TeenThreads mission: Help teen boys protect their body, mental health, and future with accurate, stigma-free information.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If you feel unsafe, pressured, or have symptoms that worry you, reach out to a trusted adult and/or a clinician.

Non-negotiable truth: You never owe anyone access to your body. Ever.

Quick Jump

• 1) Consent Basics
• 2) Boundaries (Physical & Emotional)
• 3) Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
• 4) Protection & Prevention Basics
• 5) STI Basics (What Teens Should Know)
• 6) Testing & Privacy
• 7) Handling Pressure
• 8) When to Get Help
• Myths vs Facts
• BoyPower Checklist
• Trusted Resources (Active Links)
• 30-Question Quiz + Answers

TeenThreads Reality Check: Sexual health is about more than sex. It’s about safety, respect, communication, and choices that don’t harm your body, your mental health, or your future.

Consent means agreement that is clear, informed, and enthusiastic.
It can be withdrawn at any time. Silence, pressure, or fear is not consent.

• Clear: not confusing, not forced, not assumed.
• Informed: honest and not tricked.
• Enthusiastic: a real “yes,” not a worn-down “fine.”
• Reversible: “yes” can change to “no” anytime.
• Respecting “no” is non-negotiable.

CDC – Intimate Partner Violence Prevention (healthy relationship safety)

• You choose your pace. Slow is allowed. “Not now” is allowed.
• You decide what you share. You don’t owe anyone private photos or passwords.
• You can change your mind. That’s not “leading someone on.” That’s self-respect.
• A person who cares about you respects your boundaries.

StopBullying.gov – Bullying, Boundaries & Getting Help

Healthy looks like:

• Mutual respect (no mocking, no humiliation)
• Honest communication (you can talk without fear)
• Support for your goals (school, sports, future plans)
• Boundaries are respected the first time

Unhealthy looks like:

• Pressure, guilt, threats, or “prove you love me” talk
• Jealousy and control (tracking you, isolating you, demanding passwords)
• Ignoring boundaries or making you feel “small”
• Any form of violence, intimidation, or fear

CDC – Youth Violence Prevention

Protection is about reducing risk — not pretending risk doesn’t exist. No method is 100% risk-free, so planning and communication matter.

• Barrier protection can reduce STI risk.
• Vaccines (like HPV) prevent certain infections and cancers later.
• Testing matters because many STIs have no symptoms.
• Delay is always an option. You can choose to wait — anytime.
• Never rely on assumptions. “They look fine” is not protection.

CDC – Condom Effectiveness (risk reduction facts)
CDC – HPV
CDC – Vaccine Schedules

Key facts for teen boys:

• Silent infections happen. You can feel fine and still have an STI.
• Symptoms can overlap. Only testing can confirm what’s going on.
• Some STIs are curable with treatment; others are manageable with medical care.
• Untreated STIs can cause harm to you and partners over time.
• Getting tested is responsible. Not embarrassing.

Common STI topics (trusted):

• CDC – Chlamydia
• CDC – Gonorrhea
• CDC – Genital Herpes
• CDC – Syphilis
• CDC – Trichomoniasis
• CDC – HIV Basics
• CDC – HPV Vaccine (for teens)
• CDC – Hepatitis (A, B, C)

CDC – STDs/STIs Main Hub

Many clinics provide confidential services for teens depending on location and clinic policies.
If you’re unsure, ask directly: “What services can be confidential for teens here?”

Where teens often get testing or advice:

• School-based or community clinics (where available)
• Primary care providers
• Public health clinics
• Federally funded health centers

HRSA – Find a Health Center (low-cost, trusted clinics)
HHS OPA – Adolescent Sexual & Reproductive Health

TeenThreads scripts you can actually use:

• “I’m not ready.”
• “No.” (Full sentence.)
• “Don’t pressure me.”
• “If you respect me, you’ll respect this boundary.”
• “I’m leaving.” (Walking away is strength.)

Reality check: “Everyone is doing it” is not a reason. You don’t owe anyone proof of love.

Reach out if:

• You feel unsafe, threatened, or pressured
• Your boundaries are ignored
• You’re unsure about symptoms or possible exposure
• You need confidential advice from a clinician
• You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck about relationships

If you need immediate emotional support (U.S.):
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at
988lifeline.org.

Myth: “If there are no symptoms, there’s no STI.”
Fact: Many STIs can have no symptoms — testing matters.

Myth: “Asking for protection is awkward, so I’ll just hope.”
Fact: Planning is maturity. Hoping is risk.

Myth: “Consent is complicated.”
Fact: It’s actually simple: clear, willing, and pressure-free.

Myth: “Getting tested is embarrassing.”
Fact: Testing is responsible healthcare — like checking your vision or teeth.

CDC – STI Prevention

• I respect my boundaries (and other people’s).
• I don’t pressure anyone — ever.
• I don’t assume someone’s health status.
• I know where to get help (clinic + trusted adult).
• I understand protection reduces risk and planning matters.
• I treat testing like normal healthcare if I’m sexually active or concerned.
• I care about my future more than a moment of pressure.

Government + Medical Library (Best for accurate info)

• CDC – STDs/STIs
• CDC – STI Prevention
• CDC – Sexual Health
• CDC – Condom Effectiveness
• CDC – HIV Basics
• CDC – HPV
• CDC – Immunization Schedules
• HHS OPA – Adolescent Sexual & Reproductive Health
• MedlinePlus – Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• MedlinePlus – Sexual Health
• HRSA – Find a Health Center
• SAMHSA – Mental Health & Substance Use Support
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline