Dear TT, I have had unprotected sex with my boyfriend a couple of times…

Q: Dear TT, I have had unprotected sex with my boyfriend a couple of times. Now I think I may have something. Sex or any touching ‘down there’ is sore. I am also scared I smell. What’s wrong with me?? What can I do? Please help!

A: Hi there,

Thanks for your problem.

Firstly, we’re not going tell you that you shouldn’t have had sex, BUT if you are going to have sex make sure he’s wearing a condom!

REMEMBER! Condoms are the only contraception that protects against STIs and pregnancy.

Now, for whatever reason you’re sore ‘down there’. You MUST do something about this - putting it off is a very bad idea. Arrange to get tested today.

Free and confidential advice and treatment is available from your GP or specialist clinics in your area.

REMEMBER! Most hospitals have special clinics called Genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics. Click here to see where you can get tested in confidence in your local area.

I have got a girlfriend from college but I have recently been introduced to a really fit girl through a friend of mine…

Q: Dear tt, I have got a girlfriend from college but I have recently been introduced to a really fit girl through a friend of mine. I’ve heard that she fancies me. I don’t know what to do? Please help!

A: Hi there,

Thanks for your problem.

Firstly, you need to think about your current relationship with your girlfriend. If you are happy in your current relationship then there isn’t a problem.

However, it seems that you aren’t happy, else why would you be wondering about this other ‘fit’ girl?

Maybe this new girl likes you, maybe she doesn’t but at this stage that DOES NOT MATTER. If you’re not happy with the girl you are with you need to be honest with HER now. That doesn’t mean you have to be rude, but just explain to her that you don’t feel your relationship is going anywhere.

After your relationship is over you can think about getting to know the new girl.

DO! Be honest with yourself - are you happy with your current gf?
DON’T! Leave your current gf expecting to go out with this new girl.
DON’T! Think that just because this other girl is fit, she is going to be the best person for you.
REMEMBER! Relationships aren’t about being with someone until someone better comes along. They’re about being with the person you want to be with.

I am a 15 year old girl and I have stretch marks on my thighs…

Q: I am a 15 year old girl and I have stretch marks on my thighs, I hate it and it’s really getting me down. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them? None of my friends seem to have them?

A: Hi there,

Thanks for your problem.

Stretch marks are tiny tears in the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis. They occur when the skin is stretched excessively. When this happens, blood vessels that lie under the skin show through, giving the marks a reddish colour. Over time the blood vessels contract and the purplish colour fades to silvery white.

Believe it or not, most people do have stretch marks. Depending on your skin tone they may be more or less obvious. Stretch marks are normally the result of sudden changes of weight or size. Most teenagers’ body shapes change quickly during puberty which leads to stretch marks. Blokes often get stretch marks on the shoulders, and girls get them on the hips, thighs and breasts. The good news is that over time stretch marks will fade and become less obvious.

With stretch marks, prevention is better than cure. Many people swear by cocoa butter massaged into the skin daily. However, there is no definitive research to say whether or not this is true. Try to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. If you are eating a nutritious and balanced diet, your skin will glow with health, whether you have stretch marks or not.