Sexual Health FAQs 14

Q. The skin on my scrotum 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. 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 genetic traits--these traits come from your parents and determine how fast these changes will occur and what the final results will look like.


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 modalities: 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 birth control pill, which must be taken daily, Lunelle only needs to be given once a month.


Q. Is it true that antibiotics make the pill less effective or not work at all?

A. Yes. With all oral contraceptives, antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness. You may need to use additional contraception (condoms and spermicide) when you take an antibiotic. Antibiotics are not the only medications that interfere with oral contraceptives so tell your health care provider if you’re taking any medications and use a backup method of protection until you are cleared by your health care provider.


Q. What are the benefits of taking the pill, besides for birth control? Is it good for your skin?

A. Most women go on the pill to avoid getting pregnant, but birth control pills 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.


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

A. It is not a safe practice to diagnose any medical condition without evaluating an individual's clinical symptoms in person. If you have never had a diagnosed yeast infection before it is important that you see your health care provider to be sure that the symptoms you're experiencing are those of a yeast infection. Whether you have a yeast infection or not, something is going on and you should be seen by a health care provider to establish a proper diagnosis and treatment.