand up for sexual and reproductive health access, and other iss ..read more

The election coming up on Tuesday, November 6th is a big one, and YOUR vote can make a difference. If you’ve already registered to vote—congratulations, you’re halfway there! But you’re not done yet. Historically, young people have low voter turnout-- in the 2014 midterms, only 20 percent of registered young people actually voted! Now is the time to take the next step and CAST YOUR VOTE. And if you’re not 18 yet or didn’t register to vote on time, make sure to share these tips and resources with your friends, classmates, and loved ones who ARE eligible to vote. Voting may soun ..read more

How do we know it's cuffing season? Pumpkin spice lattes are back. People are talking about their Halloween costumes. Football season is in full swing. And plenty of teens are eyeing the cutie next to them in class. Cuffing season happens in fall and winter when people pair off into relationships and get “cuffed” to a partner. Here are some tips on how to keep you and your possible partners with safe throughout the cuffing season: The key to success during this season? Communication! Make sure you and your partner are communicating openly and honestly… including how you feel a ..read more

Happy LGBTQ Pride Month! Pride is a great time to celebrate love, uplift the diversity and visibility of the LGBTQ community, and to come together in a safe space. While Pride month is filled with festive events, it’s also a time dedicated to honoring all of the courageous individuals who have fought for LGBTQ rights around the country and the world. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the origin of Pride celebrations everywhere. In 1969, patrons of a LGBTQ bar in New York City staged an uprising to resist a discriminatory police raid, leading to the bi ..read more

May is #SexEdForAll month which seems like perfect timing because many students get sex ed toward the end of the school year. But conversations about sexual health can also happen at home! That’s right. A parent or trusted adult in your life can answer your questions or be a really good source of information. Remember, they were once your age and, while it may seem awkward, they may be more helpful than you think.Who is a trusted adult?A trusted adult is someone older, who you trust to be open, honest and helpful. This might be a parent, grandparent, older sibling, another rela ..read more

April is STD Awareness Month and it’s got us thinking about STD testing and treatment. Did you know that if you test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, you may be able to get extra medicine for your partner(s)? Through a practice called patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT for short) or expedited partner therapy (EPT for short), your health care provider can give you extra packages of medicine or an extra prescription that you can give to your partner(s) if they are unlikely to go see a health provider themselves. Helping your partner(s) get treated through a clinic visit ..read more

STDs are common in California. So common, that our state ranks #1 in the country for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis infections!Who is impacted the most by STDs? Teens and young adults. More than half of all STDs in California are experienced by young people ages 15 – 25.Many STDs do not show symptoms, that’s why it’s important to stay up to do date with STD screenings and testing. STDs can cause serious health issues, like cancer, blindness, and infertility if the problem is not treated quickly. Check out one of our previous blogs to learn how to protect yourself against STD ..read more