Sexual FAQs

Q. The skin on my scrotum (balls) is getting darker. Is this normal?

A. It is normal for skin over the scrotum to get darker as you change from a boy to an adult (puberty). Darkening of the skin over the scrotum is actually one of the first steps of puberty. It usually occurs at the same time the skin over the testicles changes from a smooth appearance to a more rough appearance (called stippling).

Also at this time, the testicles will begin to enlarge. These changes are all the first visible signs that puberty has begun. The darkening of the scrotal skin is perfectly normal and will be followed over the next few years by even more dramatic changes: adult pubic hair, growth of the penis, hair in the armpits, larger and stronger muscles, facial hair, and growth to an adult size. These changes are all determined by factors called genetic traits — these traits come from your parents and determine how fast these changes will occur and what the final results will look like. Good question, I get that one a lot.

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Q. What is Lunelle?

A. Lunelle is a highly effective hormonal contraceptive given as an injection once a month. It is the first in a new class of contraception: the combination long-acting contraceptive. It became available in the year 2000.

Lunelle contains a combination of two hormones: medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and estradiol cypionate (E2C). MPA is a progestin and is the same hormone found in Depo-Provera, another injectable contraceptive.

The major difference between Lunelle and Depo-Provera is that Lunelle contains estrogen and Depo-Provera does not. Another difference is that Lunelle only contains one-sixth the amount of MPA found in Depo-Provera. Lunelle also differs from birth control pills in that it contains much smaller doses of estrogen. And unlike the Pill, which must be taken daily, Lunelle only needs to be given once a month. For more on Lunelle, check this out, or watch the video.

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Q. I take the pill, is it true that antibiotics make the pill less effective or not work at all?

A. YES!!! As with all oral contraceptives, antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness. You may need to use additional contraception ( condoms and spermicide) when you take an antibiotic. Certain medications such as antibiotics can do that. Tell your healthcare provider if you’re taking any medications, because they may affect how well your pill works.

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Q. What are the benefits of taking the pill, besides for birth control, I hear it’s good for your skin?

A. Most women go on the pill to avoid getting pregnant, but birth control pills, actually do more than just protect you from pregnancy. They can help reduce your menstrual cramps, regulate irregular periods, and lighten your menstrual flow. The pill has also been shown to decrease a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of your uterus), ovarian and breast cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID). And yes, there are several that do help with acne!

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Q. I have a thick white discharge and am itchy “down there” is this a yeast infection?

A. It sure sounds like some of the symptoms, read about Yeast Infections.